OPI N ION
Tees Talk
We asked local business leaders why they think Resolution’s new annual
publication, This Is Tees Valley, is so important for our region.
BEN HOUCHEN, TEES VALLEY MAYOR
“I think we will start to see over the next 10
to 15 years a big shift north. When I bring
southern friends here and show them what
an amazing place we live in you can see them
wondering, ‘Why do I live in London?’
“It’s crucial we talk up our area if we want
to win investment - and that’s what This Is
Tees Valley is all about. Tees Business editors
Dave Allan and Martin Walker as well as others
have really started to lead the charge to make
sure we start to speak more positively about
ourselves – and this is an amazing part of that.”
DEBORAH KIRTLEY, PARTNER, THE
ENDEAVOUR PARTNERSHIP
“With a diverse range of businesses and an
innovative workforce, the Tees Valley is unique.
The people have a desire to succeed and I
regularly witness this in our own team at The
Endeavour Partnership, and in the teams of our
clients.
“It is important we ensure those from other
areas are made aware of what we can and
are achieving. This Is Tees Valley is a great
platform for our region’s businesses to stand
together and show others what we can do.”
FRANS CALJE, CEO, PD PORTS
“This is Tees Valley encompasses all that is
good within our region and demonstrates
exactly why it’s a fantastic place to do
business. There has been a great amount of
inward investment recently, and businesses
already based in the region excel at working
collaboratively to attract even more.
“Having a platform such as this publication
allows the Tees Valley to showcase how good
we are at what we do, and that’s something
that we should be shouting about as much as
we can.”
LESLEY GRAHAM, COLLEGE PRINCIPAL,
STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
“As a relative newcomer to the Tees Valley, I’ve
been blown away by this extraordinary place -
its unique beauty, its people and the incredible
work going on - in every corner - to bring
further growth and regeneration to the area.
“This Is Tees Valley has provided a platform
to share that story, shouting loud and proud
about all we are achieving here. I believe our
college has a vital part to play by working
closely with employers and the authorities to
equip people with the skills and knowledge
needed to flourish.”
110 | Tees Business
KEITH MILLER, MANAGING DIRECTOR,
ECCO FINISHING SUPPLIES
“As a business based in the Tees Valley but
trading nationally and internationally, we
thought This Is Tees Valley was the perfect
vehicle for us to be alongside other first class
companies from our area.
“We’re showcasing the skills and knowledge
of our business and our region to the world
while showing the rest of the country that
our area is a great place to do and develop
business together.”
EMILY BENTLEY, MARKETING AND
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER,
COMMUNICATE TECHNOLOGY
“Having a publication that represents our
amazing region on a national and international
level is hugely important. We’ve been very
poorly represented in the past and not shown
in the best light by TV programmes and the
national press.
“We benefit from unrivalled assets with a
tenacious workforce and superb facilities, and
we need to shout about it. This is Tees Valley is
a refreshing publication that will deliver our key
messages to the outside world.”
LOU TONNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR,
WANDER FILMS
"This is Tees Valley is an amazing opportunity
to highlight the region around the UK and
beyond. This is so important to heaps of
industries in the area which are booming right
now, such as our digital and tech sector.
“It's an exciting place to be and we can't wait
to see collaborations that will come from This
Is Tees Valley."
KIMBERLEY WORKMAN, ASSOCIATE
DIRECTOR (CLIENT DEVELOPMENT),
FAITHFUL+GOULD
“These are important times for the Tees Valley
as it pursues new economic growth, and this
publication is fundamental to those ambitious
plans. It is showcasing to the rest of the UK
how great the region is, attracting further
investment and development to allow our
communities and businesses to thrive.
“I’m immensely proud of Tees Valley’s
new chance to shine, and very pleased
Faithful+Gould are an integral part of it.”