WINNER : DANIELLE CROCE
TEES BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Westray Recruitment Group
WINNER : DANIELLE CROCE
( INTASITE )
Her grandparents ’ wet fish shop helped inspire her to follow her business dreams – and now Danielle Croce has netted the biggest individual catch of the 2024 Tees Businesswomen Awards .
Danielle – the co-founder and commercial director of health and safety tech firm Intasite – was named Tees Businesswoman of the Year at the awards ceremony .
Under her leadership , Stockton-based Intasite has secured major contracts with industry giants .
But after succeeding previous winners Claire Preston , Sharon Lane , Jane Armitage , Chloë Clover , Kimberley Turner and Cathi Harrison , a “ thrilled ” Danielle admitted she took her initial business inspiration from her grandparents ’ fish shop .
She said : “ My grandma , Nancy Bloom , really inspired me – she gave me my first help along the way so that I could start up my own business .
“ My grandfather was well known in Hartlepool for the wet fish shop and my grandma inspired me to start on my business journey .
“ Her support was instrumental in kickstarting my business , and her legacy inspires me to create a world without limits for my daughters and other women .”
Of the nine-strong Intasite team , two are women – Danielle and project manager Fay Keohane . And Danielle is passionate about getting more females into traditionally male-dominated areas .
She said : “ We ’ re changing the culture in terms of bringing women through into the tech sector and heavy industries that were seen a lot across Teesside .
“ In terms of Intasite , we want to be the best in terms of what we do . I truly believe we have the best platform in terms of induction and contractor management for high-hazard industries .
“ But ultimately , I just want to help inspire the next generation of females because I ’ ve got two young daughters ( Lucia and Arabella , aged three and five ). It ’ s important for me to inspire them and give them the confidence they can go into any kind of role when they grow up .”
Celebration – Intasite commercial director Danielle Croce received the Businesswoman of the Year award from Ashleigh Wright of category sponsor Westray Recruitment Group .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Jessica Gwaringa
( Moonrise 24hr Recruitment )
The founder , owner and manager of Moonrise 24hr Recruitment has been front and centre of the company since its formation in 2014 , ensuring it upholds a commitment to provide the highest quality care and support . Jessica , who spearheaded the firm ’ s move into its bespoke head office at Falcon Court , Stockton , is originally from Zimbabwe , but has the determination of a true Teessider !
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Bianca Robinson
( CEO Sleepout )
The heart and soul of the Teessidebased CEO Sleepout charity , which sees bosses sleep out to raise money for good causes , New Zealander Bianca has expanded the organisation to a rota of 30 UK venues . CEO since 2018 , her ability to genuinely connect with people has helped bring in £ 4.5m .
Tania Cooper MBE
( Steel Benders UK )
MD Tania has achieved significant milestones and implemented key strategies for the company ’ s growth . Her role as chair of the North East STEM Foundation showcases her passion for empowering young individuals to pursue STEM careers . And her mentoring efforts and advocacy for a University Technical College on Teesside exemplify her commitment to being a role model for women .
Lucy Pittaway
( Lucy Pittaway Ltd )
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Lucy has combined her talent with commercial success . Multi-award winning , she has a passion for giving back to the community and inspiring a love of art in everyone . Her business brings joy to thousands , but also contributes to communities , financially and socially .
Ashleigh Wright , MD , Westray Recruitment Group This award is really personal for me because my mam set up the business I ’ m now MD of 34 years ago – and if it wasn ’ t for her , I wouldn ’ t be in the position I am now . I ’ ve seen the challenges and struggles she went through , running a business and being a parent to three unruly kids , so to me , this award is the pinnacle – and the standard of finalists was absolutely phenomenal , with Danielle a brilliant winner .
144 | Tees Business