INSPIRATEES
what they ever thought they were capable of achieving.” – Sarah Monk, chief strategy officer, the Edwin Group
7th( 2nd) Sharon Lane Tees Components Never out of this list’ s top 10, Sharon has never been outside the top two most inspiring women in each of the 10 years this poll has run.
The 2019 Tees Businesswoman of the Year, Sharon is the MD of heavy engineering firm Tees Components, boasting one of the country’ s largest machining facilities, while she is a strong industry voice as a firm advocate of the country’ s manufacturing sector.
Tributes to Sharon:“ Sharon is an amazing woman making a hugely positive impact in a maledominated industry. She’ s a truly inspirational leader, who is dedicated and passionate about apprenticeships and her workforce.” – Bill Scott OBE, CEO, Wilton Engineering
“ Sharon Lane is a true inspiration, not only in her day job at Tees Components but also in the community spirit she ingrains within the business and especially their brilliant brass band! Sharon also works tirelessly for MAKE UK, truly trying to make a difference within the manufacturing industry at such an important time.” – Nikki Sayer, MD, Casper Customs
8th( top 30)
Alastair Powell
Cleveland Cable Company With more than 600 employees based in Teesside, together with branches across England, Scotland, Ireland and even Dubai, Alastair Powell’ s impact as a leader is undeniable. He shuns publicity but deserves the accolades for building Cleveland Cable with his brother Michael into the UK’ s largest cable distributor, employing 300 staff here on Teesside.
MY TOP 3
Bill Scott( Wilton Group) |
1. |
Sharon Lane |
2. |
Zoe Lewis |
3. |
Jessica Williams |
He also quietly but generously provides significant financial support to local causes, including The Teesside Charity and Teesside Family Foundation.
“ To me, Alastair is like a mighty oak in the Teesside forest. It’ s not just his success, it’ s his staying power. Alongside his family and team, he has steered Cleveland Cable Company through decades of booms and recessions. Leadership isn’ t only about vision or growth – it’ s about fairness, humility and humanity. Alastair embodies these values. And he leads without fanfare, quietly giving back to the community.” – Alisdair Beveridge, MD, The Build Directory
MY TOP 3
Alisdair Beveridge( The Build Directory)
1. Alastair Powell 2. Bill Scott 3. Dale Smith
9th( top 30) Claire Preston CP Coaching and Consulting A driving force for gender equality in the region, Claire is perhaps best known for her work with the Power of Women campaign, from which she recently stood down to focus on her own business, CP Coaching and Consulting.
As well as working closely with local charity Halo Project, the first Tees Businesswoman of the Year, back in 2018, is also co-owner of a new retreat programme, Lean In, Power Up.
Tribute to Claire:“ Claire is generous with her time, clear in her thinking, motivational in her approach and with a genuine desire to make a difference by elevating others beyond
10th( new entry) Jessica Gwaringa
Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Jessica hits the top 10 in her first appearance in our annual top 30 after a phenomenal year that saw the business she runs with husband John increase its turnover from £ 8m to £ 18m.
A registered nurse, she started Moonrise 11 years ago from her dining room table – but the Stocktonheadquartered high-quality care and agency staff business now coordinates around 350 care and nursing professionals across the North-East and beyond, with exciting plans to expand into Scotland and into care homes next. Moonrise was also named the Business of the Year at the 2024 Tees Businesswomen Awards.
Speaking at the InspiraTees event, Jessica told fellow business leaders that she felt diversity and inclusion were important drivers for businesses.
She said:“ Working in the care industry – well, not only the care industry – you need to bear in mind that we are equal.”
To applause in the room, she added:“ Regardless of our background, our race, our disability, everyone is equal.
“ It’ s important that each and every company realises that – and we definitely take that on board at Moonrise.”
Tributes to Jessica:“ I find Jessica’ s start-up story really inspirational – and then seeing Moonrise becoming the powerhouse it is today … it’ s exactly what these awards are made for.” – Bob Makin, general manager, Behaviour Interactive UK
“ Jessica is truly entrepreneurial – having the vision, drive and determination to build a successful company from an idea discussed with her family around the dinner table.” – Peter Barron MBE, former editor, Northern Echo & Tees Business feature writer
MY TOP 3
Peter Barron MBE |
1. |
Jessica Gwaringa |
2. |
Frans Caljé OBE |
3. |
Sharon Lane |
The voice of business in the Tees region | 21