INSPIRATEES
MY TOP 3
Lisa Gosnay( Assessable) |
1. |
Danielle Croce |
2. |
Mark Easby |
3. |
Andy Stogdale |
4th( 5th) Steve Gibson OBE Gibson-O’ Neill Group There aren’ t many figures in business – or football – who inspire the level of respect Steve Gibson commands on Teesside. In this region, quite simply, his name is legend.
He’ s been the chairman of Middlesbrough FC for more than 30 years, guiding the club through highs and lows, while his decades in business alongside his partner Mike O’ Neill see him front container logistics business Bulkhaul, with its HQ in his hometown but with a global presence as far afield as Japan, Brazil, Malaysia and the USA. And the impressive Rockliffe Hall hotel, spa and golf club continues to expand.
He topped this poll when it was first held in 2016 – and would no doubt do so again if he could fulfil his dream and guide Boro back into the Premier League.
Tributes to Steve:“ Steve Gibson, proud Teessider, lifelong Boro fan and chairman, founded Bulkhaul at 23 and built it into a global leader. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering support for Boro make him an inspiration.” – Alan Timothy, CEO, Bubo. ai
“ Steve Gibson’ s commitment to the local business community and, of course, the Boro over more than 30 years cannot be underestimated, helping Teesside remain in the international spotlight.” – Graham Fitzgerald, partner, Azets
5th( new entry) Danielle Croce Intasite She once dreamed of being a firefighter, but Danielle is the co-founder and commercial director of Stockton’ s Intasite, a fast-growing health and safety tech business that’ s also celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Last year she succeeded the likes of Chloë Clover, Claire Preston, Sharon Lane and Kimberley Turner when
she was crowned the seventh Tees Businesswoman of the Year. Now she’ s the highest-placed woman in this prestigious list, smashing into the top five as a new entry into the top 30.
Under her leadership, Intasite has significantly expanded its client base, securing major contracts with industry giants such as AB InBev, Equinor’ s Dogger Bank Wind Farm, CityFibre, SSE Renewables, RWE, Hitachi Energy, SeAH Wind and Sky Studios.
She told the InspiraTees audience:“ I feel really out of my comfort zone, especially with all the amazing leaders being recognised today. It’ s completely alien to me, so I really appreciate it.
“ But I do hope that more women come forward in business. I’ ve always tried to be authentic – so just being myself and seeing the good, the bad and the ugly, I hope I can share that with everyone else, because business is hard.
“ We’ re all people and we’ re all human. It’ s about having that personal touch and I hope I can inspire other people to do it.”
Tribute to Danielle:“ Danielle is the kind of leader our region needs: purpose-driven, grounded in her values and unapologetically authentic. Her humility and quiet strength inspire so many in the Tees business community and beyond.” – Lisa Gosnay, co-founder, Assessable
6th( 4th) Frans Caljé OBE PD Ports Having topped the poll in 2022 in a week when he was also recognised with an OBE, Dutchman Frans remains the only InspiraTees winner born overseas.
For the past eight years he has been CEO of Middlesbrough-headquartered PD Ports, guardians of the River Tees as statutory harbour authority.
After starting his career in Rotterdam and gaining experience in Europe and the USA, Frans has been instrumental in establishing Teesport as the UK’ s fifth-largest maritime complex, while he recently announced plans for a £ 200m, 180-acre Teesport Offshore Gateway, emphasising the firm’ s commitment to Teesside after a 49 % buyout of PD Ports by Pontegadea Inversiones.
Tributes to Frans:“ Frans always takes time to share his knowledge, experience and words of wisdom in a warm and engaging way. I appreciate his honesty and frankness, as well as his good humour. He is always open about the ups and downs of business.” – Melissa Coutts, MD, Rite People
“ Frans always comes across as honest, quiet and unassuming but he is no doubt a very strong leader. PD Ports is in good hands.” – Keith Miller, MD, Ecco Finishing Supplies
MY TOP 3
Melissa Coutts |
1. |
Frans Caljé |
2. |
Mike Racz |
3. |
Jason Pritchard |
20 | Tees Business