OPINION
Jo Elliott , business development manager , Wander Films
Pacittos is truly an iconic Teesside brand . As a child , it was a real treat if your parents said we were going to Pacittos for a Lemon Top . No McDonald ’ s or Just Eats back then !
The unique blend of tangy lemon and white ice cream was , and still is , delicious . Even in winter , there will be people of all ages queuing outside the famous hatch on Redcar seafront for a Lemon Top .
That ’ s why it ’ s always brought a smile to my face , as it reminds me of family , friends , good times and home . Pacittos stands out as a local institution , not just for its delicious ice creams but for its enduring presence and connection to the community . It represents the heart and soul of Teesside , making it a beloved symbol of our regional heritage .
Emma Cranie , managing director , Elite Consult
For me , Teesside is not so much about brand names , as these have changed massively in the last 20 years alone . Teesside as a brand itself stands for resilience , togetherness and absolute reinvention .
It ’ s all centred around the River Tees , which has been so vital to the success of brands and its people . The Tees estuary houses a wealth of phenomenal businesses along its banks , the iconic Transporter Bridge and Middlesbrough Football Club . Although not famous “ brands ”, these are what I feel are most iconic about Teesside .
Graham Robb , partner , Recognition Marketing & PR
When I entered the workforce , there is no doubt the iconic Teesside brands were ICI and British Steel . However , growth of entrepreneurship in the area has led to more owner-managed brands . Nothing illustrates this better than the Bannatyne Group , led by a charismatic entrepreneur with health and fitness locations around the UK . The company continues to be located in Darlington and its turnaround after the pandemic is a masterclass in focused management .
Duncan Bannatyne is a national figure . His success is well documented in several books and countless TV appearances . Duncan began his business career in Stockton in the late 1980s with an ice cream van , before going on to offer shares in his nursing home company on the London Stock Exchange . As a serial entrepreneur he has also owned nursery schools , a radio station and the iconic Bannatyne Fitness , which started in Ingleby Barwick in 1996 .
Alisdair Beveridge , managing director , The Build Directory
When thinking of an iconic Teesside brand , many come to mind , both old and new . However , the Cleveland Cable Company stands out as a true Teesside icon .
Founded in 1978 , they ’ ve grown from humble beginnings in the heart of Teesside to a global presence , with branches across the UK plus Dublin and even in Dubai . Their commitment to the region is unwavering – they remain rooted in Teesside , where it all began .
As a major local employer and charity supporter , Cleveland Cable embodies the spirit of Teesside , proving that global success can be achieved while staying true to your roots . And most obvious of all , the clue is in the name !
The voice of business in the Tees region | 13