Business & Invest
Positive local stories, useful developments and people making a difference in Business & Invest.
Projects, Prizes And Progress: A Review Of 2025 At The TVCA
From transport milestones to creative breakthroughs and groundbreaking technology, 2025 has been a year of progress right across Tees Valley. Rail upgrades are transforming our stations, young people are finding life‑changing opportunities and our artists are gaining national attention. We’ve made bold investments…
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New Chair of Tees Valley Business Board Sets Out Ambitious Vision For Future
The new leader of Tees Valley Business Board has set out his vision for a fresh, collaborative approach for the organisation to ensure business voices shape plans for the region’s future and drive economic growth. Matthew Ord has been formally appointed as permanent Chair of the Tees Valley Business Board by Tees…
‘They’ve Been Outstanding’: Layla And Josh Hit Ground Running At Growing Firm Axiom With Trailblazer Help
Two young Teessiders have hit the ground running at a growing Middlesbrough events company after a new programme opened the door to the pair starting work. Middlesbrough’s Layla Agiadis and Joshua Hugill both clinched positions at successful firm Axiom Events after support from the Tees Valley Youth Guarantee…
Major Speakers Confirmed For Return Of Popular Showcase As Businesses Urged To Sign Up
A date has been set for a popular annual showcase to help businesses tap into support and benefit from emerging major projects across our region. The annual Tees Valley Supply Chain Showcase will take place at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield on 12 February. Those attending will be able to hear from leaders on projects…
Bookings Open For Businesses to Back Our Armed Forces at Airport Event
Tees Valley employers were invited to sign the Armed Forces Covenant at a February 2026 event at Teesside Airport, turning public support into workplace pledges.
New Project to Help Our Tourism Businesses Shine Online
A project offering expert guidance to help our small businesses shine online has been launched to take Tees Valley firms to the next level. The new Digital Marketing Transformer will help small visitor economy businesses boost their online presence, attract more visitors and improve sales. With grants of between…
Start-Ups Get Focussed Advice as Popular Lab Programme Builds Momentum
A wide range of start-up owners have started a popular programme to take their budding ventures to the next level. From an experienced chemist taking on the offshore paint industry, to a Darlington mum-of-four vying to break into new markets with her ball projecting machine, the Tees Valley Labs Stable programme…
New Support Launched for Small Businesses to Boost Christmas Footfall
High-street shops and independent businesses across Tees Valley can now get targeted support to boost trading in the vital Christmas period. The festive season is crucial for retailers and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority have now launched a new support package to help businesses drive sales. Free…
Chutney Maker Preserves His Firm’s Future Thanks to TVCA Backing
A pickle producer has seen a big boost in sales with the help of business support and training backed by the Combined Authority. Andrew Calder created Calder’s Kitchen with his family in 2015 after uncovering his Grandad Charlie’s original piccalilli recipe and selling a few jars to friends and colleagues. A decade…
Second Round of Export Programme Launched to Help Even More of Our Firms Go Global
A popular scheme helping more of our region’s firms sell to the world has been extended with an extra half a million pounds now available to more business. A second round of the Tees Valley Export Fund has been launched by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority – offering a fresh £500,000 funding pot […]
Endolys Selects Tees Valley to Develop UK’s First Large-Scale Plastic Film Recycling Plant
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has welcomed a plan to develop the UK’s first large scale plastic film recycling facility at the former Cleveland Bridge site, in Darlington. Chemical recycling company Endolys will create up to 120 jobs with the installation of pyrolysis oil production units at Darlington’s former…
Young People Fire Up Their Futures With Trailblazer Training
Young Teessiders have told how taking part in a fire training programme has helped boost their confidence and their job prospects. The group of 18 to 21-year-olds took part in a week-long course which included training on hose handling, problem solving, working at height, fire behaviour, and first aid. The training…
Deal Agreed With Global Aviation Leader To Support Multi-Million Pound Airport Expansion
A deal to support multi-million-pound expansion of aircraft maintenance operations at Teesside International Airport – creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs – has today been agreed. Global aviation leader Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) has signed a 250-year lease agreement for 50 acres of airport land…
Willis Lease Finance Corporation Expands With Second Hangar Launched At Teesside Airport
Willis Lease Finance Corporation, the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, has officially opened its second hangar at Teesside International Airport as part of an expansion of its operations. This hangar was initially announced in April 2025 as WLFC subsidiary,…
Ten Years On: From Closure To Comeback – Teesside’s Steelworks Revival As Teesworks
Leaders at one of the country’s fastest developing industrial zones have marked the huge progress made ten years on from one of the darkest days in Teesside’s industrial history. Ten years ago, the Redcar Steelworks closed its gates for the final time following the liquidation of SSI, then-owner of the steelworks…
Ten-Year Vision To Create 16,000 Jobs and Add £1.5bn To Our Region’s Economy Is On Track
A ten-year vision to transform our region with thousands of new long-term jobs and more investment is on track. Figures show 10,671 direct jobs and more than £900million have been added to the Tees Valley economy since the Investment Plan was agreed and launched by the Combined Authority in 2019. The original…
