Aycliffe Business Issue 59 | Page 33

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen delivered a keynote speech at the launch of This Is Tees Valley 2024-25 , published by Aycliffe Business sister publication Tees Business .
“ It ’ s a marketing tool for the Tees region but it ’ s also an excellent platform for our clients to spread the word about their fantastic work beyond our boundaries and right across the country .”
During the panel Q & A , Mr Anwar focused on the region ’ s resilience , asking : “ How many areas in the UK have had taken as many hits as we ’ ve done but keep going ? Not many .
“ We ’ re on an upward curve – that ’ s my key message to anyone looking to us . The momentum is behind our economy and we need to make sure we capitalise on that .”
Citing the Darlington Economic Campus as one example of government putting faith in our region , Mr McCabe told the meeting : “ We have some of the most unique propositions , assets and opportunities here in the Tees Valley , as well as the sense of getting things done .”
Claire Preston , who was the first Tees Businesswoman of the Year six years ago , said the area ’ s “ innovative and resilient people ” were key .
She said : “ We have the passion and spirit to be the best , although we ’ re not there yet – we still have a long way to go , but we ’ re on the up .”
Mr Scott paid tribute to the area ’ s spirit of collaboration .
He said : “ We need to tell people that the Tees Valley is the place to come and do
business – the skills we have here , how we work and the collaboration is unbelievable .”
And all four panelists felt the fact a Labour government would now be liaising with a Tory Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen could still benefit the area .
Mr McCabe , a big fan of political devolution for the North-East , said it was “ essential ” the government and Mr Houchen worked together .
And encouraged by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer ’ s early meeting with Mr Houchen , Bill Scott said : “ We should get behind the government because we need it to be successful . It doesn ’ t matter about what colour it is – the government is in there and it has to do the best for us as a nation .
“ If you look at the slogan Labour were using before the election – it ’ s time for change and they were going to do it on the back of growth – well this is where the growth is , in Teesside , and we need to continue that growth .”
Packed with positive features highlighting some of the area ’ s key projects and businesses ,
Aycliffe Business founding editor Martin Walker co-hosted an event to celebrate the launch of This Is Tees Valley at Wynyard Hall .
10,000 copies of This Is Tees Valley 2024-25 will be circulated to the UK ’ s most influential businesses and business leaders , investors , politicians , business influencers and decisionmakers .
The 2024-25 publication , which will also be circulated at national exhibitions and conferences and available to pick up at Teesside Airport , has been supported by the local authorities of Stockton , Redcar and Cleveland , Hartlepool and Darlington .
To enquire about taking space in the 2025-26 edition This Is Tees Valley , or any future issues of Tees Business , call 01642 450255 or email info @ teesbusiness . co . uk .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 33