WINNER : CATHI HARRISON
TEES BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Teesside University
WINNER : CATHI HARRISON
( THE VERVE GROUP )
It was quite a week for the Verve Group boss Cathi Harrison . For not only did her financial services firm sign a deal with a FTSE 100 firm , but she was also crowned Tees Businesswoman of the Year .
Founder , sole owner and CEO of Darlington-based the Verve Group , Cathi has transformed her sole trader venture into a thriving business with more than 50 employees .
And she says she ’ s immensely proud to be part of a female-driven , North- East company that ’ s making big strides in a traditionally male-dominated world of finance .
She said : “ The Verve Group has just gone through a massive restructure . I told the team that on the one hand , we ’ ve been going 14 years , but on the other hand , this is like day one – we ’ ve just rebuilt all our foundations and set ourselves a steady base to properly go for it .
“ This week we ’ ve just signed a FTSE 100 company , so they ’ re not thinking , ‘ You ’ re not in London , we can ’ t work with you ’. The amount of due diligence you have to go through to work with that size of company is mind-bending .
“ But they can see we ’ re a solid business and if anything , being based in the North-East gives us an advantage against others who might charge more because of crazy London office rates . And it ’ s important people can see the depth of quality of business that comes from our region .”
Accepting her award and praising her team , Cathi told how she entered the world of finance because humble beginnings made her want to “ educate myself about finance and take control of my future ”.
And Cathi is determined to continue to face head-on the challenge of further opening up the financial world to females .
Triumphant – Tees Businesswoman of the Year 2023 , Cathi Harrison of the Verve Group , pictured with Professor Craig Gaskell from category sponsor Teesside University .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
ALISON MCGEE
( DURATA )
Quality director / company secretary at critical power specialist Durata , since Alison joined the company , she has helped it achieve several accreditations – a true testament to her own drive and determination .
Passionate about other people ’ s success , and supporting local businesses and teams , she always brings positivity to the Tees Valley – and recently earned an impressive Top 20 place in the Tees Business annual poll of the region ’ s inspirational business leaders , InspiraTees .
MICHAELA GALBRAITH
( PAISLEY SITE SERVICES )
After four years as MD of her own company , recruitment specialist Paisley Site Services , Michaela wants to continue to fill vacancies with talented and committed Teessiders , and for her company , which has ambitious expansion plans , to be the “ go to ” agency within the industry .
Michaela , who named her business after daughter Paisley , says : “ We ’ re proud to be based in Teesside and hugely passionate about creating opportunities for local people and providing an exceptional service .”
FINALIST TANIA COOPER MBE ( STEEL BENDERS )
As MD of Steel Benders UK , Tania has achieved significant milestones , secured unique machinery and successfully implemented strategies for the company ’ s growth .
Furthermore , her role as the chair of the North East STEM Foundation showcases her passion for empowering young individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields .
Tania ’ s mentoring efforts and advocacy for establishing a University Technical College on Teesside exemplify her commitment to being a role model for businesswomen and women in general .
30 | Tees Business