Teesside University’s £22.3m National Horizons
Centre supplied tens of thousands of pounds of
specialist kit and equipment to North Tees and
Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to
help them scale-up testing for Covid-19.
Teesside University
playing a vital role in
the region’s recovery
LEADING
THE WAY
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As one of the region’s major
employers, Teesside University
has played a leading role in the
Tees Valley’s fight against the
Covid-19 pandemic.
From helping businesses access
appropriate support and funding,
to taking part in vital research with
NHS trusts, to helping manufacture
PPE, staff at the university have been
working hard to mitigate against the
effects of the crisis and helping the
region to emerge from the pandemic in
as strong a position as possible.
Helping the Tees Valley in this
manner is a key part of the university’s
mission as an anchor institution,
helping to drive economic growth.
Supporting businesses through the
pandemic
At the onset of the crisis, Teesside
University worked together with key
partners to put together a practical
support package to help businesses
through the coronavirus emergency.
Along with other agencies, the
university worked with the Tees
Valley mayor and Combined Authority
to ensure a coordinated approach,
helping the region’s businesses to stay
resilient and to be ready to grow when
the crisis is over.
Services ranged from helping
businesses transition to an online
offering, to working with them to
access government advice and
financial support. In addition, Teesside
Launchpad, the university’s graduate
enterprise hub, rolled out its Microbiz
Academy across the region, providing
invaluable online support and advice to
anyone wanting to set up an internetbased
small business.
Laura Woods, director of academic
enterprise at Teesside University, said:
“We’re all acutely aware of the massive
challenges this crisis has created for
businesses, both large and small.
“It’s vital that we work together
as a region to help our businesses
withstand the economic impact of
Covid-19 and to be ready for a strong
recovery.
“We want to play our part in
helping companies in the Tees
Valley and further afield get through
this crisis and emerge as strong as
possible, positioned for competitive
performance.”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen
said: “I’m delighted that Teesside
University has joined the growing ranks
of organisations across Teesside,
Darlington and Hartlepool that are
offering their expertise to those who
need it most, helping to protect and
guide our brilliant businesses at this
difficult time.”
68 | Tees Business