Norton's businesses join forces in video campaign to celebrate the High Street

Norton Business Group have launched the campaign, which showcases a host of businesses and attractions on Norton High Street and the wider area.

The video campaign is supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as part of its ambitious programme to invest in all of its town centres and support economic activity that will drive footfall to the High Street.

The campaign features a series of short videos, each with a business taking centre stage to highlight Norton as an attractive and vibrant community to shop, eat and visit.

The 'We Love Norton' videos show the unique offer that Norton's High Street has by celebrating the wide scope of businesses that call this quaint, picturesque location in the Borough home.

It also highlights the independent mix of shopping and leisure opportunities that are on offer for visitors, encouraging more people to visit Norton.

The businesses featured range from butchers, bakeries, beauticians and Norton Parish Church to those in the hospitality sector like bars, cafes and restaurants.

Each business will receive their own short-branded video to use for promotion to encourage adapting to changing consumer demands in the face of online retail.

Revd Martin Anderson, Chair of Norton Business Group, said: "Every business here has a unique story to tell.

"We trust that in communicating our love of Norton in this way, we can support one another in connecting more effectively and enable more people to experience this vibrant and friendly place."

One of the businesses featured on the promotional videos is sustainable living business The Forge.

The Forge is run by Helen Deehan and despite opening during the Covid-19 pandemic, the refill space has grown from strength to strength.

Helen said: "The video project has been a welcome addition to the WeLoveNorton marketing efforts. They help position Norton as a day and nighttime destination, showcasing so many independents that we have here.

"As a fledgling business it's been hugely beneficial to receive this content, it's been great to have a professional video created for us."

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: "Norton is a fantastic example of one of our towns that is doing well and really is the place to be.

"Thanks to the hard work, commitment and exciting ideas from partnerships like Norton Business Group, Norton has become successful in its own right with its High Street really being put on the map.

"It's also a great example of how a community can make huge strides in transforming the High Street to improve the experience for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

"This campaign is the perfect example of how businesses can join together to drive footfall to support existing and emerging businesses as well as exploring new opportunities.

"We continue to work closely in partnership with Norton Business Group and this is a great showcase of what can be achieved. They are proactive and committed to ensuring Norton prospers."