OPINION
TeesTalk
Ben Houchen was recently re-elected for a second term as Tees Valley mayor . We asked eight business leaders what they wanted to see from him during his second term in office ...
TAREK THOMA , OWNER , OVEN RESTAURANT I ’ d like Ben to continue supporting small businesses . I ’ d like to see new innovative ideas to promote restaurants and the hospitality industry throughout this difficult time and for more collaboration between business and government – it worked well for us during the pandemic but initially there weren ’ t any channels open to link us all together .
Alternative and new ideas to parking in Middlesbrough , particularly the Linthorpe Road area , are really important to me .
CATHERINE DEVEREUX , SOLICITOR , DEVEREUX CONSULTING One success of Ben ’ s has undoubtedly been the regeneration of Teesside Airport . It ’ s imperative we have an airport and I hope the services will continue to grow to make Teesside a strong rival economic area to compete with the likes of Leeds and Newcastle .
I ’ d also like to see funding given to the children and young people of our area , particularly to schools for mental health support . The Tees Valley has one of the highest suicide rates in the country . In terms of mental health , we risk a lost generation to the pandemic , with most statutory children ’ s services overburdened and underfunded . If Ben was to allocate funding for this purpose it would be ground-breaking .
MARK SMITH , MANAGING DIRECTOR , STOCKTON MACHINE COMPANY It was great to see Ben Houchen re-elected as mayor . He has done more to promote the region than anyone before him and it is essential he continues this work .
It seems we , as a region , are finally getting noticed and we just need him to concentrate on improving the infrastructure and links in and out of the region . Improving the journey time to and from other major cities will encourage more investment within the Tees Valley .
CHRIS BIBBY , DIRECTOR , CORNERSTONE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS It was great news that Ben was re-elected . There is a buzz around the whole of the Tees Valley with the Treasury jobs , freeport , Teesworks , the airport , job creation and funding for local businesses .
Although the freeport and Teesworks were big announcements , the biggest impact will be when the jobs are created , big business and investment comes in and the local supply chains start benefiting . So a great start – but lots more exciting things to come .
ANNE COWLEY , DIRECTOR , BAINES JEWITT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Actions speak louder than words and Ben has lived up to his promises to the Tees Valley so far . This includes investment in our local airport and spearheading the freeport bid . Ben ’ s passion for the area shines through . I would like to see him continue to “ talk up ” the Tees Valley , whether attracting firms to our region , improving economic productivity or creating jobs .
So let ’ s keep that momentum going with more of the same – enterprise hubs , support for SMEs and continuing to establish well-paid , worthwhile career opportunities for young people . All of these groups represent the future of our area .
LIAM SENIOR , MANAGING DIRECTOR , SALT STEEL BREWING CO I think Ben has been doing a brilliant job . I ’ d like him to continue flying the flag for Teesside , bringing job opportunities to the area .
I think the airport and freeport have been huge wins for Teesside . It ’ s been really exciting to see the developments unfold . The steelworks is a big part of our industrial heritage , so it would be great to see it become a bigger part of the conversation .
JOHN MCGEE , MANAGING DIRECTOR , DURATA Ben Houchen does things differently and I would want him to continue doing things differently because it works . He has worked tirelessly for the area – with Teesside Airport , Teesworks and the Treasury at Darlington just a few of the achievements of him and his team .
He has shone a light on the Tees Valley . On a recent visit to London , Teesside was a hot topic , with the freeport and everything else great that is happening in this region . Keep up the excellent work , Ben .
JESSICA WILLIAMS , MANAGING DIRECTOR , JUST WILLIAMS Ben ’ s been a champion for local businesses and encouraged a more cohesive supply chain while bringing significant opportunities to our region and inspiring a more collaborative approach .
As these projects come to fruition , how will the direct impact on businesses , communities and the overall economy be monitored to ensure the deliverables and promises are fulfilled ? Giving businesses a voice and a platform , while being visible and accessible , has led to Ben receiving support from many business leaders . I am keen to see this continue and increase in his second term .
126 | Tees Business