The council is set to hold an event with the aim of improving communications with community businesses and boost the area's economy.

Northumberland County Council has planned a free event at County Hall in Morpeth on Friday, March 1, directed at helping organisations do business with the council, while boosting the area's economy.

Both large and small businesses, as well as voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors based in Northumberland, can attend the event.

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Read more: Citizenship Ceremony held in Northumberland County Hall

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Council leader, Glen Sanderson, said: "This council spends around £600 million each year on projects, goods and services and we want to spend this money locally wherever we can to support local businesses and help economic growth.

“We have contracts for construction, social care, education, transport, catering and energy to name just a few."

Councillor, Richard Wearmouth, added: "We know that the public sector procurement process can sometimes seem confusing, so this event aims to help all local businesses to be ready to bid for work not just from our council but from other councils and public bodies.

“Attendance is free, and we are keen that new and existing suppliers, particularly local businesses, register for the event.”

Interested parties can register for the event at nland.cc/SupplierDayRegistration by Monday, February 19.