INSPIRATEES |
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“ A lot of the networking events are getting more diverse. We’ re getting new people, we’ re hopefully inspiring new leaders to come through and that’ s what these events are about – not just recognising those who’ ve been around for a long time but those who are coming through as well.
“ And for our students, it gives the message that there are job opportunities on Teesside, so you don’ t need to leave, and there are lots of people to be inspired by.”
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MY TOP 3 |
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Martin Walker( Tees Business) |
1. |
Jessica Gwaringa |
2. |
Victoria Lynch |
3. |
Imran Anwar |
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Tribute to Charlie:“ Charlie has the most infectious of personalities and is one of my absolute favourite human beings to work with. He always makes time for people and he’ s a total pillar of strength to all who work alongside him. He deserves every bit of success that comes his way – AV Dawson Group are so lucky to have him at the helm.” – Emma Cranie, MD, Elite Consult Group |
Tribute to Zoe:“ Zoe runs a multi-million-pound business while inspiring thousands of young people to aspire to reach their full potential with a calm and cheerful demeanour but a steely determination to advocate for our young people and our area. She is truly inspiring.” – Jane Armitage, chair, Power of Women |
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MY TOP 3 |
Sarah Thorpe( UKSE) |
1. |
Charlie Nettle |
2. |
Simon Corbett |
3. |
Sharon Lane |
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MY TOP 3
Dominic Lusardi |
1. |
Bill Scott |
2. |
Zoe Lewis |
3. |
Claire Preston |
Victoria Lynch
Additional Lengths Another who has grown a business empire from an idea she started in a back bedroom, Victoria is MD of Stockton-based hair extension giant Additional Lengths.
She has a major HQ off Portrack Lane and an impressive store in Stockton Town Centre – as well as an international exporting business that’ s starting to make significant gains in the USA.
Tribute to Victoria“ Victoria’ s vision, drive and integrity have built a global powerhouse. I deeply admire her leadership and business ethics.” – Tania Cooper, MD, Steel Benders UK
Alison McGee
Durata Alison is the quality director of a fastgrowing Middlesbrough-based business, Durata, which she runs with her husband, John.
They are big supporters of local causes such as The Teesside Charity, while Alison also hit the headlines when their firm came to the rescue of stricken Thornaby Football Club, where she’ s now chief executive.
Tribute to Alison:“ I voted for Alison, not just for her incredible contributions at Durata or her work at building Thornaby FC to the united club it is now, but also for her uplifting, positive attitude and her dedication to supporting women in business. She is never without a smile!” – Jo Elliott, business development manager, Wander Films
Charlie Nettle
AV Dawson A former chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the North-East, Charlie served the North East Chamber of Commerce as head of marketing.
He joined AV Dawson 10 years ago and has never looked back, eventually succeeding Gary Dawson as group managing director in 2023, leading AV Dawson’ s new vision as owner of the Port of Middlesbrough.
Karl Pemberton
Active Chartered Financial Planners At Active, Karl is MD of a team of specialist independent financial planners, based on Teesside but working across the UK.
He’ s been a leading voice of business in our region as the chair of the Tees Valley branch of the Institute of Directors – of which he remains a chartered director and fellow – while Karl is also a firm advocate for local community groups as a trustee and long-term supporter of The Teesside Charity.
Tribute to Karl:“ Karl is something else entirely. His infectious personality, wide smile and easy-going attitude win you over. I’ ve been lucky enough to call him my friend for many years. He is an incredibly generous person, an absolute professional and clearly one of the most inspiring business leaders of our region.” – Mike Racz, CEO, Racz Group
BUBBLING UNDER:
Just missing out on this year’ s top 30 were Mark South( Double Eleven), Bob Makin( Behaviour Interactive), Rich Himsworth( Salesfire UK), Caroline Theobald( Power of Women), Lee Bramley( Ward Hadaway) and Jane Armitage( Power of Women).
24 | Tees Business