NEWS
ADVICE
High volume – the Tees Bulks Terminal has enjoyed consecutive record-breaking months .
Multi-million-pound facility celebrates 60 % increase in volume
A
multi-million-pound facility on the Tees is celebrating a 60 per cent increase in volumes since its launch just over a year ago – including two record-breaking months . PD Ports , owner and operator of Teesport , recently celebrated the first anniversary since the unveiling of its stateof-the-art Teesport Bulks Terminal .
Officially unveiled at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic during an innovative livestreamed virtual ceremony , the Teesport Bulks Terminal marked an important milestone not only for PD Ports but for the Tees Valley as a whole .
The bulks handling facility , which created 44 new permanent jobs , signified the revival of bulk cargo handling on Teesside after the collapse of the steelworks in 2015 .
PD Ports is now celebrating a 60 per cent increase in volumes of bulk cargo handled via the new facility , with over two million tonnes handled in the first year since
Wilton Universal Group has completed the multi-million-pound acquisition of a 58-acre manufacturing facility adjacent to its current Teesside base to boost capacity and capabilities for the renewable energy , defence and logistics sectors .
The multi-disciplinary engineering services company has acquired the facility on Haverton Hill from the EEW Special Pipe Constructions GmbH , the parent company of EEW Offshore Structures ( Britain ), to create a combined 112-acre site on the banks of the River Tees .
Wilton has built an enviable reputation for the manufacture , industrial coating and loadout of large complex steel fabrications for industries such as offshore wind , oil and gas , subsea and , more latterly , the defence sector .
With the potential to generate up to 200 new jobs , the site – including large workshops , a blast and paint facility , slipways and a wet dock – will be utilised for projects in the offshore wind , tidal , hydrogen and other green energy sectors .
It will also enable Wilton to increase its
opening , including two-record breaking months .
CEO Frans Calje said : “ It ’ s been fantastic to see the successful transformation of Teesport ’ s bulks handling infrastructure through this new facility , which is underpinned by our growing customer base .
“ To see a 60 per cent growth in bulk handling volumes during 12 exceptionally challenging months and during which time we have also secured three long-term deals at the facility is testament to our continued investment and ongoing commitment to delivering on the levelling up agenda for the north .
“ The fact that such established and world-leading businesses within the industry are selecting PD Ports as a critical partner in their supply chains further reinforces our proven track record of delivery and demonstrates the confidence that global companies have in our port facilities and our region .”
WILTON ACQUIRES 58-ACRE FACILITY
Handover - from left , EEW / OSB ’ s Mike Wood , FW Capital ’ s Alex Gent , Wilton CEO Bill Scott OBE , Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and Muckle ’ s Louise Duffy .
capacity for a growing pipeline of contracts from the defence industry .
The site will also maximise its enormous capacity for logistics and storage capability to service its existing and future client base .
Bill Scott OBE , chief executive of Wilton Universal Group , said : “ This significant expansion of our facilities will create the capacity to secure more work in key markets .
“ It also supports the long-term sustainability of our business and the role it has to play in Teesside ’ s exciting industrial future .”
Why training can make the difference
Recruiting and keeping talented , qualified employees is a massive concern for all the small businesses we work with .
The market is competitive and the best people expect a good salary as well as perks and benefits . As small business owners , it ’ s often difficult for us to compete financially , but research shows employees feel more valued when we invest in their training and development .
It ’ s easier to create a development plan on a small budget than you might expect , thanks to technology , the power of networking and a little creativity .
Implement a training programme for all new employees from day one , introduce this culture of learning and development , and you will reap the rewards .
Motivate your staff by encouraging them to develop their skills instead of focusing exclusively on the responsibilities of their role . Support them in what they want and listen to their reasoning .
Don ’ t use a one-size-fits-all approach . It will be a waste of time and resources for both you and your employees . Build a plan for them and your business based around their skills , strengths , career goals and opportunities .
If someone needs it , there ’ s almost certainly an online course for it . Or a talk . Or a training video .
You don ’ t need to spend a fortune on training your employees , developing their talents or teaching them new skills when there ’ s a wealth of stuff online ( our own EMS University , for example ). Just make sure you just give employees a little time to explore them .
This might sound like a lot of work , and even when it ’ s implemented it will take effort and commitment to keep effective employee development going . The payoff , though , is happy , engaged employees who are more productive and more effective , with skills and a thirst for knowledge that will help both you and your business grow and succeed . Phil Teasdale , Enterprise Made Simple
The voice of business in the Tees region | 11