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A business support line set up for Tees Valley companies seeking advice and support during the coronavirus pandemic has now become an around-the-clock service.

The Tees Valley Business Support Line, established by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority alongside Stockton-based call handing provider Lemon Business Solutions, has helped more than 1,000 businesses since it was launched a week ago.

Now, owing to its popularity, it has begun offering advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, building on the original service which ran Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm.

As well as providing specific advice to businesses across the region, the service is directing callers to other organisations and resources which can provide the appropriate advice where necessary.

Businesses, employers and the self-employed can access the service by calling 01642 662 777 or emailing support@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

“When we set this helpline up just a week ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic we didn’t know what to expect, we went from a standing start to taking calls in just 36 hours – something that normally takes weeks to achieve.

We did this because we knew companies both large and small would be crying out for guidance, direction and assistance and the response we’ve had has been overwhelming.

“Government has issued a huge amount of clarity on its support packages in the past seven days, and now we’ve got people manning the phones at all times to make sure businesses get quick, helpful advice as easily as possible, to keep them afloat.

“On top of this, we continue to work tirelessly with our Local Authorities and organisations such as the Local Resilience Forums for a coordinated effort to make sure everyone is getting the assistance they need as this unprecedented situation continues.”