Tees Valley Combined Authority has set up a website for local businesses and tradespeople to advertise their availability during the coronavirus pandemic.
Named Buy Local Tees Valley it has reportedly attracted more than 500 businesses in its first few days live, and the authority expects more to use the service following the relaxation of lockdown rules this week.
It provides information on six categories: accommodation, food supplies, getting around, professional services, property services and retail.
Among the businesses to have registered on the site are a record shop in Darlington, a family butcher in Hartlepool, chartered surveyors in Middlesbrough and tyre and exhaust fitters in Redcar and Cleveland.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from lots of amazing businesses who have jumped on board with this website in just a matter of days, but we know we can make it a bigger and better resource for local people.”
The authority has also set up a business support helpline and launched a regional business survey to determine the effects of the coronavirus on the local economy.
