GROWTH
New role – Dan Watson joined Alt Labs specifically to lead the Tees Valley Labs initiative .
Teamwork – by partnering with industry leaders , Tees Valley Labs is committed to helping businesses overcome challenges and unlock new growth potential .
promises to enhance the region ’ s reputation as a dynamic hub for innovation and business growth .
For Dan Watson , who joined Alt Labs specifically to lead this initiative , the opportunity to return to hands-on business support is a welcome challenge .
With a background in driving regional innovation , including co-founding the Tees Tech Awards , he is passionate about unlocking the potential of local businesses and showcasing the strength of the Tees Valley ’ s tech sector .
“ Tees Valley Labs ’ efforts are not just about supporting businesses today ,” he says .
“ They are about shaping the future of our region , creating a landscape where digital and tech companies can thrive , and ensuring that the Tees Valley is recognised as a core cluster within the UK ’ s innovation ecosystem .”
The Stable Programme : incubating success Founders on the programme have already benefited greatly from focused sessions delivered by Alt Labs , a key partner in the Stable Programme .
These sessions have covered essential areas like strategic planning , product development and scaling techniques , equipping participants with actionable insights to navigate early-stage challenges .
Other partners of the programme include Barclays Eagle Labs , which provides entrepreneurial resources , RBC Brewin Dolphin for corporate finance advice , Ward Hadaway for legal services , and AbacusBean for accounting expertise .
Digital marketing is covered by Mediaworks , while Do and Grow offers essential entrepreneurial guidance .
The programme culminates in a demo day , where participants have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a room full of investors , including venture capitalists and angel investors .
The businesses in Cohort 1 include Booksmrt , Clevenue , Consult Net Zero , Assessable , Lynx Studios , Platvix , Proximity , Salvify and Studio Harp , which cover a wide range of business sectors including education , medical , media , gaming and business development tools .
The Forge Programme : accelerating growth While the Stable Programme focuses on incubation , the Forge Programme offers a more intensive , high-impact experience .
“ Similar to the Stable Programme , participants have access to a pool of mentors and the same strategic partners ,” says Dan .
Tees Valley Labs has already onboarded the first cohort of the Stable Programme launched in July and the Forge Programme is set to start in October .
The response has been promising , with 186 expressions of interest in both programmes , with higher than the national average of applications from female and ethnic founders .
Driving regional impact Tees Valley Labs is not just focused on individual business success . The broader goal is to stimulate the regional economy by attracting angel investors and venture capitalists to the area .
Mike Racz , Tees Valley Business Board lead for business growth and founder of Racz Group , said : “ Tees Valley Labs is not only helping our ambitious local businesses to foster innovation and accelerate growth , but it is playing a key role in driving regional innovation and establishing Tees Valley as a core cluster within the UK ’ s innovation ecosystem .
“ There is still plenty of opportunity for firms to benefit from Tees Valley Labs by signing up to free workshops available as part of the initiative .
“ I ’ d urge leaders within our local digital and tech firms to explore what ’ s on offer and sign up to equip themselves with the practical , hands-on tools to help scale operations .”
As Dan and the Tees Valley Labs team continue their work , the potential for a lasting impact on the region ’ s economy and business landscape is immense .
To find out more about Tees Valley Labs , visit : teesvalleylabs . co . uk or to book a free workshop visit eventbrite . co . uk / alt-labs .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 79