INSPIRATEES
Mike Racz
Racz Group Twenty years ago, Hungary-born Mike came to the UK with nothing – and made ends meet as a pizza delivery driver. He now owns countless Domino’ s pizza outlets, Costa Coffee shops and Anytime Fitness gyms.
He also employs more than 2,000 people – the majority of them right here in our region – while also holding a voluntary position as a member of the Tees Valley Business Board.
Tribute to Mike:“ I’ ve never met anyone else in my life, let alone in business, quite like Mike. He has an unwavering belief and level of optimism like no other. Everything he is going to do is going to be a success, so he’ s going to do it. For this, he deserves his success so much. He is also always willing to share his successes with others too, especially those who have supported him along the way. He has created a formidable team to support him.” – Karl Pemberton, MD, Active
MY TOP 3
Noel Dennis( Atomix Educational Trust)
1. Bill Scott 2. Bev Goodall 3. Mike Racz
Jane Reynolds MBE
Point North & Tees Valley Business Club The relationship manager for Point North – formerly known as County Durham Community Foundation – Jane needs no introduction to those who attend meetings of the brilliant Tees Valley Business Club.
Jane came to Teesside after spells in London, the USA and Netherlands – but she has been part of Tees Valley Business Club for the last 18 years, most recently as chair. In 2020 she received an MBE for services to industry.
Tribute to Jane:“ I was introduced to Jane following my recent appointment – we hadn’ t met before. Jane instantly welcomed me and was interested to know all about me. She is a great connector and the contributions she has made to the region without doubt deserve to be recognised.” – Susan Snowdon, investment executive, NEL Fund Managers
Bianca Robinson
CEO Sleepout As the CEO of Middlesbrough-based national charity CEO Sleepout, Bianca has helped drive millions of pounds of fundraising for those who have suffered the consequences of homelessness. And a big chunk of that cash has made its way back to Teesside, helping dozens of local charities.
While she’ s convinced hundreds of business leaders to give up their beds for an uncomfortable night sleeping rough, she doesn’ t ask them to do anything she wouldn’ t do herself – so she has personally slept on hard, cold floors dozens of times across the country.
Speaking to guests at the InspiraTees event, Bianca said Teesside’ s proud heritage played a part in building its promising present and future.
Bianca – a New Zealander who’ s made Teesside her home – told Tees Business:“ Teesside has the talent but it also has drive and ambition that I think comes from the grit and hardworking legacy of the parents, the grandparents, the people who came here to forge the engine room of the UK.
“ I’ m an outsider but I’ m an honorary Teessider and I’ m honoured to be part of it.”
Tribute to Bianca:“ Bianca is a powerhouse of purpose, CEO of CEO Sleepout, founder of Leaders with Purpose and a tireless advocate for social justice. Through her work she’ s raised vital funds and awareness for homelessness, inspiring change with compassion and grit. A true force for good, Bianca leads with heart, vision and unwavering integrity. Bianca is one of my dearest friends. She inspires me daily and is, without question, the best dancing partner on the planet!” – Julie France, director, Space Meetings & Events
Nikki Sayer
Casper Customs
For more than three decades, Casper Customs MD Nikki has carved out a distinguished career in the shipping and customs industry.
Earlier this year, she received a double honour when she not only joined the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights but was also honoured with the Freedom of the City of London – awarded to those who have given outstanding service in their respective field, upholding the values of leadership, integrity and commitment to the City. Other distinguished recipients of the honour include Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Dame Judi Dench and King Charles.
Speaking at the InspiraTees event, Nikki heaped praise on the Tees Valley when asked what inspires her, replying:“ I’ m so proud of this region that we’ re all living and working in.
“ That’ s what inspires me, and that’ s why you want to give back and help others make the most of where we are, because we are in a truly remarkable area.”
Tributes to Nikki:“ Nikki is a tireless advocate for young people and skills in Teesside. From shaping government strategy as a maritime skills commissioner to driving collaboration between business and education as a Tees Maritime ambassador, she is inspiring futures while strengthening the vital role maritime plays in our supply chain. An absolute force.” – Joanne Vinton-Bullwinkel, Tees Maritime
“ Nikki leads with heart and vision. She’ s fearless, driven and uplifting. A true force who inspires excellence and empowers others.” – Kizzy Riley, marketing consultant
The voice of business in the Tees region | 25