BUSINESSES are being offered enterprise support packages to help them to develop in Stockton town centre.

Stockton Council is offering business and enterprise support packages to help businesses develop in Stockton Town Centre.

A variety of initiatives have been organised by Stockton Borough Council to try to ensure that its redevelopment of the town centre is as successful as possible.

Business owners will be able to benefit from a number of schemes including support programmes for start-up and existing small businesses, access money to improve their premises and local business rate discount scheme.

Councillor Mike Smith, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "It is important to create a unique and appealing offer which is different from other retail and business centres in our region.

"The development of a thriving independent shopping and business sector is paramount to this and that is why we are committed to doing everything we can to attract new business start-ups and to support their growth.

"It is definitely an exciting time to work in Stockton and I'm looking forward to see our retail offer flourish and would like to encourage town centre businesses to get in touch to find out more about how we can work together to achieve this."

To find out more about the business support packages that are available email business.enquiries@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642-528384.