FEATURE
Connection – Grant Honzik and Andy Tomlinson lead the Men’ s Network Group, which was launched during National Inclusion Week.
ALL IN THE SAME BOAT
How PD Ports is building a sense of belonging and an inclusive workforce for the future
From dockside to boardroom, PD Ports is putting inclusion and wellbeing at its heart. Led by a growing network of employee-led groups, the company is creating visible, practical support that helps people feel part of the business and able to tackle issues facing everyone in the modern workplace.
Brotherhood – the Men’ s Network Group provides space for honest conversations about the pressures men face both in and outside the workplace.
For almost 175 years, PD Ports has been part of Teesside’ s industrial story.
Ports are traditionally tough environments: fast-moving, complex and historically male-dominated.
But the direction of travel is changing. More women than ever hold operational and leadership roles across PD Ports.
And there is growing recognition that inclusion and wellbeing are key to safety, performance and long-term success.
At the heart of that shift are PD Ports’ Employee Network Groups – four groups with a shared purpose to make sure people feel supported by the business, empowered to make changes for the better and able to be themselves at work.
It’ s ok to talk Safety has always been PD Ports’ number one priority. Increasingly, that includes psychological safety and wellbeing, not just physical safety on site.
The launch of the Men’ s Network Group during National Inclusion Week was based around safety at the most personal level.
Led by warehouse operative Andy Tomlinson and supported at executive level by business unit director – bulks Grant Honzik, the group provides space for honest conversations about the pressures men face both in and outside the workplace.
The group aims to challenge outdated perceptions of what it means to work“ down the docks” and to show that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.
“ I’ ve had many conversations with people across the business who are going through all kinds of issues,” says Grant.
“ It’ s important that people feel they can talk about their own situation and know that there’ s help and support available. I think our group has a real opportunity to do that for our people.”
Andy adds:“ The world outside is changing rapidly. I want to make sure we keep up with those changes and we’ re not left behind.
“ I see the Men’ s Network Group challenging the perception of men working down the docks and offering a safe space to discuss issues, share ideas and break down barriers.”
Making change tangible The Women’ s Network Group has become one of PD Ports’ most influential employee communities since its launch in 2024.
Under the leadership of senior business development manager Patti Burt, with executive sponsorship from chief finance officer Liz Law, the group has focused on practical barriers as well as longer-term cultural change.
In a port environment, the lack of inclusion often shows up in practical ways,
50 | Tees Business