WINNER : TANIA COOPER MBE
2024
JANE TURNER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
WINNER : TANIA COOPER MBE
Sponsored by Middlesbrough College Group
She started the day writing a CV – and ended it picking up an Outstanding Contribution prize at the Tees Businesswomen Awards .
Tania Cooper is not only MD of fast-growing Teesside business Steel Benders , she is also the proud holder of an MBE for services to international trade and business .
A keen mentor , education also holds a special place in her heart , having worked tirelessly to ensure that young people , no matter their background , can access opportunities in STEM fields , laying the groundwork for the next generation of innovators and leaders .
And it was in that context that having picked up the Jane Turner Award for Outstanding Contribution – named in memory of the much-loved former pro vice chancellor at Teesside University and the prime mover behind the awards – that Tania admitted having started the day writing a CV to accompany her application for a potential role with the Skills Council .
Admitting she was “ speechless ” at picking up the award from Zoe Lewis of headline sponsor Middlesbrough College Group , Tania told Tees Business : “ Do you know what I did today ? I wrote a CV – the first time I ’ ve written one for me in probably 30 years , even longer .
“ I ’ ve applied for a job on the Skills Council out of London so I can influence skills at a senior level .
“ It ’ s a part-time position on a board so instead of just influencing regionally , I ’ d be influencing nationally and hopefully bringing a much stronger position for us in the North-East to fight our corner .
Recognition – Tania Cooper MBE receives the Jane Turner Award for Outstanding Contribution from Middlesbrough College Group CEO Zoe Lewis .
“ Today was really interesting , writing that CV . There were sections about what I ’ d done , easy stuff , qualifications . I got 9 GCSEs , all As , but what professional qualifications do I have ? I don ’ t have any , but I do have a wealth of knowledge .
“ So , my message is that it doesn ’ t matter where you start from – if you have drive and belief , you can get where you want to be . Have confidence in yourself and just go for it .”
A tireless supporter of local charities , including Daisy Chain and Teesside Hospice , through her role as chair of the North-East STEM Foundation she has led groundbreaking initiatives to remove barriers to learning , championing equal access to education and strengthening the bridge between schools and industry .
She is also spearheading efforts to create a new technical college on
Teesside – a bold step in shaping the future workforce .
She said : “ I ’ m an accountant by background who just happens to run engineering companies .
“ I ’ ve been in a male-dominated area for a long time and I have a sideline of stepping into STEM – I ’ m very passionate about that .
“ I enjoy mentoring and working with people looking to grow their business . I love sharing my knowledge and passing it down – and through mentoring , I meet great people who become great business associates and friends .
“ And it grows from there – it just goes on – and that ’ s the beauty of Teesside . It just builds and continues to build . But to get this recognition , I ’ m kind of speechless .
“ It ’ s just what I do – I didn ’ t think it was anything special .”
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Zoe Lewis , Middlesbrough College Group The fact Tania said she ’ d only been back on Teesside for five years is remarkable because the impact she ’ s had in those five years has been substantial – not only in her business but in all those networks she goes above and beyond in , particularly around education and skills , entrepreneurship and the STEM network . She does so much good work , she absolutely deserves this award .