SPONSORED BY DURATA
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Champion – Alison McGee of sponsor Durata handed the Lifetime Achievement Award to David James from Fleet Factors .
WINNER
DAVID JAMES ( FLEET FACTORS )
From the moment he joined Fleet Factors straight from Middlesbrough ’ s Sarah Metcalfe School in 1979 , David James felt at home .
And after a career journey that ’ s taken him from an inexperienced 16-year-old to being a director of the company , he became the proud holder of the Lifetime Achievement trophy at the second annual Tees Business Awards .
In 45 years with Fleet Factors , David has seen the company grow to such an extent that it operates 28 main depots and is expecting a £ 75m turnover for the last financial year .
But David , who said he was “ humbled ” to receive the Lifetime Achievement award , was quick to share the credit , saying working for Fleet Factors has been like working with an extended family .
After receiving his award from Alison McGee , of category sponsor , critical power specialists Durata , he told Tees Business : “ The only reason I can accept this award is because of the people I work with and the company I work for .
“ It ’ s an unbelievable company and the amount of opportunity they give to youngsters now is fantastic .
“ Every day it ’ s a pleasure to get up and come to what isn ’ t work to me , it ’ s an extension of my life .”
David ’ s a great believer in giving people a chance , even if they struggle academically .
He explained : “ I left school without any qualifications and didn ’ t realise until later in life I was also dyslexic , because it wasn ’ t really recognised in the 1970s – you were just seen as ‘ thick ’.
“ But when I got a start at Fleet Factors , I found a group of people who believed in me – and because I felt like someone believed in me , I was never going to let them down .”
SPONSOR ’ S REFLECTIONS :
Alison McGee , quality director , Durata “ Everyone at Durata was incredibly proud that we sponsored the Lifetime Achievement category at the Tees Business Awards . This was a truly inspiring category with fantastic finalists , so it was a privilege to associate the Durata brand in this way . Congratulations to all three finalists – and to the finalists in every category , who reminded us all why our region is such a business powerhouse .”
FINALIST
PAUL COOPER ( POCKET SERGEANT )
A former police officer turned digital entrepreneur , Paul ’ s journey from frontline policing to creating the Pocket Sergeant app , a revolutionary tool for law enforcement , reflects resilience , innovation and a profound impact on the community .
During eight-and-a-half-years with Cleveland Police , a pivotal moment occurred in 2013 when Paul , laden with paperwork , had a “ Eureka moment ” – leading to the creation of Pocket Sergeant , which revolutionised police reference guides .
By October 2016 , the app had snowballed into a successful business , prompting Paul ’ s transition from police officer to digital product owner and business owner .
Beyond transforming police operations , however , Paul ’ s commitment to Teesside also shines through by his continuing support for local good causes and grassroots sports .
FINALIST
PAULA MCMAHON ( SIR ROBERT MCALPINE )
Paula , who works on the A19 project for Sir Robert McAlpine and looks after professional development throughout the company , is well known in the Tees Valley and beyond for her wide-reaching and impactful work . Her many influential local roles include Stockton Business Climate Coalition chair , the founding chair of Engineering Together , High Tide Foundation trustee and honorary professor at Teesside University .
Over more than 30 years , her achievements have been recognised through professional qualifications , industry accolades and a plethora of awards – unmistakable recognition for her personal impact on individuals and industry .
An inspiration to many people , her reputation also earns her invitations as a regular contributor to high-profile local , national and international events .
2023 winner : Ken Devereux ( Devereux Transport & Distribution )
136 | Tees Business