EVENTS
Headline sponsor - Tees Business director Martin Walker with Victoria Lynch at Additional Lengths ’ warehouse .
LONG STORY
Best New Tees Business Awards sponsor explains personal reason for giving event her backing
The founder of a thriving hair extensions firm says sponsoring the 2023 Best New Tees Business Awards has special meaning for her .
Victoria Lynch has taken Stocktonbased Additional Lengths from a back bedroom business to the UK ’ s secondlargest hair extensions company .
It ’ s been a personal success story , too , with Victoria finishing 13th in the recent InspiraTees event , which recognised Teesside ’ s top 30 business leaders .
Victoria admits her decision to sponsor the third Best New Tees Business Awards has personal significance , as the first award she ever won , 18 years ago , was for Teesside ’ s best new business for start-ups .
“ It is an honour to be the headline sponsor of the 2023 Best New Tees Business Awards ,” said Victoria , pictured above with Tees Business director Martin Walker .
“ Best New Business was the title of my very first award , so that in itself really resonates with me .
“ Tees Business shines a light on so many brilliant businesses , so to be sponsoring an awards night that celebrates the amazing new and emerging business talent in Teesside is an absolute pleasure .”
Tees Business director Martin Walker paid a visit to Additional Lengths ’ 20,000- sq ft warehouse and head office on Teesside Industrial Estate , from where the firm distributes products nationally and internationally .
“ Additional Lengths is the epitome of a rags-to-riches business story ,” said Martin . “ Victoria started her business in a room at her parents house , worked her socks off , has always been passionate about what she does and kept learning .
“ She ’ s also surrounded herself with a fantastic team , which is a good tip for anyone in business but especially the kind
of start-up firms that enter the Best New Tees Business Awards .
“ We ’ re chuffed to bits to have Victoria and Additional Lengths backing these awards , as we celebrate the best young businesses and new entrepreneurs in our region .”
Other category sponsors include Teesside University , Recognition PR , WCS Interiors , Imperial Recruitment Group , Vistech Services and Westray Recruitment , though further sponsorship opportunities are available ( see opposite ).
The glittering event , which will see funds raised for Teesside Hospice , will be held at the Kirkleatham Walled Garden pavilion on the evening of Thursday November 9 .
Tickets are available , priced £ 85 + vat each or £ 800 + for a table of 10 . These include a prosecco reception , threecourse dinner , table wine and seats for the awards themselves .
Speaker and charity confirmed for awards
Arguably the region ’ s most successful self-made businessman will be keynote speaker at this year ’ s Best New Tees Business Awards , on a night when funds will be raised to support the vital work of Teesside Hospice .
Mike Racz came to the UK from Hungary 20 years ago with almost nothing . He ’ s now a hugely successful franchise owner with operations across Teesside , the wider North-East and as far afield as Ireland .
His first job on arrival in the UK was a pizza delivery driver for Domino ’ s . From there , he progressed to become manager of a local store before buying his first franchise on Teesside .
Mike , who lives in Wynyard , now employs more than 2,500 people across 60 Domino ’ s franchises , 19 Costa Coffees , 16 Anytime
Fitness gyms , several barber shops , a string of restaurants , a cocktail bar , a digital agency and more .
He ’ ll be telling his story and passing on some business growth tips at the awards at Kirkleatham Walled Garden , on a night when funds will be raised for Teesside Hospice via an envelope draw .
Debbie Coulson , director of income generation , said the hospice was “ thrilled ” to be the chosen charity at the awards .
“ This partnership exemplifies the vital connection between businesses and local charities ,” she said . “ Supporting Teesside Hospice enables us to provide essential
Keynote speaker - Mike Racz . Partnership – Debbie Coulson .
care to our patients facing terminal illness and comfort and support to their families .
“ Such collaborations not only demonstrate corporate social responsibility but also foster a strong bond between enterprises and the region they serve , ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of everyone involved .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 25