NEWS
Opportunity on their doorstep
After more than a decade of impact, delivery and unwavering belief in young people, Teesside’ s High Tide Foundation is stepping up once again.
Founded in 2012, High Tide has connected more than 33,500 young people with industry across the Tees Valley – opening doors, broadening horizons and bridging opportunity gaps.
But as it looks to 2026, the message is sharper than ever- the need has never been greater.
In a region rich in industrial heritage, global employers and fast-growing sectors, too many young people remain unaware of the opportunities on their own doorstep. High Tide exists to change that.
Chairman Mark Easby is clear:“ The time is now. We’ ve achieved so much – but there is more to do.”
With renewed leadership and fresh energy at board level, the foundation is entering a new phase.
Interim director Claire Preston brings more than 30 years’ experience across business, education and the charitable
sector, alongside a deep commitment to social mobility and equality.
Joining her is Michael Duffey, director of operations at Atomix Educational Trust, whose passion for youth development and social enterprise adds strategic firepower. Michelle Robson of PD Ports has also strengthened the trustee team.
This isn’ t change for the sake of it- it’ s momentum. 2025 has already delivered high-impact sector weeks and employer-led programmes, giving students real insight into careers, workplaces and pathways they may never have considered.
Focus – the newlook High Tide Foundation team.
Now the ambition grows. Expanded partnerships, deeper employer engagement and a bold drive to position High Tide as the region’ s go-to catalyst for social mobility.
The call to action is clear. If you care about your future workforce, your sector and the long-term prosperity of the Tees Valley, get involved. Open your doors. Offer work experience. Share your expertise. Showcase opportunity.
High Tide has built the bridge. Now it needs more businesses to walk across it.
To be part of the next chapter, contact hughston @ hightidefoundation. co. uk or visit hightidefoundation. co. uk
AWARD-WINNING FINE DINING IN THE TEES VALLEY
> Ideally located for business lunches > Outstanding, hand-picked wine list > A la carte menu, small plates and pub classics > Monthly hosted wine tasting evenings
> Corporate / private hire for wine tastings, weddings and other events
ACHIEVEMENTS & SUCCESSES
EstrellaDamm Top 50 Gastropubs
National Finalists Chef of the Year, Young Chef of the Year and Best Wine Pub( Great British Pub Awards)
SME of the Year finalist( Tees Businesswomen Awards) Teesside’ s Best Restaurant( Tees Business magazine)
Michelin Guide( 14 years) 2AA Rosettes( 16 years) Michelin Bib Gourmand AA inspector’ s favourite
Chadwicks Inn Maltby, High Lane, Middlesbrough, TS8 0BG T: 01642 590300 W: chadwicksinnmaltby. co. uk
BOOK ONLINE