HELP is at hand for businesses in Chester-le-Street and Sacriston.
Chester-le-Street District Council has appointed a commercial manager for the area to support local businesses and develop their commercial needs.
Christine Davies will build links with regeneration, business support and community development agencies and organisations.
She will also work with businesses to develop and implement marketing and action plans for Chester-le-Street and Sacriston.
She said: "My role is to provide a strong voice for businesses in the two centres and help them to take a full and active role in the regeneration of their communities."
Ms Davies has experience in sales, marketing, events management and business counsellor.
Her appointment is funded through the Government single regeneration budget and is supported by One North-East
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