FEATURE
We champion and celebrate the business community and raise the profile of Teesside and we ’ ve always looked for ways we can do that .”
Pride – Passionate Teessiders Dave Allan ( left ) and Martin Walker visit Saltburn ’ s iconic pier on the North-East coast . us , until we realised we could only go so far on our own .”
This team effort has enabled them to tell the stories of businesses of all sizes doing “ incredible ” things across the Tees Valley .
Dave explains : “ We all get to hear about the big headline smashing stories about jobs being created or lost , or super plants being built , but beneath that level , there are literally dozens of fascinating , incredible businesses and individuals , who are the absolute bedrock of the community .
“ They create jobs – this is people ’ s livelihoods we are talking about .
“ They might not have a headline to shout about , they are just getting on with doing what they are good at .
“ But what we ’ ve tapped into is that there ’ s an absolute thirst from businesses of all sizes and across all sectors to get their messages and their stories out there .”
Through doing just that , Dave and
Martin have been the driving force behind a positive , active and collaborative network of businesses , that are collectively putting Teesside on the map .
“ When we started out with Tees Business , we believed that we were building something that went beyond just printing a magazine ,” Dave said .
“ We are both incredibly passionate about the region and what we do and try to make a difference .
“ Yes , we are a business , but we are all about doing something that ’ s new and that ’ s going to make a positive change .
“ We champion and celebrate the business community and raise the profile of Teesside and we ’ ve always looked for ways we can do that .”
One of the most satisfying things about being part of “ Teesside ’ s biggest little brand ” comes from seeing the difference their many awards nights make .
“ When you see what it means to people to be a finalist and you hear the roar go up when someone wins , it ’ s the most satisfying feeling ,” Dave says .
“ They are ecstatic and tell you what it means to their business in their interviews with you and you think ‘ we created that ’.”
However , working in such a talented , friendly and picturesque region , where businesses collaborate and celebrate one another , is the biggest reward of all .
Dave says : “ As a region and a group of people , we ’ ve taken our fair share of knocks , so it ’ s been great over the last few years to see some positive headlines around developments coming to the Tees region , such as Teesside Freeport and Teesworks .
“ We hope to see the momentum around the great things happening on our doorstep continue .”
Visit teesbusiness . co . uk 39