OPINION
Tees Talk
We asked local businesspeople who sprang to mind when they considered the most iconic Teesside brands , either now or in the past . Here ’ s what they said …
Lynsey Edwards , head of foundation , MFC Foundation
Whether it ’ s the Teesside skyline or having a family member who worked for them , ICI is part of the Teesside past , present and future . Most people on Teesside will have a family member who worked for ICI , and while the brand itself may no longer exist , the legacy of the works on Teesside and the opportunities it provided people still inspires today .
My grandads started at ICI and it started my dad ’ s career , which went onto being offshore in Scotland and gave me and my brother a wonderful childhood and inspiration for our future careers .
I ’ m biased , of course , but also Middlesbrough FC . An anchor of Teesside , the Boro is a longstanding brand and face of the area . While there may be ups and downs on the pitch , everyone has a Boro memory , whether it ’ s Charlton ’ s Champions , getting through the near closure or the highs of the Carling Cup and Europe .
Michael McGeary , owner , McGeary Media and The Memoir Man
There are a few to choose from but one that ’ s stood the test of time is Careys , the home credit company . Careys is one of Teesside ’ s oldest businesses and is remembered with affection by so many who remember their agent calling once a week to collect their family ’ s payments .
Chubby Brown even mentioned them in his act , asking a heckler , “ Did you buy that jacket with a Careys ’ ticket ?”
The business model has adapted over the years , but agents still call to collect payments every week from Careys ’ loyal customers , and current chairman Phil Carey is the fifth generation of his family to have run the firm .
Dave Robson , chief writer , Tees Business , and Zetland FM presenter
Many Teessiders got their toy shop fix at Romer Parrish in Middlesbrough – but for me , it was Leslie Brown ’ s on Stockton High Street .
Leslie and wife Renee ran it from 1947 until 1991 – and as a kid , it was the place to visit every time I went “ down the town ”.
Downstairs were practical jokes like itching powder and chewy that made your tongue go blue , plus record booths where you could listen without obligation .
But upstairs was where the magic really happened – memories of Leslie ’ s stock of Subbuteo teams ( Boro 1973-4 , complete with white chest band , was naturally a favourite ) – and his magnificent working train set make me go misty-eyed even now when I think of the place .
Nicky Jolley , managing director , HR2day
In my view , the most iconic business brand in Teesside is PD Ports . Their significant impact on the region ’ s economy and their role in global trade make them stand out .
Headquartered in Middlesbrough , PD Ports operates Teesport , one of the busiest ports in the UK . This strategic hub handles a diverse range of cargo , making Teesside a crucial link in international supply chains .
Beyond logistics , PD Ports invests in local employment and community initiatives , driving economic progress and fostering regional development . Their commitment to innovation and sustainability further solidifies their iconic status . PD Ports embodies the industrious spirit and resilience of Teesside , making them a true symbol of the region ’ s economic vitality .
12 | Tees Business