OPINION
Tees
Talk
After a national study ranked Darlington seventh, Middlesbrough ninth and Stockton 14th among the UK’ s best places to run a successful business, we asked business leaders what makes the towns so special.
The study, based on data from the Office for National Statistics, determined the places where entrepreneurs have the best shot at longterm success based on business birth rates, business death rates and five-year survival rates.
STEPHEN ROBINSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, OUTRANK, MIDDLESBROUGH Middlesbrough has a unique blend of entrepreneurial drive, community spirit and a willingness to innovate. We’ ve built Outrank here and seen first-hand how the region’ s strong business networks, access to skilled talent and supportive local initiatives, make it easier for companies to start, grow and thrive.
It’ s a place where ambition is matched with real collaboration – and that combination creates an environment where businesses can survive the early challenges and achieve longterm success.
ROB BOVILLE, OWNER-DIRECTOR, BEARTECH & AUTOMATE LEGAL, MIDDLESBROUGH The Tees region has a rare mix of grit, talent and collaboration that makes starting and growing a business genuinely exciting. In Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton, you find ambitious entrepreneurs, supportive networks and a shared belief that local success lifts everyone.
Lower costs, strong talent pipelines and a community that rallies behind new ideas mean you’ re never building alone. Here, innovation isn’ t just welcomed – it’ s part of who we all are.
KARL PEMBERTON, MANAGING PARTNER, ACTIVE CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS, STOCKTON Having both worked in, and operated businesses in, all three named towns in the Tees Valley over the last 30 years, I can see clearly why they have been ranked so highly. Granted, over that time, they – and we – have faced many a challenge, but with that comes opportunity and a resilience from those who come through the other side.
When I visit other parts of the UK, what I don’ t see is that determination, that“ no-one will keep us down” attitude and that togetherness in supporting each other that I see back here. Ultimately, we are a big village – and that’ s a major positive.
BRADLEY JOHNSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, YELLOW BOX MARKETING, STOCKTON For me, the network you can create and the support you gain from others is priceless. How many times have you mentioned a problem to a friend, colleague or client, only for them to immediately recommend someone they trust?
Strong relationships are at the heart of growing any business. The openness and generosity of fellow Tees Valley business owners make it possible to build a truly valuable support network. It’ s no surprise that our area ranks so highly.
8 | Tees Business