EVENTS
PD Ports CEO Frans Calje with Martin Walker , executive editor of Tees Business , organisers of the third annual Tees Businesswomen Awards event .
PICTURE : TOM BANKS
Awards more important than ever , says PD Ports leader
PD Ports CEO Frans
Calje says the Tees Businesswomen Awards can create new role models , who he believes are more important than ever in these uncertain times .
The 2020 Tees Businesswomen Awards will be held virtually on January 14 and Frans says he is one of its biggest advocates .
“ This world has become such a challenged , complicated and daunting place and to have role models and people that can inspire is more important than ever right now ,” he said .
Owners of Teesport , one of the UK ’ s fastest-growing ports , PD Ports is sponsoring the Most Inspiring category in the 2020 awards – and Frans is fully supportive of the decision to move the event online .
“ What ’ s important is for us not to stand still ,” he said . “ As is life , we will always be presented with challenges we didn ’ t see coming , but we mustn ’ t let those challenges define us .
“ While it would be fantastic to see everyone together and be part of the incredible atmosphere that these awards bring , it is of greater importance to find a way to come together to promote hope , celebrate success and remind ourselves of the reasons to remain positive about the future .”
Choosing to sponsor the awards is a decision Frans made from a personal as well as a business stance .
He explained : “ I believe in equal and fair chances for all and I want my children , my son and my daughters , to grow up to know and to feel that they too can aspire to become whatever they want to be .
“ It ’ s important in all aspects of business to have the right balance – the dynamics in a team are incredibly important . Passion , vision and hard work are key strengths we recognise in all of our people at PD Ports , regardless of their gender .
“ At PD Ports , we pride ourselves on a culture based on inclusion , encouragement and empowerment and so it was fitting to support a category which seeks to recognise those who inspire others to drive positive change in the Tees Valley .”
Tees Business sales manager Chris Garbutt with Kirsty Mackenzie , head at Teesside High School .
Inspiring our future talent
The Tees Businesswomen Awards are an important way of recognising the role local businesswomen play in inspiring others , and a fantastic platform for showing young women that wonderful career opportunities are available on their doorstep .
Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe decided to support the 2020 Tees Businesswomen Awards , which are being held virtually on the evening of January 14 , by sponsoring the official programme for the event .
And head Kirsty Mackenzie said : “ It ’ s our privilege to support an event which recognises and celebrates the women who make a significant contribution to our region .
“ As educators , it ’ s our responsibility to ignite young minds and inspire future talent . We simply could not do this without the support of the local business community .
“ There ’ s a huge pool of talent across many diverse sectors right on our doorstep in Teesside and it ’ s wonderful to be able to share that with our young people at Teesside High School when they are considering their future career paths .”
Kirsty has been impressed by previous winners and shortlisted entrants of previous Tees Businesswomen Awards , all of whom she sees as being great role models to her students .
“ When I look at the names of the shortlisted entrants and winners from the previous awards , I see passionate individuals , groups and businesses with a desire to make a difference ,” she added .
“ It ’ s important to raise the profile of these people and tell their stories as the impact can be quite overwhelming . We see this first-hand every day in school .”
16 | Tees Business