BUSINESS BITES
NEWS
BUSINESS BITES
COLLEGE GROUP ’ S AWARD SUCCESS A college group ’ s efforts to bolster greener habits have been recognised with a national award and green accreditation for the second year running .
The Education Training Collective ( Etc .) has been named winner of the Investors in the Environment ’ s Sustainability Influencer Award . The title highlights their own commitment to change and efforts to encourage others to do the same .
Ceremony – Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke , MP Andy McDonald and Tees Valley Business Board chair Siobhan McArdle attended the launch of the Tees Valley Eagle Lab .
Mayor attends official launch of Tees Barclays Eagle Labs
Barclays has opened its latest Eagle Lab in the Tees Valley , in partnership with Alt Labs , to boost support for the region ’ s tech businesses .
Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke and MP Andy McDonald joined Tees Valley Business Board chair Siobhan McArdle at the launch .
The Tees Valley Eagle Lab will serve as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs , startups and scale-ups , offering essential resources , mentorship and a collaborative environment to help businesses thrive .
This initiative reflects Barclays ’ mission to support and develop the UK ’ s tech entrepreneurial ecosystem through a network of business incubators , expertise and support .
The Eagle Lab will offer high-growth entrepreneurs the chance to access specialist digital mentoring , accelerator programmes and skills outreach .
Currently , the lab hosts 12 high-growth residents , with a total of around 47
Stockton-headquartered px Group has secured an operations and maintenance ( O & M ) contract for what will be the world ’ s largest new-build biomass facility , the Tees Renewable Energy Plant ( TeesREP ).
The contract marks further expansion into the biomass power generation industry by px , which operates critical infrastructure sites throughout Europe .
The TeesREP , at Teesport , will be one of the world ’ s largest purpose-built pellet biomass power plants , with the capacity to generate 299 MW of energy , enough to power 600,000 homes – equivalent to companies utilising the Alt Labs private offices and co-working spaces .
The facility will also feature a range of support services , including investor connectivity , workshops and dedicated growth programmes .
Barclays Eagle Labs is one of the UK ’ s largest networks of tech-focused startup incubators , supporting more than 17,000 businesses and assisting members in raising more than £ 4.8bn in external funding .
The launch underscores the collaboration between Barclays , local authorities and the business community to drive economic growth in the region .
The Tees Valley Eagle Lab is now open for entrepreneurs and innovators to benefit from the support available to grow their tech business .
Barclays invites anyone to engage with the lab , participate in its events and workshops and take full advantage of the opportunities available .
px Group wins Tees biomass power plant contract
nearly every household in Teesside .
The plant will play a critical role in bolstering energy security by ensuring a reliable base-load power supply , which other intermittent renewables such as solar and wind cannot guarantee .
With px Group overseeing O & M across the plant , the TeesREP will benefit from the firm ’ s industry-leading expertise in biomass plant management , supported by its proven operational leadership at biomass plants at Holbrook in Sheffield and Widmerpool in Nottingham .
PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO SPARK AMBITION Power of Women ( PoW ) and Thirteen Housing Group have formed a new partnership to support schools by showcasing opportunities available to both girls and boys .
Set up in response to a national report saying Teesside was “ the worst place to grow up as a girl ”, PoW now works with 24 schools to elevate aspirations , ensure equal opportunities and end gender stereotypes .
RECORD TURNOUT FOR APPRENTICESHIP EXPO A record 2,000 young people visited Middlesbrough College ’ s apprenticeship expo .
The event showcased the college ’ s partnerships with businesses across a diverse range of industries , from engineering and AV technology to healthcare and construction .
Employers including SeAH Wind , BA Joinery and Tees , Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust attended the event , eager to connect with prospective apprentices and discuss career opportunities .
TRANS-PENNINE FREIGHT SERVICE LAUNCHED A new trans-Pennine rail freight link operating between Teesport and Manchester ’ s Trafford Park has successfully completed its first service .
The five-day-a-week return service could see up to 40 heavy vehicle movements removed from the congested road network for each one-way service and aims to help customers from both the North-East and the North-West cut carbon emissions and reduce delays .
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