OPINION
MEL COUTTS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, RITE PEOPLE, DARLINGTON Having operated within Darlington and the wider Tees Valley for the majority of my adult life, I’ ve seen first-hand why our region is such a strong place to build and sustain a business. Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton all benefit from a supportive business community coupled with a workforce that’ s both skilled and resilient.
There’ s a genuine spirit of collaboration across the Tees Valley which, combined with ongoing investment and regeneration, and the excellent support from the combined authority and Darlington Council’ s business team, gives entrepreneurs the confidence to start, grow and thrive here.
JOHN R AGAR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, IT SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT, DARLINGTON Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton blend the North-East’ s industrial heritage with a bold future in high-skilled technologies.
From pioneering railways to advanced engineering and digital innovation, this region has always been a powerhouse of progress. Entrepreneurs and businesses benefit from a skilled workforce, collaborative networks and a culture of resilience.
It’ s no coincidence these towns rank among the UK’ s best for business – Tees Valley is where tradition fuels transformation and start-ups evolve into long-term success stories.
JED LESTER, DIRECTOR, BAINES JEWITT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, STOCKTON Stockton and its surrounding boroughs are again“ ahead of the curve” in being great places to do business.
Over the years we’ ve acted for second and third-generation businesses, with solid roots in and around the area. Many were established and developed along the banks of the River Tees prior to the creation of strong, efficient north-south and east-west road networks.
More latterly, and for years to come, businesses will benefit from innovative technology, plus excellent reclamation and redevelopment work at Teesworks, Teesport and around Teesside Airport.
These factors combined will continue to attract a vibrant workforce to the area.
STEVE SOUTHERN, CEO, SOUTHERN ASSET MANAGEMENT, STOCKTON Born and raised in Thornaby, part of Stockton, it was the obvious place to base my business. It’ s full of down-to-earth, like-minded people who really look out for each other. There’ s a real sense of pride and shared values here, which encourages everyone to do well, and with a 93 % business survival rate, we must be doing something right!
Stockton’ s location means it’ s easy to get to places such as Darlington, Middlesbrough and beyond, while the town itself is full of creativity and new ideas, especially within the growing independent scene.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 9