BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Teesside University
WINNER : WANDER FILMS
Bagging the Business of the Year trophy left Wander Films director Lou Tonner in tears .
“ I was in shock ,” said Lou . “ It ’ s been a tough year for most businesses and while we ’ ve been incredibly lucky , I know others have struggled , so I think my tears were a build-up of emotion .”
Lou and fellow director Chloë Clover are proud of their diverse team , which includes two apprentices , and their success is building rapidly .
2020 saw Wander turn over the same in the first quarter as it did in the entire second year of trading , allowing them to expand into another office and take on more employees . They plan to be a team of 18 by the end of 2021 . “ We have been welcomed by Teesside with open arms and the businesses we have worked with have allowed us to do our thing , which in turn has helped us grow and develop ,” said Lou . “ We wouldn ’ t be where we are without their support .”
No strangers to collecting trophies , the Tees Businesswomen Awards have a special place in Wander ’ s affections . “ The awards are just so special ,” said Lou . “ They shine a light on women in the region and are truly groundbreaking .”
Wander Films ' Lou Tonner received the Business of the Year award from Teesside University ' s Laura Woods .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Intasite
Intasite is a software as a service platform , specialising in the health and safety induction and contractor management process for high-hazard sites to which access is strictly controlled .
Led by managing director Danielle Croce , Intasite has had a great year , taking on additional staff and winning major contracts . Danielle , who grew up in Middlesbrough and studied at Teesside University , has been the driving force behind the company ’ s growth , securing multi-year contracts with global organisations and building a strong and reliable brand .
Being a local female leader in a business which primarily operates in the heavy industry and engineering sectors sends out a positive message to young women that they can operate in industries that have traditionally been male dominated .
The Ethical Housing Company
Redcar-based EHC provides affordable rented homes to people in need across Teesside . Launched in 2018 , EHC secured a £ 5m equity and built a portfolio of more than 60 properties that are let ( via the Ethical Lettings Agency ) to those who otherwise would struggle to find a safe and affordable home .
In January 2020 , CEO Carla Keegans had proven the model and the company ’ s board agreed a 10- year growth plan and increased the team by three . EHC has since secured a further £ 7.5m funding .
EHC is proud to have remained open throughout all lockdowns and available in full normal hours to support tenants in these challenging times .
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
Laura Woods , director of academic enterprise at Teesside University , said : “ Teesside University was thrilled to sponsor the Tees Business of the Year Awards . This is a vital awards event that provides an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the nominated businesses and better understand their ambitions and achievements .
“ The winner , Wander Films , is a shining example of a business that is enjoying much success , having more than doubled its employees in the last year , while experiencing a growing customer base , being innovative and creative and working within the region to support young women in their journeys .
“ They had some tough competition too , which makes their achievement very special .”