58 | Tees Business
TEES TALK
Steve Cochrane, managing director, Psyche
“I am confident in the future of Middlesbrough
town centre and the diverse offering it has for
local people and visitors. The inward investment
that is being attracted to the area sends a positive
message that Middlesbrough has a lot to offer
and can break off the shackles of poor perception,
which have dogged the town. Psyche has
successfully operated in the town for nearly 35
years and continues to grow from our base here.
We recently invested £500,000 in our flagship store
and online sales activity, which is already proving to
be a positive decision and is adding to the vibrancy
of the Middlesbrough retail economy.”
Kevin Parkes, executive director of economic
development and communities, Middlesbrough
Council
“A vibrant, thriving Middlesbrough town centre
is fundamental to the economic prosperity of the
wider area. There’s a real sense of optimism and
aspiration about the town at the moment, with
everything from up-and-coming independents to
the biggest High Street names keen to join us.
“These major multi-million pound investments
with a snow centre, student village, improved
rail services and further hotel provision all in the
pipeline - represent a huge vote of confidence in
the town.
“The arrival of Flannels next year will bring yet
another new dimension to the city heart of the
Tees Valley - Middlesbrough is truly on the move as
a major destination.”
Yasmin Khan, chief executive, Halo Project
“BHS was a national institution and, whether they
liked it or not, people knew they could get brilliant
high street brands there. So it is a big shame that it
has gone.
“But I was pleasantly surprised with the quick
turnaround in terms of replacing it with Flannels.
Some people are surprised about such a highend store coming here but look at the success of
Psyche.
“It’s absolutely fantastic the way the town centre
has changed in the 20 years since l moved here.
Whilst we can’t realistically compete with the likes
of Eldon Square, I think Middlesbrough is
the shopping capital of the Tees Valley.”
Mark Easby, managing director, Better
“It’s great to see continued investment in the town
centre and the arrival of more national retail and
hospitality brands. After a really tough time the
town centre offering is continuing to strengthen
and diversify including unique independent
retailers, businesses and venues.
“There’s no doubt we need to take advantage
of the profile the Premier League brings, and it’s
critical we make sure we have a Premier League
town centre to match. It certainly seems the town
is growing into an attractive shopping and leisure
destination for locals, while also hopefully attracting
more people from outside the area.”
With the arrival of flannels in the old BHS store,
the new Holiday Inn Express hotel already being
extended and the regeneration of Baker Street and
Bedford Street areas, we asked Teesside business
leaders, what are your views on the future of
Middlesbrough town centre?
Tom Warnock, relationships manager, NEECC
“The continuing development of Middlesbrough
town centre is most welcome and testament to the
commitment of the council and the confidence of
investors.
“The town is starting to get a real buzz back and
it’s great to be part of that. Being based in the town
centre, and supporting businesses in the town is
a privilege. It’s an exciting time to live and work
here.”
Rob Earnshaw, director, DigitalCity
“It’s fantastic to see this investment in the town
centre and hopefully helps lay to rest the myth
about the decline of the high street. Success
breeds success and this will attract more
businesses to Middlesbrough as entrepreneurs
realise what an interesting and exciting place
it is in which to live and work.
“The rise of digital technology should not be
a barrier to high street businesses, instead t