OPINION
TeesTalk
With so many exciting developments currently underway in the Tees region , we asked local business leaders what they think is most exciting local development …
CHRIS BIBBY , DIRECTOR , CORNERSTONE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS There are a few developments going on at the minute – including Teesworks and the train stations in Darlington and Middlesbrough .
I recently visited the Level X entertainment zone with my family , and it felt like I could have been in any city in the UK , the sort of thing you expect to see in Leeds or Manchester .
It would be great for Captain Cook Square to become a destination for the wider region to visit . By the way , my basketball score was 311 . Beat that !
TRISH DODSWORTH , DIRECTOR , IMPERIAL RECRUITMENT We need to draw these skills such as construction trades , engineering and technology into Teesside from other parts of the UK , but for anyone relocating there has to be more on offer than just a new job .
One of the most exciting projects I think we have on our doorstep is the Wynyard Park Development , which will provide family homes in all sizes and budgets . In collaboration with property developers , Wynyard Park is creating a unique model for contemporary living , giving a distinctive village feel to a newly-created area . We need more developments such as this to bring the skills we need into Teesside .
STEVE DOUGAN , HEAD OF ENTERPRISE , TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY Teesside University ’ s Net Zero Innovation Centre focusing on pioneering sustainable solutions is the right project in the right place at the right time . Twenty years ago it was the Institute for Digital Innovation building and the DigitalCity programme , kickstarting a vibrant , successful and rapidly expanding digital cluster , bringing hundreds of jobs , investment and a new confidence to our region .
I believe the Net Zero Innovation Centre will drive entrepreneurship , innovation , research and collaboration to grow a net zero innovation cluster that will make our region a global leader in clean energy and low-carbon technologies .
DOM LUSARDI , CHAIR , SEERBI AND DIGITAL THINKERS The region is buzzing with new developments that I find exciting . One of them is Flok , a co-working space on Middlesbrough ’ s Albert Road that fills a gap in the town . It ’ s a great place to network and meet people who share a passion for business and collaboration .
I ’ ve already made many new connections there and I ’ m looking forward to more . With the Boho X offices coming online soon and the announcement of the planned Boho 11 , we have a tech sector to be proud of .
CLAIRE PRESTON , HEAD OF OPERATIONS , POWER OF WOMEN The three main things that stand out for me are the stunning Boho X building , the exciting work to develop Gresham after it was left as a massive blot on the landscape and the opening of Discovery Special Academy .
Strengthening some of the excellent education provision we already have across Teesside , Discovery is Middlesbrough ’ s first free special school and helped fill a real gap for supporting children with a range of special needs . It ’ s a fantastic example of what can be achieved with a combination of vision , determination and partnership working .
TANIA COOPER , MANAGING DIRECTOR , STEEL BENDERS The most exciting Teesside development has been the approval and establishment of Teesworks and the freeport . Hopefully , this will have a positive impact on the surrounding region and stimulate infrastructure development , improve connectivity and enhance the overall business climate , benefitting not only the freeport itself but also the neighbouring areas .
A freeport presents exciting prospects for economic growth , trade facilitation , investment attraction , cultural exchanges , research and development , tourism , regional development , global connectivity and economic diversification .
LOUISE CROCE , PEOPLE AND CULTURE DIRECTOR , AV DAWSON In addition to the exciting developments at Port of Middlesbrough , such as the opening of our head office , The Staiths , and our recent site expansion , I would say , as a business on the river , it has to be the opportunities around the Teesside Freeport , which Port of Middlesbrough is part of .
The river is the lifeblood of the region and with the strong collaboration between the river users , we have the ability to push the region towards a bright and optimistic future .
DAVE ALLAN , EXECUTIVE EDITOR , TEES BUSINESS Undoubtedly , the biggest opportunity our region has right now is Teesworks and the freeport . What we all want to see now is real progress beyond the hugely impressive SeAH Wind turbine factory that ’ s now being built .
Living and working in Middlesbrough , I know Andy Preston was a driving force for the town during his time as mayor , driving forward the likes of the Captain Cook Square entertainment zone , Boho X office development , new homes , STACK and much more . I ’ m excited to see those reach fruition over the next year or two .
158 | Tees Business