Hartlepool Enterprise Agency was at the forefront of helping networks to enable Hartlepool to survive through various Regeneration Programmes by being involved with and developing genuine partnerships.

The Business Forum was originally entitled Hartlepool Business Leaders Forum and evolved through the Agency to the Steering Group currently consisting of representatives from Hartlepool Borough Council, Learning & Skills Council, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and the Hartlepool Business Development Centre.

The Steering Group Members are Andrea Miles, Hartlepool Borough Council, Stuart Butler, Hartlepool Business Development Centre, and Steve Wright, Learning & Skills Council. The project is coordinated by John Megson.

The events which are provided from September to April are free of charge and this is due to the kind sponsorship of the Steering Group organisations, Barclays, Yorkshire, Natwest and Lloyds Banks and also OFCA, Hartlepool Mail, Federation of Small Businesses, Job Centre Plus, North East Chamber of Commerce, HSBC, Future Matters, NStar and The Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

The Events are referred to on other pages of the web-site commencing in September culminating in the prestigious Hartlepool Business Awards in May.

The events are informative, up-to-date with diverse subjects applicable to all businesses both large and small. An important feature of the events is the opportunity to network with other businesses and business support organisations. The Steering Group are very receptive to ideas and suggested events from businesses attending.