OPINION
TeesTalk
It ’ s a hot topic with many locals , so we asked business leaders for their thoughts on the regeneration of Teesside International Airport . Here ’ s what they had to say …
CLAIRE WORDSWORTH , SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS PARTNER , SABIC UK PETROCHEMICALS Teesside Airport is a fantastic asset , with the recent refurbishment reflecting the confidence and ambition we have for this region . The advantages of easy access and parking have been enhanced with stress-free security systems and an overall improved experience for the leisure or business traveller .
SABIC ’ s European HQ is in the Netherlands , so we use it frequently to fly to Schiphol , but it ’ s also my first choice for personal travel . It ’ s a critical piece of infrastructure and a huge advantage when looking to secure overseas investment , so definitely money well spent .
DAMIEN HARRISON , DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS , BONDGATE IT Teesside Airport provides a great opportunity to the Tees Valley and surrounding areas . Coupled with other developments , such as the economic centre in Darlington , Teesport and Darlington and Middlesbrough train stations , the sense of optimism for my adopted region is at an all-time high .
I sincerely hope all these developments are huge successes , as that will bring with it more investment , improving the outlook of the area for future generations . Would I use the airport ? Yes , is the simple answer . You ’ d be a fool not to .
KARL PEMBERTON , MANAGING DIRECTOR , ACTIVE CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS I ’ ve always tried to use Teesside Airport , both before and after recent developments . While previously it was predominantly for business , it is now almost always for social trips .
It would be great to have those London connections back , especially given the levels of investment in the region , but I guess beggars cannot be choosers . I think it is far too early to say for certain whether the investment has been worth it . However , I sincerely hope that it proves to be the case .
MELISSA COUTTS , MANAGING DIRECTOR , RECRUITRITE In my opinion , the regeneration of Teesside Airport is a positive for the Tees Valley . It ’ s given us greater connectivity , vital to the sustained growth of our region and is also a feature in assisting us attract and retain top talent to Teesside .
The development in and around the airport is creating some excellent and sustainable job opportunities and plays a key role as we continue to level up . It ’ s also fabulous to fly to some fantastic holiday locations right on our doorstep !
ANTHONY SUDDES , GROUP MARKETING MANAGER , AV DAWSON Teesside Airport is vital for the region , not only for holiday routes but as a commercial and logistical hub . Over the past few years , the internal and external developments have transformed the look , feel and commercial viability of the airport and hopefully laid the foundations for it to become an incredible success and something the area can be proud of .
Personally , I have used the airport a few times in recent years and will continue to do so because of the convenience and levels of customer service .
NATHAN HOBDAY , OPERATIONS MANAGER , RED LION MARINE I ’ ve flown in and out of Teesside for work at least four times the last six weeks or so . It ’ s good to see a local airport that can finally match the calibre of industry it ’ s providing a gateway to . It ’ s gone from a £ 6 access charge and a single coffee machine to a hive of options and hospitality .
JANE ARMITAGE , CONSULTANT , JACKSONS LAW FIRM & CHAIR , POWER OF WOMEN It is great that we have a local airport . Starting your holiday from Teesside is so easy – no long journey to the airport , easy parking and now good facilities when you get there . It is encouraging to see the variety of destinations increasing too .
I hope the airport continues to develop and provide jobs for the local population and as a valuable hub for travellers . It is a shame it ’ s not better connected by public transport locally , but hopefully this will come in time .
MATTHEW TELLING , DIRECTOR – BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS , MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE GROUP It ’ s great for Teesside and I ’ m impressed with how the airport has been regenerated . I use it frequently for business meetings and although I haven ’ t had the opportunity to use it for leisure ( next summer , that ’ s the plan !), I ’ ve heard plenty of positive feedback about the passenger experience .
The combination of some terrific facilities , more holiday destinations and job creation through private-sector investment enhances the airport ’ s appeal . I hope it proves to be a great success and aim to use it as much as possible .
182 | Tees Business