AWARDS
AWARD SUPPORT
Meet some of the Tees region’ s big brands backing the 2026 Tees Business Awards
TEES VALLEY COMBINED AUTHORITY – SMALL TEES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sarah Walker, director of business solutions at the Tees Valley Combined Authority, said:“ Small businesses mean so much to our region. They offer jobs and livelihoods for tens of thousands of our people – and continue to be the engines of ingenuity across the length and breadth of the Tees Valley.
“ We’ re proud to back our small businesses through a huge range of our programmes and it makes total sense to show our pride for the brilliant work they do by sponsoring this category.”
Matthew Ord, chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, added:“ On Teesside, nearly half of our workforce is employed by small and medium-sized enterprises( SMEs).
“ With around 16,500 businesses providing jobs for more than 300,000 people, these firms truly are the backbone of our economy.
“ Their big impact highlights the necessity of supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship, driving growth and creating opportunities for our community.”
CF FERTILISERS – INCLUSION AND ENGAGEMENT AWARD
General manager Martin Liddle said:“ At CF, people are our greatest asset. We believe that creating and committing to an environment where we safeguard each other’ s physical and personal wellbeing by helping each other feel welcome, valued and inspired is how individuals and the organisation will develop and prosper.
“ Our Inclusion Resource Group encourages employee involvement to build a culture of belonging, implementing strategies focused on meaningful connections with colleagues and the community, career development and cultural awareness.
“ We’ re delighted to support this award and look forward to learning how I & E is being lived out across our local business community, and how we can integrate these best practices into CF.”
Martin is pictured with rotating equipment engineer Praveen Manocha, engineering manager Imran Khaliq, site process engineer Kayleigh Hullah and HR business partner Mark Hudson.
MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE – TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS AWARD
Gary Potts, vice-principal at Middlesbrough College Group, pictured with head of business engagement Matthew Telling, said:“ We are proud to continue our support of the business awards, particularly the Training and Apprenticeships category, which recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of apprentices across our area, as well as the forwardthinking employers who champion their development.
“ As a leading provider of training and apprenticeships in the region, we have the privilege of seeing first-hand the exceptional work taking place every day to strengthen local skills and help people build successful, long-term careers.
“ We have no doubt that this year’ s awards will showcase some truly inspiring stories, and we are very much looking forward to discovering and celebrating them.”
PUNCH ROBSON SOLICITORS – TEES BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Elaine McLaine-Wood, managing partner of Punch Robson Solicitors, said the firm was proud to once again support the category.
“ Every year, the Tees Business Awards raise the bar in celebrating our region’ s highperforming businesses and the inspirational leaders behind those organisations,” said Elaine.
“ The event celebrates enterprise, ambition and collaboration, reflecting Punch Robson Solicitors’ commitment to supporting Teesside’ s business community.
“ We are particularly proud to again sponsor the prestigious category of Business Leader of the Year.”
140 | Tees Business