SPONSORED BY DOUBLE ELEVEN
TEES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
FINALIST
BEHAVIOUR INTERACTIVE
In early 2023 , Middlesbrough-based games developer SockMonkey was acquired by Behaviour Interactive and became Behaviour UK – North .
In less than a year , it has doubled its UK headcount , invested heavily in office space and technology , improved benefits , salaries and work-life balance for its people and brought huge AAA titles and IPs to the area , such as Silent Hill and Mortal Kombat .
2024 will include even more game announcements , charity drives and the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art studio .
Victory - David Robinson received Lionweld Kennedy ’ s Tees Business of the Year award from Kimberley Turner of Double Eleven , headline sponsor of the Tees Tech Awards 2024 .
WINNER
LIONWELD KENNEDY
An “ over the moon ” MD of the Tees Business of the Year has promised there ’ s much more to come from Lionweld Kennedy .
David Robinson said he was “ really pleased and very surprised ” that his firm won the “ big one ” at the annual awards .
Market leader in the manufacturing and fabrication of steel and GRP flooring , grating and structures , Lionweld Kennedy – a proud Middlesbrough manufacturer for nearly 115 years – has invested more than £ 2m in its people , processes and plant in the past year and , over the last three , has achieved a 48 per cent increase in profit , year on year .
It is also dedicated to social and environmental commitments , working with partners including Teesside University , while apprentices now account for 15 per cent of the workforce .
While acknowledging the Middlesbrough firm ’ s proud past , David was also keen to look to the future .
He said : “ The company started in 1910 , but we ’ ve done quite a bit in recent years , with a lot of innovation and investment .
“ We ’ ve invested in apprentices and are doing a lot on the ESG ( environmental , social and governance ) sustainability side – we ’ re going in the right direction .
“ We ’ ve got 158 employees and they ’ re all local people , all from Teesside . There ’ s a pride in working for Lionweld – and even though we ’ ve 158 people , it ’ s very much a family-type business . Everyone is pulling in the same direction to achieve our goals .”
SPONSOR ’ S REFLECTIONS :
Kimberley Turner , commercial and finance director , Double Eleven “ This year is a statement year for Double Eleven , as we celebrate 15 years of growth with a move to our impressive new HQ at Boho X in the heart of Middlesbrough . It felt appropriate to mark our 15th anniversary year by being headline sponsor of the Tees Business Awards . As the region ’ s leading business awards , we couldn ’ t have been prouder to help celebrate business success within our thriving region . Congratulations to all the finalists and winners in every category .”
FINALIST FLEET FACTORS
The 2023 Tees Business of the Year , Fleet Factors – one of the UK ’ s largest independent wholesalers for vehicle parts , refinish products and PPE – has continued expansion , both in terms of turnover and number of employees , particularly in and around its Middlesbrough head office .
Its Community Fund continues to develop , meaning more local charities and projects benefit , while the firm continues to look at ways of lessening the environmental impact business operations can bring .
FINALIST PD PORTS
In a challenging year for the maritime sector , PD Ports has continued to win contracts , welcome new customers and trade and invest in its people and infrastructure .
As one of Teesside ’ s largest private businesses , and as statutory harbour authority , it understands and respects its roles and responsibilities in supporting the wider Tees Valley .
And as a voice for Teesside , it will continue to support and drive inward investment and support initiatives to strengthen the area ’ s social and economic prospects .
2023 winner : Fleet Factors
132 | Tees Business