FEATURE
BACKING BUSINESS
The heat is on - Garry Smith has saved money and kept warm thanks to Net Zero support .
How combined authority is providing funding and support
From large companies to sole traders , the Tees Valley mayor and combined authority is offering funding and support to hundreds of businesses and thousands of people across our great region .
Here ’ s just a handful that have been assisted , with the help of funding from the UK government in recent months :
GB Belting GB Belting , a family-run firm based on Teesside Industrial Estate , has been manufacturing conveyor belts for nearly 40 years , supplying industries worldwide . Employing 13 staff , the company has benefited from the Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme , enhancing its business strategy and expanding into the recycling sector .
Founded in 1986 , GB Belting produces belts for various industries , from automotive to food processing .
Director Jeremy Byrne said : “ It ’ s about getting out there and putting your face in front of people . Although we ’ ve been going almost 40 years , I ’ m sure there are lots of companies out there who don ’ t know what we can offer them .”
Parlour Furniture Skilled furniture maker Garry Smith has cut energy bills and stayed warm with Tees Valley ’ s Net Zero support . Working from a 250-year-old barn at Parlour Furniture , near Stockton , he struggled with heating
Chain gang – GB Belting benefited from the Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme .
inefficiencies . A £ 2,000 grant and expert guidance helped him install LED lighting and infra-red heaters , reducing costs and improving comfort .
“ I zoned each area with efficient heating , making a huge difference ,” said Garry , who matched the funding with his own investment . The upgrades save him £ 622 annually .
Parlour Furniture uses eco-friendly finishes , and Garry encouraged other businesses to join the programme .
Jonathan Currie Jonathan Currie left his forklift job after 12 years to pursue new opportunities – using free adult education courses funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority . The 43-year-old from Grangetown gained multiple qualifications , including licences for cherry pickers , dumpers , and wind turbine work , securing jobs at Teesworks and beyond .
“ There ’ s plenty of work locally now ,” said Jonathan . “ If funding is available , why not use it ?”
Training from Seymour Academy , MP Plant Training and Middlesbrough College helped him transition into self-employment , reducing travel and securing consistent work . And he urged others to take advantage of free courses .
He added : “ Sometimes you ’ ve got to get out there and persevere with these things – there ’ s plenty of work about and you can ’ t be shy .”
Middlesbrough FC Promotion has arrived early at the Riverside !
Twenty Middlesbrough FC stewards completed training funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority , with 12 stepping into supervisor roles . Orangebox delivered Level 2 and 3 Spectator Safety courses , helping young recruits like Leo Marshall , 19 , land his first job . “ I feel good about my future now ,” he said .
Skills Bootcamps and the Adult Skills Fund also helped those out of work , like Mark Robinson , 59 , secure work at Boro . “ The course was simple to follow ,” he added .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 49