Tees Business Tees Business Issue 20 | Page 3

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE OF TEES BUSINESS: WELCOME 16 GUEST FOREWORD from Chris Petty Despite all the uncertainty, this bumper issue of Tees Business reflects what I believe are exciting times for Tees Valley’s business community. O ver the last few years of will we, won’t we Brexit debate, I’ve heard the press frequently report that it’s causing major issues for business – and I’m sure that’s been the case. No one likes uncertainty – and Brexit has proved to be a huge distraction. From a personal point of view, however, I can only report positive business news, as Cornerstone has continued to win new contracts, create more jobs and launch new products and services. That is driven by the positive attitude of other Tees Valley businesses who have continued to drive forward at a time when they would be forgiven for a more cautious, wait-and-see style approach. As you can read in this issue of Tees Business, Cornerstone was honoured to win the IT contract for our born-again airport – and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of Teesside International as it looks forward to a bright future under public ownership. We’re also busy highlighting that, as from January 2020, Microsoft will no longer support elements of software that many local businesses rely on. Please read my column on page 46 to ensure this doesn’t impact on your business. Cornerstone has launched a new marketing arm, offering first class social media services for local businesses, while I’m also a proud director of another booming Teesside company, Close Protection Security. Recent contract wins for CPS include carrying out security services for such high-profile names as AV Dawson and Middlesbrough Football Club. This issue of Tees Business also includes a 20-page supplement on the second Tees Businesswomen Awards. Again, we at Cornerstone were delighted to be there for the big night as sponsors of the Company of the Year category. It was an inspirational event that is making a huge impact across the region – and it’s brilliant to see Catherine Devereux featuring on the front cover of this issue on the back of her much-deserved Inspiring Others success. Those amazing awards and this booming magazine – truly the voice of business in the Tees region – are just two exciting developments for owners, Resolution Media and Publishing. Next April’s Tees Tech Awards and the new publications, This is Tees Valley and Wear Business, suggest there are more exciting times ahead. The only uncertainty I foresee is just how much success we can all enjoy. Maybe our national politicians could do with looking to our business region for inspiration! Chris Petty Director, Cornerstone Business Solutions TALKING UP YOUR BUSINESS A s the voice of the Tees business community, Tees Business is the perfect way to promote your successes, products and services to your fellow local businesses. Published every quarter, no fewer than 6,000 copies of Tees Business are delivered FREE to the Tees region’s business communities of Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Redcar & Cleveland, Hartlepool, Wynyard and Stokesley. See our website teesbusiness.co.uk for our Media Pack with full details of our packages, starting from just £295. We also offer flash banner advertising on the Tees region’s only weekly enews for just £195 for four weeks! Our skilled team can write your editorial, take photographs and design your adverts – at no additional charge. Call 01642 450255 or email [email protected] for more details. RAY OF LIGHT Catherine Devereux on her inspiring work in memory of husband Russ CITY SLICKERS £2m boost to Tees Valley tech economy 37 A CAREER TO FLOAT YOUR BOAT A love affair with the shipping industry 44 A MINE OF INFORMATION Tees Components turns former ironstone milling shop into £100,000 training centre TEES UP! Tees Business | teesbusiness.co.uk Boho Four Gibson House, Cleveland Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AY Tel: 01642 450255 | Email: [email protected] Published & distributed by: Resolution Media & Publishing Ltd www.resolutionpublishing.co.uk Co-editors: Martin Walker and Dave Allan. This issue edited by: Michael McGeary Designed by: KINSHIP, [email protected] Our writers: Joanne Barrett, Julie Burniston, Michael McGeary, Lou Murray, Harry Pearson, Adam Steel, Jacky Stevely, Colin Young. Our photographers: Graeme Rowatt (including front cover), Chris Booth, Doug Moody, Martin Walker, Tom Banks. /TeesBusiness @Tees_Business PRIVACY POLICY We have made some updates to our 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 [email protected]. *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. 30 52 Pour a cuppa and read the views of Lifelong Inspiration award-winner Ann Stonehouse 55 TEES BUSINESSWOMEN AWARDS SUPPLEMENT All the highlights and winners from our unique event