OPINION
TeesTalk
In these times of what sometimes seems like a global permacrisis , we asked local business leaders for their reasons to be positive about Teesside ’ s future …
STEPHEN LANCASTER , CO-FOUNDER AND CEO , GB BANK The Tees Valley has a real chance to be the centre of the UK ’ s low-carbon economy – the infrastructure is here , the skills are here , the drive is here and investments are being made in ever-increasing numbers .
Even in the short time we ’ ve been a licensed bank , we ’ ve seen for ourselves people ’ s passion for the region and their determination to get things done , whether that ’ s a property development or a start-up business . We see a myriad of reasons why we are incredibly excited and proud to be playing our part in the current and future success of the Tees Valley .
FRAN CORMICAN , MANAGING DIRECTOR , INTELECT Teesside has always been , and will continue to be , resilient . I ’ ve always thought that it ’ s the people who make Teesside , as no matter the situation , history has shown us that we ’ ve always found a way to come together . For a while we ’ ve been in the bad habit of talking Teesside down , but I think the tides are turning . There ’ s positive business growth happening all around us , along with new developments in the area which are really getting people talking in a more positive light , as we should be .
SARAH WALKER , DIRECTOR , SASS MEDIA I am really encouraged by the work going on at Teesworks and the development of the UK ’ s largest freeport , which is sure to bring jobs and investment to our region .
As a business based in Middlesbrough , we ’ ve also enjoyed coworking with other creative businesses at Studio 109 on Marton Road and recognise there are lots of other high-quality office spaces available for businesses of all sizes in the town to accommodate hybrid working .
JOS VISSER , SITE DIRECTOR , SABIC There are many reasons to be positive about Teesside ’ s future , such as the combined authority ’ s strong ambitions combined with the government ’ s levelling up support .
Major new investment projects are underway , including SeAH Wind , Sofia Offshore Wind Farm and Sembcorp energy storage , with many linked to Net Zero Teesside .
There are the advantages the freeport brings , the huge potential at Teesworks and access to skilled people and technical education .
It ’ s also exciting to witness the development of emerging sectors such as energy and renewables , life sciences and digital , with innovative and low-carbon technology .
HOLLY THOMSON , BRAND COPYWRITER AND CREATIVE STRATEGIST , BLONDE CREATIVE Affected over many years by both gradual and rapid change , Teesside has developed its own style of northern resilience that ’ s showing up big time in the business community . There ’ s a real upward trajectory of investment , recognition and growth .
Everywhere we look , we ’ re seeing and reading about opportunities – big and small – being harnessed every day in the Teesside spirit .
We love being part of the scene here and believe this momentum of creativity , innovation and collaboration is shaping a really positive future .
GRANT GLENDINNING , CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND GROUP PRINCIPAL , EDUCATION TRAINING COLLECTIVE This is a defining moment for Teesside , a unique conurbation with much promise for rebirth and regeneration .
The evolving landscape around the Tees is a precursor to future opportunity , a future reliant on our significant assets – an industrial heritage , a skilled workforce , vast areas of repurposed land and a freeport zone .
Teesside can become the epicentre for the UK ’ s net zero industries , attracting high rates of investment and innovation and creating jobs and new supply chains .
There are so many reasons to be optimistic .
MIKE RACZ , CEO , RACZ GROUP I ’ ve always been the type of person to find a positive in any situation , but post-Covid , and with the world lurching from one crisis to another , there was a lot of uncertainty about whether our region ’ s hospitality industry would ever bounce back . I ’ m really pleased to say it has – and then some !
There ’ s a lot of genuine excitement on Teesside at the moment , with new venues and eateries springing up everywhere , and many more projects in the pipeline – from the unique Bloom Global Eaterie & Show Hall , the first Taco Bell and the innovative Level X and plans for STACK , it seems that Teesside is set to become a hub for fun and entertainment .
PETER TURNER , MANAGING DIRECTOR , COCOON & BAUER We ’ re a resilient bunch . We ’ re seeing more and more independents starting up and being brave enough to go it alone .
Whether it ’ s manufacturers , suppliers and designers or coffee shops , micro-bars and retailers , we have a hardworking culture within the Tees Valley , which seems to adapt to any “ crisis ”.
158 | Tees Business