INSPIRATEES
INSPIRATHREES
Michael Thompson( Teesside University)
1. |
Steve Gibson OBE |
2. |
Danielle Croce |
3. |
Sharon Lane |
Rachel Burke
( Tracerco) Tracerco’ s director of compliance and risk is already the reigning Tees Businesswoman of the Year and has now made the InspiraTees list for the first time – another fantastic accolade in a career that’ s been based on professionalism, integrity and compassion, including sitting on the boards of both the Power of Women and Recovery Connections.
Frans Calje OBE
( PD Ports) An adopted Teessider, PD Ports’ Dutch CEO Frans Calje was hiding his own secret at the InspiraTees ceremony – because just days later, he’ d reveal he’ d be stepping down after 10 years at the PD helm and handing over the reins to COO Paul Foreman.
However, Frans- a former overall winner of InspiraTees – gave an illuminating insight into his leadership style, telling Tees Business:“ If you’ re going to be in a position of leadership or authority, it’ s very easy to think very much of yourself – and I don’ t think you should.
“ Show a lot of interest, compassion and kindness to the people around you. If you do that and listen to what motivates people, and what they expect you to do, you start to connect.
“ Then, all of a sudden, when the whistle goes and you go over the top into a hail of bullets, people will be with you – and that’ s what makes the difference.”
Tania Cooper MBE
( Steel Benders UK) An ardent ambassador for STEM across the North-East, Steel Benders UK MD Tania has more than three decades of experience leading in manufacturing, business growth and international trade. She is also a former winner of a special category at the Tees Businesswomen Awards – the Jane Turner Award for Outstanding Contribution.
Danielle Croce
( Intasite) Retaining her place in the InspiraTees top 30, having made her debut last year, is former Tees Businesswoman of the Year Danielle, who once dreamed of being a firefighter but instead became co-founder and commercial director of thriving Stockton-based health and safety tech business Intasite. Her InspiraTees inclusion came just weeks after Intasite was named Small Tech Business of the Year at the Tees Tech Awards 2026.
Bev Goodall
( AbacusBean) The MD of accountants AbacusBean, such is her excellent reputation in the local tech scene that Bev – who also sits on the Power of Women board – was named the sector’ s Unsung Hero at last year’ s Tees Tech Awards.
Sophie McKenna
( Power of Women) Making her first appearance in the InspiraTees list, Power of Women executive director Sophie has been making a real impact across the business community as an ace connector and passionate game-changer for girls and women. Her role sees her leading PoW strategy, campaigns and operations to drive growth, influence and lasting impact across the Tees Valley.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 23