Addison celebrates three successful years on Teesside
NEWS
Award-winners – Addison Project directors Gina Peacock , Kevin Simmonds and Alex Thompson at the firm ’ s Riverside Park offices in Middlesbrough .
GROWING PROJECT
Addison celebrates three successful years on Teesside
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
Addison Project , the current NEPIC Engineering Firm of the Year which has made its home at Middlesbrough ’ s Riverside Park since 2020 , is celebrating three years of growth in its adopted hometown .
Part of the Addison Group – founded in 1980 , with offices in Lancashire , where sister companies Addison Precision and Addison Engineering are based , and Cheshire – Addison Project are experts in engineering design , project management and consultancy services .
Locally , a team of 30 people is headed by engineering director Alex Thompson , operations manager Gina Peacock and sales and marketing director Kevin Simmonds , whose collective passion and leadership have been instrumental in shaping its growth .
Reflecting on the journey so far , Kevin said : “ We ’ d always done a lot of work on Teesside , albeit at arm ’ s length or working on sites , but when we became involved in a major construction piece with local firm Lianhetech at Seal Sands , it became obvious that there were many other opportunities available , and if we wanted to be considered we would need to have roots in the area .”
Integral to Addison Project ’ s Middlesbrough base were its first team members , Gina and Alex .
“ Gina played a pivotal role in assembling our team ,” said Kevin .
“ Her innate understanding of Teesside , her vast network within the engineering community and her contributions to our
Teamwork – Addison Project ’ s team of 30 people is headed by engineering director Alex Thompson , operations manager Gina Peacock and sales and marketing director Kevin Simmonds .
HR aspects across the group have been invaluable , while Alex brought a wealth of experience as a seasoned process engineer with offshore exposure in the oil and gas sector .
“ With their help we were able to set up our office , win contracts and expand .”
Central to Addison Project ’ s ethos is its commitment to the future of Teesside . “ Our company values hold a deep significance ,” said CEO Marcus Addison . “ We ’ re a family-oriented business , placing utmost importance on our people and their communities .”
Recognising the opportunity to provide careers in the region and the sector ’ s desperate need for qualified engineers , Addison believe in the concept of “ growing your own ” through apprenticeships and an in-house skills academy which empowers staff , offering tailored training and dedicated managerial support .
“ We ’ re not here for temporary hires ,” added Kevin . “ If we bring an apprentice on board , it ’ s with a view to long-term commitment .
“ Take Phil Bates , our technical director , as an example – his journey from a 16-year- old apprentice draughtsman to a 20-year veteran speaks volumes .”
Collaborations with Middlesbrough College and Teesside University also assist with Addison Project ’ s proactive approach .
Engaging in roundtable discussions and student interactions , they shed light on industry requirements and potential pathways .
“ Alex especially is very keen on lifelong learning ,” said Kevin . “ He knows that acquiring apprentices and graduates with fresh and modern ideas really works .
“ As a complement to our existing team , we hope this will help us stay ahead of the curve .”
The company is also actively addressing the skills shortage by encouraging individuals to come out of retirement .
“ Many of our seasoned professionals began their careers as apprentices back in the ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s ,” Marcus explained .
“ They ’ ve a history of working overseas and offshore and , having returned to the area , bring a huge amount of experience to the workforce .”
In addition to these employment opportunities , Addison Project and the group fosters an attractive work environment , providing benefits , ensuring job security , and establishing avenues for personal and professional growth .
Marcus added : “ Our journey revolves around durability , personal relationships and steadfast social principles , all of which contribute to forming a close-knit community .
“ Our clients ’ success is our priority , partnering with them in order to understand their objectives thoroughly and adding value for a successful outcome .
“ We eagerly anticipate and look forward to the continued trajectory of growth ahead .”
For further details about career opportunities within Addison , visit addisongroup . uk / careers .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 85