EDUCATION the Etc . for Business portfolio and , based in Gateshead , it has extended the group ’ s reach into the wider region .
Having built his own career around learning and development and with experience working with businesses from a host of different sectors , this all comes naturally to Chris .
He said : “ My parents are a huge inspiration to me . They were in business , which meant we grew up with a strong work ethic .”
Going on to study psychology , human resources management and sociology , he describes people management and problem solving among his strengths .
It was meeting his wife , Esther , at university in London that ultimately brought him to the North-East , where he has lived and raised his own family for the last 28 years .
Passionate about the region , he said : “ In the North-East and particularly the Tees Valley we have a lot of people demographically that we want to keep in the region . For me , the best way to do that is by supporting businesses , large or small , to equip the next generation of leaders as part of the talent pool and succession planning .”
Etc . remains steadfast in its alignment to the priorities of the region , in the likes of green energy , construction , engineering and health and social care . But Chris is also keen to ensure employers in other sectors aren ’ t overlooked .
He said : “ Of course , our region should celebrate the flagship industries , but that is one side of the coin . If you always focus on ‘ the head ’ you miss out on 50 per cent of
the value of what is here .”
Keen to play his part in all that is to come and driven by a desire to help shape the next generation of industry leaders , Chris said : “ My ethics stem largely from a culture which provided a healthy focus on putting effort into something that is of value , and if you put the effort in , you will benefit and so will others . That , to me , feels very much like what we are doing here .”
“ In the North-East and particularly the Tees Valley we have a lot of people demographically that we want to keep in the region .”
* The Education Training Collective incorporates Bede Sixth Form College , Innersummit , NETA Training , Redcar and Cleveland College , Stockton Riverside College and The Skills Academy ( Billingham ). To find out more about the full range of Etc . for Business services visit the-etc . ac . uk / for-businesses / or call 01642 865557 to discuss bespoke opportunities for your business .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 31