PARTNERSHIPS
John McCabe – North East England Chamber of Commerce chief executive .
STRONGER TOGETHER
Chamber ’ s work to foster partnerships is driving regional success
The modern-day Chamber of Commerce in our region has a rich history . In the Tees Valley , the Stockton Chamber was founded in 1862 and the Middlesbrough Chamber in 1872 , by Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan .
These chambers came together to form the Teesside Chamber in 1929 .
Over two centuries and the merger of several chambers across the North-East culminated in 1995 with the final merger of the Teesside & District and Tyne & Wear chambers , forming the NECC we see today .
By 2024 , we ’ re established as the North- East ’ s largest and most influential business membership network .
We support , connect and represent more than 2,000 organisations , employing 40 per cent of the region ’ s workforce .
We ensure our members are at the heart of building a thriving economy and making our region the best place to live and work .
With our foundations firmly set in the Tees Valley , our unwavering commitment to the area continues .
Tees Valley ’ s unique position in the UK ' s business ecosystem and our dynamic economic landscape ensure it plays a pivotal role in creating an environment where the North-East thrives .
We envision a Tees Valley where businesses have the tools and opportunities to achieve their full potential : creating a place where people and businesses succeed .
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Our services are designed to address the various needs of businesses at every stage of their journey .
From start-ups to established enterprises , our resources are here to support business growth , while our team of experts work with businesses to navigate challenges , seize opportunities and implement best practices .
We understand the power of connections and we continue to deliver the largest B2B events programme in the region .
These platforms are crucial for building
We support , connect and represent more than 2,000 organisations , employing 40 per cent of the region ’ s workforce .
relationships that lead to business development and partnerships .
Our knowledge programme covers essential skills like leadership , digital marketing and international trade : equipping businesses with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace .
The Tees Valley has a strong tradition of international trade , continuing today with Teesport , the only major UK port to handle more exports than imports .
Our international trade services help businesses navigate global markets , while connecting members to 75 markets through the British Chambers of Commerce international network .
Representing member interests at local , regional and national levels is a core part of our work .
We actively engage with policymakers , ensuring the business environment remains conducive to growth , focusing on issues such as infrastructure , economic policy and skills .
Our recent Local Skills Improvement Plans ( LSIPs ), a major consultation with employers , identified the changes they would like to see in the skills system . As part of this , Tees Valley colleges received a total of £ 2.5m from the Local Skills Improvement Fund ( LSIF ).
Looking to the future , we ’ re steadfast in our commitment to Tees Valley businesses – ensuring that , together , we build a prosperous , fair and sustainable economic future for our region .
I want to thank our Tees Valley members for being a part of this vibrant business community .
Let us continue to work together to achieve extraordinary success .
John McCabe Chief executive , North East England Chamber of Commerce