/ TeesBusiness @ Tees _ Business
WELCOME
Where success checks in
GUEST FOREWORD by John Lambourne-Richardson
Manager, Hampton by Hilton, Stockton-on-Tees
HIGHLIGHTS
16-21
TAILOR-MADE FOR SUCCESS Tees Businesswoman of the Year Rachel Burke discusses a career that’ s taken her from Middlesbrough to a leadership role with global responsibilities
66-67
TEES TIME Discover what makes ITS CEO Andrew Mills tick
I
’ m delighted to welcome you to the year’ s first edition of Tees Business – a publication we’ re proud to display in the reception area of Hampton by Hilton in Stockton-on-Tees.
Despite these being challenging times for our economy, there are so many reasons for positivity – as highlighted by the success of the VelociTees celebration of the region’ s fastestgrowing businesses, which you can read about within this issue of Tees Business.
So many inspiring businesses are swimming successfully against the economic flow. They are an example to us all that with ambition, innovation and grit, we can succeed no matter what.
Meanwhile, it’ s lovely to read the cover feature with local girl Rachel Burke as she describes her climb to be crowned Tees Businesswoman of the Year.
I’ m enthusiastic about the Tees Valley’ s 2026 developments because they promise to boost business and leisure travel. Major infrastructure projects, like the Stockton Waterfront transformation with new riverside park space and public amenities, will draw more visitors and events to the town centre.
New employment sites and job creation across the region will bring more corporate stays and longer visitor stays. Additionally, expanding transport links and tourism initiatives across Tees Valley are set to increase visitor numbers, directly benefiting local hospitality and our hotel’ s future growth.
Our 128-room Hampton by Hilton continues to perform strongly, with excellent guest reviews, high occupancy and solid demand from business and leisure travellers since opening in 2019 as part of the Northshore regeneration scheme.
This year, the hotel is planning updates and maintenance under Hilton’ s brand standards, which typically include a seven-year soft refurbishment cycle to refresh interiors, furniture and guest areas to maintain quality and competitiveness. These improvements will help keep the property attractive and up to Hilton standards for years to come. You can read more of my thoughts within this issue of Tees Business.
And we’ d love to hear from any local organisations who are looking for a different meeting space in the heart of Stockton.
Until then, keep doing what you’ re doing – overcoming the odds and displaying that local pride that, as an adopted Teessider, I’ ve become so accustomed to seeing since I arrived here a few short years ago.
126-135
VELOCITEES 2026 Highlights from the annual celebration of the region’ s fastest-growing businesses
154
THE BUSINESS BUZZ Harry Pearson ponders“ If only Action Man had worn a bowler hat!”
Solely dedicated to talking up business in the Tees region, Tees Business exists to build, foster and inspire a vibrant and supportive business community in the Tees region.
We support businesses and organisations across the region through our leading range of publications and events.
Published in print and digital formats, Tees Business is the voice of business in our region. Published quarterly and purely focused on the local business community, the combined print and digital readership of Tees Business magazine exceeds 20,000 – with the print version personally delivered to the region’ s business leaders. It is the perfect tool to market your products, services, achievements and plans to an audience of fellow professionals.
Our website and three-times weekly e-news are designed to deliver incisive, engaging and relevant of-the-minute business news to the inboxes of the region’ s businesses and the people who run them, all supported by powerful social media.
Tees Business.
Always Positive. Always Business. Always Tees. Part of Resolution Media and Publishing
PRIVACY POLICY We have a Privacy Policy to make it easier for you to understand what information we collect, why we collect it, and how we use it. You can view our policy online at teesbusiness. co. uk / privacy. If you do not want to receive hard copies of Tees Business, or our weekly e-news, please email privacy @ teesbusiness. co. uk.
* All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part without written permission, is strictly prohibited. Tees Business accepts adverts and advertorials in good faith and takes no responsibility for errors and / or omissions. We cannot be held responsible for advertisers offering goods or services. All information is correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of publishing.
Tees Business | W: teesbusiness. co. uk | Tel: 01642 450255 | Email: info @ teesbusiness. co. uk Plenary BV House, Queen’ s Square, Middlesbrough, TS2 1PA Published & distributed by: Resolution Media & Publishing Ltd | resolutionpublishing. co. uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 5