Showcasing Local Companies

Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade, Northumberland County Council and the Northumberland National Park Authority is showcasing the rural economy through an innovative new community board installed at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.

The digital community board allows companies in the area to advertise their business to the 140,000 visiting The Sill. Visitors will be able to find out about local goods and services in the area which will enhance their stay, increasing awareness of local businesses, and supporting the rural economy in the National Park’s gateway towns and villages including nearby Haltwhistle and Bardon Mill.

Tony Gates, Chief Executive at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “It has been great to work with Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade and Northumberland County Council, and this partnership allows The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, as a key gateway to Northumberland National Park, to support rural communities and showcase fantastic local businesses. The Sill is already an important route to market for Northumberland based producers and suppliers via its shop and café, with over 80 per cent of products stocked sourced locally, as well as a world-class venue for community groups, schools and local organisations to meet; but we are aware there is much more to be discovered in the local area.

NNPA Chief Exec Tony Gates (left), Cllr Alan Sharp, Cllr Ian Hutchinson

Encouraging visitors

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for The Sill as we confidently approach the half a million visitors milestone, and with the latest exhibition ‘Graft and Glory’ now installed, we have high hopes that the local economy will reap the benefits from the increase of visitors accessing the National Park.”

The community board was funded by Cllr Ian Hutchinson, elected member for Haltwhistle, and Cllr Alan Sharp, elected member for Haydon and Hadrian; supported by Northumberland County Council and Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade.

Cllr Ian Hutchinson said: “It’s very exciting to see the opening of the digital notice board at The Sill, and hope it’ll encourage tourists to venture to our wards in the Tyne Valley, supporting shops, hotels, B&Bs, and other businesses in the area. Also, a big thank you to Northumberland National Park Authority for hosting the notice board at The Sill site; it’s the perfect location with a strong footfall, and I look forward to seeing many new visitors to our wards.”

Cllr Alan Sharp said: “I have been very happy to work with Northumberland National Park, Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade and the local Parish Councils in delivering this new facility which will benefit the businesses in both Haltwhistle and Bardon Mill.”

Catherine Davidson, Chairperson at Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade, said: “The Sill community board will be a great asset to Haltwhistle, Bardon Mill and all local businesses.  It will enable us to access a wider audience with visitors visiting the site”.

Since opening in 2017, The Sill has welcomed 458,000 people through its doors; it’s anticipated the half a million milestone will be passed by the end of the financial year.

Businesses can contact The Sill on 01434 341 200 to enquire about display partnership options.

Related blog posts