Tees firms flock to sponsor inaugural event
‘ YOU ’ RE THE BUSINESS !’
PORTS GIANT ‘ EXCITED ’ TO BACK INAUGURAL TEES BUSINESS AWARDS
It will be one of the business sector ’ s nights of the year – and one of the UK ’ s biggest port groups says it ’ s delighted to be on board .
The inaugural Tees Business Awards promise to be the “ Oscars ” of the Tees business world .
Recognising our region ’ s best businesses and entrepreneurs , they ’ ll be handed out at a glittering Hardwick Hall ceremony on Thursday April 20 .
And for such a prestigious event , Middlesbrough-based PD Ports – which employs around 1,500 people at 12 centres across the UK – has agreed to be the headline sponsor , as well as sponsoring the night ’ s top award , the Tees Business of the Year .
It ’ s a coup for event organisers Tees Business , which already hosts a string of successful awards events , including the Tees Businesswomen Awards , the Tees Tech Awards and the Best New Business Awards .
But according to PD Ports ’ MD Frans Caljé OBE , it ’ s also appropriate for his organisation to be associated with such an important event .
He explained : “ At PD Ports , we pride ourselves on working with all of our stakeholders across the Tees Valley to build a brighter future for our region and to achieve our shared ambition of economic growth and job creation through innovation , talent and investment .
“ I am really excited to be involved and to see the talented people and businesses making a real difference on Teesside .”
Recognition – sponsor Claire Walton with Tees Business director Dave Allan .
LEADERS ARE MAD – MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD
Headline sponsors – PD Ports CEO Frans Caljé with Tees Business directors Martin Walker and Dave Allan .
The sponsor of a prestigious new Tees Business Awards category feels her decision to support it could barely be more appropriate .
Claire Walton founded her executive coaching business , Leaders Are MAD , after three decades working in management and leadership roles for some of the country ’ s best-known brands .
And as MAD stands for Making A Difference , it ’ s little wonder she was attracted to sponsoring the Tees Business Awards ’ Making A Difference category .
Claire explained : “ I started Leaders Are MAD ( Making A Difference ) in 2014 , coaching leaders to perform to their personal potential and make a difference for their teams , their business and the customers and communities they serve .
“ I had to sponsor this award . I want to know the leaders in Teesside who are MAD , what they are doing to make a difference and how and why they are doing it .”
Diversity – CF Fertilisers site manager Keith Brudenell ( left ) with Tees Business sales manager Chris Garbutt .
CF FERTILISERS – DIVERSITY AWARD
Increasing diversity in the workplace can only help our region ’ s business growth .
That ’ s the message from CF Fertilisers – and the Billingham-based fertiliser firm says it ’ s “ proud ” to support a category based on diversity , inclusion and equality .
Site manager Keith Brudenell said : “ We recognise the need to promote , encourage and build more diverse and inclusive organisations for the future growth of the Tees Valley and ensure talent can thrive and have successful careers in underrepresented areas of our economy and businesses .”
20 | Tees Business