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Recognition – Fleet Factors managing director Joe Hunter , left , and founder Mike Hunter , put people at the heart of the firm ’ s Tees Business of the Year win .
There are long-serving employees and family connections throughout the business , and the commitment to the local area is continuing through a partnership with Teesside University to provide apprenticeships across a variety of disciplines .
“ We have 10 apprentices at the moment and we ’ re always looking to bring in more , so we can grow more Teesside talent ,” says Joe .
Over the past 12 months , an extra 100 jobs have been created , with a focus on recruiting more female employees into a sector that ’ s traditionally male dominated .
Another priority is to support good causes through the company ’ s community fund , with local charities and schools among the beneficiaries .
For example , staff and customers recently united for a fundraising walk from Blakey Ridge to Osmotherley , in aid of Zoe ’ s Place .
It all added up to Fleet Factors being named Tees Business of the Year at the inaugural Tees Business Awards , organized by Tees Business in association with PD Ports , and delivered in front of an audience of nearly
400 people at Hardwick Hall Hotel , near Sedgefield .
“ We haven ’ t entered awards in the past , so to win it against such stiff competition was unbelievable ,” says Joe .
“ There are a lot of talented people , great businesses , and an incredible industrial heritage on Teesside , so we couldn ’ t have been prouder .”
“ We had 10 staff there and it was very emotional because Teesside is our home and that ’ s why it means so much ,” adds Katrina , who went on stage to be presented with the glittering trophy on the night .
So , what does the future hold for the Tees Business of the Year – founded in far-off days when it was just Mike Hunter and John Smith grafting for a first-year profit that was “ next to nothing ”?
This year , turnover is on track to exceed £ 75m , and there are ambitious plans to maintain the upward trajectory .
“ We want to keep on growing by earning the trust of more customers and employing more people ,” smiles Joe .
“ Teesside people !” adds his dad , swiftly .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 29