This Is Tees Valley This Is Tees Valley - Issue 1 2020 | Page 62

JOINED-UP
THINKING
Partners - Endeavour Partnership's
Nik Tunley, Simon Wake, Deborah
Kirtley and Nigel Williams.
The partners at leading commercial law firm Endeavour
Partnership are buoyant about the future of the Tees Valley
Historically known for its high proportion of industrial land, the Tees Valley
business landscape is evolving. With emerging technology and digital organisations
transforming the business scene, the Endeavour Partnership has been able to
support the range of businesses we see today.
We spoke with partners Nigel Williams, Simon Wake, Deborah Kirtley and Nik Tunley
to get their thoughts on how the Tees Valley has transformed and discuss current
business trends.
There seems to be something in the air in
the Tees Valley and we are seeing more and
more success stories emerging. What has
changed, or has it always been this way?
Nigel: Over the last ten to 20, years there
have been several factors that have impacted
the region. One is regeneration, with the Tees
Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and
the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen being
a driving force in attracting new business.
The area has had a lot of investment and
Middlesbrough’s mayor, Andy Preston, has
ambitious plans to regenerate the town.
Nik: When you think about the number
of projects going on in Middlesbrough,
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speaking to Andy and his aspirations to
make Middlesbrough the digital city is
enormously positive. That commercial
attitude and development behind it, linking
Andy’s background and personality with Ben
Houchen’s agenda, the two of them together
create a more inward investment focus.
Simon: Stockton is changing, too, with
the council investing its own money in the
likes of the Castlegate Shopping Centre,
the Hilton Hotel and the plans for the high
street, which will make a huge difference. It’s
very positive.
Deborah: It seems that Stockton will become
a centre for leisure with Middlesbrough
attracting big business. This combination
of towns working together to create a
regional offer is attractive and refreshing to
see. Positive attitude along with the right
environment and infrastructure is placing
the region as a commercial centre.
Collaborative working seems to come
naturally to businesses within the region.
Are you seeing examples of this with your
clients?
Nik: Businesses within the region are very
good at identifying their strengths. Our
clients show innovative characteristics and
a tenacity in their approach. They want the