SPONSORED BY PD PORTS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD
FINALIST
STEVE SOUTHERN ( SOUTHERN ASSET MANAGEMENT )
Making her mark – Paula McMahon was presented with the Making a Difference award by Kirsten Donkin of category sponsor PD Ports .
WINNER
PAULA MCMAHON ( SIR ROBERT MCALPINE )
“ I mentor a lot of people – and I love it .” So says Paula McMahon , whose dedication to mentoring others , as well as taking on a plethora of other tasks , made her a worthy winner of the Making a Difference title at the Tees Business Awards .
Her impressive career in civil engineering has seen her , for the past nine years , working for a renowned name in the field , Sir Robert McAlpine .
But as well as mentoring , she somehow finds time to take on a host of other roles , including Engineering Together founding chair and as a trustee of the High Tide Foundation – an independent charity that delivers meaningful work experience and career programmes to schools , colleges and young people in the Tees Valley .
Saying she was “ absolutely stunned and surprised ” to win the award in such a strong category , Paula added : “ I guess I do a lot , but it ’ s nice to be recognised by the people who put me forward .
“ I mentor a lot of people and I just love it . You see the immediate effect with people and then you know you ’ re setting them up for the rest of their working lives .”
And for Paula , seeing people she ’ s mentored do well is the biggest satisfaction .
She said : “ For me , a reward is seeing other people succeed . Some of my apprentices have won awards for the work they do and that ’ s brilliant .
“ Then seeing them take on their own legacy work and go out to speak to people in schools and other things is great .
“ Just seeing them blossom and grow , that ’ s what it ’ s about . I ’ ve mentored someone and now they ’ re touching other people ’ s lives .”
SPONSOR ’ S REFLECTIONS :
Kirsten Donkin , head of communications , PD Ports “ The Making a Difference award is close to our hearts at PD Ports – there are so many people , in our business and across Teesside , who selflessly give their time and expertise to really change lives . All of the nominees would have been worthy winners , but Paula McMahon is a fantastic example of selfless spirit and determination to make a lasting difference . Congratulations to Paula and all the winners on the night .”
The MD of a light testing and inspection firm that won two trophies at the Best New Tees Business Awards , Steve ’ s transformative leadership and steadfast dedication to innovation , philanthropy and prioritising the wellbeing of his workforce showcases his outstanding personal qualities .
His personal journey , during which he admits once contemplating suicide , reflects his resilience and determination , and shapes his commitment to fostering positive change .
Under Steve ’ s guidance , SAM ’ s expansion features a groundbreaking apprenticeship programme . His openness about mental health struggles also fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employees ’ wellbeing over profit .
Beyond the workplace , Steve supports numerous local charities and events , positively impacting many lives in the Teesside community .
FINALIST
TANIA COOPER MBE ( STEEL BENDERS UK )
A businesswoman and philanthropist who makes a real difference in the engineering and STEM ( science , technology , engineering and mathematics ) sectors , Tania is managing director of Middlesbrough-based steel fabrication and installation specialist Steel Benders UK . She is also the chair of the North East STEM Foundation , a charity that promotes STEM education for young people .
Among her many notable achievements , she has created a network and academy for women and young people in engineering , launched a project to reduce the environmental impact of her company , joined numerous charity events that raised funds for local causes and supports the call for a University Technical College on Teesside .
In business , however , she is a leader , innovator and problem-solver – and a passionate advocate for , and supporter of , the STEM sector .
2023 winner : Catherine Devereux ( The Russ Devereux Headlight Project )
The voice of business in the Tees region | 143