A new programme to connect Tees Valley businesses to vital supply chain opportunities has been launched.

Tees Valley Supply Chain is delivered by RTC North on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor, Combined Authority, and the Tees Valley Business Board.

It will offer personalised support from advisors and specialists to help firms address supply chain challenges and is available to all businesses based in Tees Valley.

Its aim is to offer fully funded support to help businesses diversify, grow and so successfully bid for the emerging supply chain opportunities across the region.

Businesses can access workshops, networking and events, alongside industry visits and an online exchange portal, where supply chain opportunities will be published.

The support programme is being fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It is clear that we have global-leading firms right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“It is therefore vital that with this investment coming we enable our fantastic local businesses to access these opportunities to grow. This is exactly what the Tees Valley Supply Chain will do – provide the ideal way of getting our lifeblood businesses more of the support, contacts and knowhow they need to thrive.”

Siobhan McArdle, chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, said: “Global companies are choosing to do business in Tees Valley and we want to make sure local firms have the capability, capacity and resilience to take advantage of the supply chain opportunities being created across our region. 

“This programme will offer a connected approach, giving direct access to supply chain contracts and I would encourage all businesses to sign up and engage with this important programme.”

A spokesperson for RTC North said: “RTC North has a strong track record in the successful delivery of Supply Chain focused programmes, enabling both service and manufacturers to access the wider sector opportunities on offer.

“Our team of specialist advisors, have a wealth of knowledge and contacts across a variety of sectors, and are ready to assess and improve the Supply Chain readiness of Tees Valley businesses.”

To find out more, go to: Supply Chain - Business (teesvalley-ca.gov.uk)