STEM talk - Prof Brian Cox with Middlesbrough College CEO Zoe Lewis .
PROFESSOR COX HAILS £ 20M INVESTMENT IN TEESSIDE ’ S TECH FUTURE
Professor Brian Cox CBE visited Teesside to see the extent of a £ 20m investment that will transform the region ’ s technical skills .
He said the investment by Middlesbrough College – which includes a new state-ofthe-art Digital Centre and expansion of its industry-leading STEM centre – will put young people across the region at the “ forefront of the new industrial revolution ”.
The investment forms part of Middlesbrough College ’ s role in the North East Institute of Technology – a collaboration between further education providers , universities and employers who are recognised as leaders in technical training .
Professor Cox said : “ Middlesbrough College is well ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering technical training and there ’ s a real understanding here of what industry needs .
“ The opening of its STEM centre back in
A
Postcode Lottery grant will help to ensure the Russ Devereux Headlight Project continues to grow and provide vital support for those with mental health issues .
The grant has facilitated counselling for children and adults and allowed the formation of six-week sessions called Headlight Hubs in the Community , the first of which was focused on traumatic bereavement .
The money will also help to pay for staff and facilities , including a recently opened Headlight HQ and therapy room at Level Q
2015 was ground-breaking and genuinely surpassed my expectations – so when I heard about the new plans , I had to come back and learn more .
“ We need more apprentices and STEM graduates and facilities like this and the people here will be the driving force behind that – everyone will benefit from this investment .”
Staff and students welcomed the famous physicist to the £ 100m college campus , where he had the chance to speak with young aspiring scientists and engineers who are already benefiting from worldclass training in construction , engineering , manufacturing and supply chain industry skills .
Zoe Lewis , principal and chief executive , said : “ It ’ s incredibly humbling to welcome Professor Cox back to Middlesbrough College seven years after he opened our £ 20m STEM training centre .”
Postcode Lottery grant for Headlight Project
in Stockton .
The charity was formed by Catherine Devereux following the tragic loss of her husband , Russ . For more details visit headlightproject . org .
BUSINESS BITES
NEWS
EMPLOYERS WORK TOGETHER TO GIVE CAREERS IN ROOFING A KICKSTART Two leading roofing contractors have joined forces with Redcar and Cleveland College to help tackle an industry skills gaps and provide career opportunities .
Working with the college , Stocktonbased Barclay Roofing and Redcar ’ s AAA Roofing have developed an intensive six-week course that aims to give unemployed people the opportunity to test their suitability for the trade .
Funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority , those who complete the Get Ready for Roofing programme will receive a guaranteed interview for a six-month kickstart paid work placement .
Call 01642 865561 or email employability @ stockton . ac . uk .
PALACE HUB BECOMES HUB OF ACTIVITY FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES Creative businesses based at the Palace Hub in Redcar have come together to help each other during the pandemic .
Growing businesses such as Natalie Futo ’ s fashion enterprise Lielle Womenswear have been supporting each other online .
Natalie , 28 , from Redcar , who hires a space with her sister and business partner Danielle , explained : “ We love to collaborate with other like-minded businesses and with the current situation impacting us all , it ’ s good to come together and support and help each other .”
AGENCY TARGETS 45 % GROWTH AFTER EXPANSION A digital marketing agency is targeting 45 per cent growth in sales this year after expanding to larger offices .
Founded in 2014 , Middlesbroughbased Surge Marketing Solutions is already celebrating a year of substantial growth , with 10 new employees in the last six months .
The agency – which specialises in SEO , videography , PR and Google Ads – says sales are projected to grow 45 per cent in 2021 .
TEESSIDE UTILITIES FIRM NAMED ONE OF THE TOP PLACES TO WORK A utilities group has been revealed as one of the best companies to work for .
Everflow Group , which has sites in Wynyard and Warwickshire , was named as the third best utilities firm and 18th best North-East place to work in the Best Companies to Work For rankings .
The group comprises business water retailer Everflow Water and utilities software provider Everflow Tech , winner of the Digital Transformation award at last year ’ s inaugural Tees Tech Awards .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 9