TEES
TALK
Tees Business creators Resolution Publishing are set to launch a new
magazine promoting the businesses, investment opportunities, people,
lifestyle and living spaces available in the Tees region.
But…what do you think the Tees region, its people and businesses have
to do better or differently to “sell” the region to the rest of the country?
We asked eight business leaders…
Prof Paul Croney, vice-chancellor and chief
executive, Teesside University
“As a region, we simply must be more
positive about our achievements, celebrate
success more visibly and talk-up our
strengths. The hidden gems must be allowed
to shine.
“Our region has a can-do attitude - we get
on and deliver and are bold and ambitious.
We need to turn this approach to how we
promote the region and ensure we put the
Tees Valley on the map.”
Paul Gibson, director, Active Chartered
Financial Planners
“The recent Radio 1 Big Weekend was a
great success and has probably changed
many people’s perceptions of our region.
We have a fantastic university and colleges,
together with a mass of successful
businesses.
“We already have a number of inspirational
ambassadors who talk up Teesside. However,
we all have a responsibility to share the
stories of our success, promote the region
in a positive way and raise awareness and
aspirations of young people so that they
become the Teesside of tomorrow.”
Kevin Hynes, managing director, Tees Fire
Systems
“One of the problems for Teesside is the
national perception of the area as a polluted
town that gained us the Smoggies nickname.
“The region’s people and businesses
need to get the message across that the
Infant Hercules is on the rise again but it’s
about more than the heavy industry of old.
Power up the North East – give us the tools
and support, and we will deliver. We’re a
university town with fantastic transport
connections including our own airport, skilled
workforce and a great work-life balance.”
Ben Houchen, elected mayor, Tees Valley
“We must have more confidence in what we
do and speak more confidently – because
if we don’t do it, one else will do it for us.
We’ve got to be more ballsy, disruptive and
different with our marketing.
“My thinking is that we should be
advertising in the London Underground,
showing those in the capital that we gave
them the Shard, Wembley and London
buses. ‘This is what Tees Valley made. You’re
welcome!’ We should be showing a picture
of a tiny flat in London and a six-bedroom
mansion here, pointing out they’re both about
£500,000! Never mind it’s grim up North, it’s
terrific in the Tees Valley!”
Andy Preston, elected mayor, Middlesbrough
“To get someone’s attention, you have to be
shocking or exciting - so we have to show the
rest of the country what makes us truly unique.
If I was marketing our area to potential visitors,
I’d launch a package featuring an action-packed
weekend the like of which few others places could
offer.
“Along with the chance to eat at some of our
fantastic restaurants, you’d have a great night out
with drinks in Middlesbrough’s Baker Street and
Bedford Street regeneration zone. But you’d also
be taken white water rafting at the Tees Barrage,
given a surfing lesson at Saltburn and experience
bungee jumping from the Transporter, the
country’s only bridge licensed to do so, before a
walk around Roseberry Topping. What an amazing
impression that would give anyone of our area!”
Peter Snaith, partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
“Teesside puts the North East on the map in
terms of industry, with our world-scale assets and
infrastructure. However, we can be inward-looking
and we try too hard to go it alone. We need to
stop being so modest. Outsiders don’t understand
what we offer.
“Our businesses are not just factories. They
are thriving businesses which offer an exciting
future for all manner of skillsets and professions,
not just scientists and engineers. Our North East
powerhouse will be stronger if our sub-regions
pull together.”
Philip Aldridge, chief executive, NEPIC
“The North East is a small region and now
divided into three - Tees Valley, North of Tyne and
everything in between. We need a voice that
speaks from, and for, the whole area.
“Our message should emphasise the world
class, global businesses located here, showcasing
the likes of pharmaceutical giants FUJIFILM
Diosynth and GSK. We should also target the
region’s successful diaspora who know what a
great place this is to live but may not realise our
current economic potential.”
Mark Hill, commercial property director,
Jomast
“It might sound obvious but we really do need
to be shouting louder about all the great things
we have here. In Middlesbrough alone, there are
enough cultural attractions and independent food,
drink and retail outlets to give people a really
enjoyable weekend stay - and we shouldn’t be
embarrassed to say that.
“Recent events such as the Big Weekend and
Take That concert gave us a national audience
- and we need to keep reminding people that
the Tees Valley can be a great attraction all year
round.”