Tees Business #4 | Page 37

Serving the Teesside Business Community | 37 / MIDDLESBROUGH NEWS BORO OLD BOYS REUNITED Teesside businesses run by former Middlesbrough Football Club colleagues have teamed up again on projects for two leading local sports businesses. Hartlepool-based Emmerson Marketing are working with Middlesbrough’s DNA PR & Publicity on projects for MFC and JoLee Fitness, who run CrossFit and WattFitness units across Teesside and the North-East. Emmerson Marketing, owned by Boro’s former head of marketing Matt Emmerson, has joined forces with the club’s ex-head of media Dave Allan, who now runs DNA, to produce a limited edition calendar for their former employers. Available from the MFC stadium store and temporary club store in Cleveland Centre, Forever Boro features legends such as Juninho, Wilf Mannion, Graeme Souness and Bernie Slaven, with a cut of all profits being donated to Middlesbrough Former Players Association. They have also produced mugs and framed images signed by Boro legends as part of the Forever Boro range. Dave, who also works closely with former Boro colleague Martin Walker, of Mantis Media, said: “It seems natural for Matt and I to work together on sports-related projects, as we were a great team in the glory days at Middlesbrough FC. Now we’re bringing a Premier League service to sports businesses across Teesside.” Matt said: “We’ve produced a fantastic new range that will particularly appeal to older Boro fans who were lucky enough to see the like of Mannion, Clough, Maddren and Hickton in action. It’s fantastic that we’re able to support ex-Boro players in need by making a donation to the Former Players Association via every sale.” The pair, who already carry out marketing and PR for Cleveland Centre, are also working together on the marketing, branding and publicity for JoLee Fitness, run by Joanne McCue Bannatyne and her business partner, ex-Marine Lee Howe. Town Centre icon to be redeveloped £500k RESTAURANT OPEN FOR BUSINESS An historic architectural example of Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage is set for major regeneration work, bringing new investment and business into the town. The integrity and unique architecture of Commerce House, in Exchange Square, will be protected when redevelopment work is undertaken by new owners Commerce Chambers, beginning later this year through contractor Adavo Properties. The former bank, one of Middlesbrough’s most recognisable buildings, has been owned by the North East Chamber of Commerce since 2006, but was used by the former Teesside Chamber of Commerce since 1935. NECC decided to sell to Commerce Chambers, backed by financiers Tier One Capital, after seeing its plans to turn the building into a vibrant, town-centre office hub for businesses and potential inward investors. The creation of a visually stunning new restaurant in central Middlesbrough has been completed following a £500,000 investment. Oven, which has created employment for 45 people, is making an impact on the street scene in Linthorpe Road, with an outside seating area carpeted with astro turf and featuring handcrafted artisan chairs and tables. The culin