FEATURE
How it helped our businesses
We asked High Tide ’ s corporate partners why being involved with the charity is important to them and what their business gets out of it .
Nikki Sayer , director , Casper Shipping “ High Tide was established by our chairman , Kevin Shakesheff , and the former CEO of PD Ports , David Robinson , with the aim of raising the employment opportunities and aspirations of young people on Teesside .
“ Initially there was a real focus on the River Tees and the shipping sector , which is often described as an ‘ invisible industry ’ and where recruitment remains one of our biggest challenges . “ Working with High Tide helps give our business and our employees a real sense of purpose , and not only promotes our sector but also helps showcase the diverse and growing range of job opportunities right here in the region .”
Toby Joel , partner , Jacksons Law “ High Tide gives us the opportunity to work with students who we might not otherwise get an opportunity to meet . We also get the opportunity to meet with like-minded local employers from a wide range of sectors .
“ As employers , we all have one goal , and that is to see our next generation of lawyers , engineers , accountants and others all fulfilling their potential on Teesside .
“ At Jacksons , we have a cohort of trainee solicitors , who we can see have acquired a unique skillset through working with students on work placement .”
Paul Gibson , director and chartered financial planner , Active financial planners “ At Active , we are committed to supporting wider initiatives and want to support local charities that benefit our area .
“ Connecting local businesses with the young people of the Tees Valley is vital to raise awareness of the career opportunities available here . We have a huge skills gap to fill and need to dispel the myth that young people need to leave the area to build a successful career .
“ The younger members of our team regularly engage with the charity , presenting at events and running insight days where they share stories about their own careers and future aspirations .
“ These events also provide an insight into our business , highlighting the career opportunities available .”
Kirsten Donkin , head of PR , marketing and engagement , PD Ports “ We are committed to inspiring all young people and promoting greater levels of diversity and inclusion , challenging stereotypes and working closely with positive role models .
“ Through engaging local students through High Tide programmes , we get the opportunity to show the next generation they can achieve whatever they want to , regardless of their background or gender .”
Lily Brothwood , marketing and communications manager , Intelect “ Since launching our apprenticeship programme in 1998 , we ’ ve seen more than 100 apprentices successfully pass through our doors and , as a result , we understand the importance of investing in local talent . “ High Tide shares these values with us , which is why our partnership with them is so important . Through the support of High Tide , we can continue to inspire the engineers of the future , hopefully helping us combat skills shortages and provide meaningful careers for generations to come .”
Dean Benson , CEO , Visualsoft “ It ’ s really important for students to engage with employers and come out to the real world and see what business is like – and the amazing opportunities and brilliant businesses we have in the Tees Valley .
“ The creative and digital sector is developing a national and international reputation , and we ’ re all going to need confident and skilled young people to help our businesses continue to grow .
“ Being involved with High Tide is also a great opportunity to get our team involved in delivering some of the programmes – it helps with their personal development and helps them give something back .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 37