New Route Launched From Eaglescliffe as Access Project Progress Steams Ahead
A new hourly service for Eaglescliffe Railway Station is to launch on Sunday (15 December) as progress to overhaul access at the site continues apace. The station will see the TransPennine Express service between Manchester Airport and Redcar stop in both directions for the first time. It comes as efforts to…
Tees Valley Apprenticeships Supercharged With Major New Support Service
Businesses across Tees Valley are to benefit from the launch of a new programme set to super-charge apprenticeships across the region. Tees Valley’s Apprenticeship Levy Matching Service will use unspent apprenticeship levy funding from major employers to create more apprenticeship opportunities and develop the…
Leading Lights Offer Students a Taste of Their TV and Film Careers
Make-up artists and filmmakers have offered a glimpse of their careers to inspire our next generation of talent. Students from Hurworth Academy, Stockton Riverside College and Prior Pursglove College, Stockton, all got a taste of opportunities available in the TV and Screen industry in our region with the help of…
Region’s Projects Shine at Culture Awards with Healthy Haul of Silverware
A string of our region’s most exciting cultural projects and events have picked up a healthy haul of silverware at a prestigious awards ceremony. The North East Culture Awards saw the trio of Middlesbrough Art Week, Hopetown, in Darlington, and the Black Creatives and Arts Network all pick up top prizes at its…
Step Forward on Green Power in Region as Deal Signed With Major Energy Firm
A new landmark agreement has been signed with major energy firm SSE to cement efforts to generate green energy in our region. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will see the Combined Authority and SSE join forces to bring forward and deliver energy projects. Home to a rising green energy sector through projects…
£5m Trailblazer To Support Young People Across Tees Valley Into Work And Training
Tees Valley was selected for a Youth Guarantee Trailblazer worth up to £5 million, testing better routes into work and training for 18 to 21-year-olds.
Teessider Lee Sees His Company Go From Strength to Strength With Grant and Business Backing
A Teesside business owner whose company has supercharged a range of our region’s own start-ups has revealed how business and grant support have given him a vital boost. Redcar’s Lee Walker has seen his business, Walker Business Transformation, go from strength to strength with the help of grants via the UK Shared…
Darlington Confirmed as Second HQ For Department For Business and Trade
Darlington Economic Campus has been confirmed as the second headquarters for the Department for Business and Trade – further establishing the town as major location for UK Government. The announcement by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch will bring additional high quality civil service…
New SeAH Wind Academy Set For Launch as Progress at South Bank Site Continues
A six-month development programme to train and develop future welders for the vast £450million SeAH Wind facility is set for launch. The SeAH Wind Academy will see 30 people put through a 24-week training and development programme with the help of the Tees Valley Combined Authority and its Adult Education Budget.…
Grant Bids Open For Four Events to Celebrate the Great Tees Valley Outdoors
A fund for up to four exciting events and festivals which celebrate the best of the Tees Valley’s great outdoors has been launched. Organisers are being urged to bid to the new Great Outdoors Challenge Fund which will reward a quartet of exciting events with backing to showcase the best of our region’s natural…
Cutting Edge Digital Project Set For £3.5Million Boost to Break Down Trade Barriers
A pioneering digital zone is set to receive a £3.5million boost under a plan to break down barriers to trade. A new 5G “Digital Test Bed” is being lined up at Teesside International Airport – part of the Teesside Freeport – to ease practical problems which can hamper operators in customs zones. The testing zone […]
£120Million Vision to Breathe New Life into Gresham Sees Local Developer Lined Up
A local developer has been recommended to take on a project to redevelop the heart of Middlesbrough. Tarras Park Properties with iMpeC Developments Ltd will take on a £120million redevelopment of Gresham – subject to board approval. iMpeC has developed projects across the North East – including Milburngate, in…
Workshops to Shape Future of Vital New Funding For Businesses
Businesses are being urged to step forward and shape how vital funding will help the future of thousands of businesses across the region. Business Support Engagement Workshops will take place at Teesside University next week – with Tees Valley firms encouraged to come along and offer their insight and experience.…
Big Boost For Sustainable Aviation Fuel on Teesside as Five Firms Win Multimillion Pound Funding
Making Teesside the UK capital of creating low-carbon aviation fuel has taken a big leap forward after a major funding boost. Almost £40million from the Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund has been awarded to five Teesside-based firms leading the way in creating Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The total award…
Skills Funding Given £2.5Million Boost For Green Jobs of Tomorrow
Colleges across the Tees Valley have received a multi-million-pound boost for skills – with green industries front and centre. The Department for Education has granted £2.5million of funding to Darlington College, The Education Training Collective, Middlesbrough College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, the…
Engineering Leader Shapes Bright Future for Younger Generation
A leader at one of the North East’s premier civil engineering construction firms has urged our future generations to take a closer look at construction in their working lives. Lisa Molloy, Construction and Commercial Manager at Tees Valley-based Seymour Civil Engineering visited St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary…
Chance For Businesses To Shape Future Of Net Zero Workforce
Local businesses working on innovative net zero schemes are being urged to join a programme to inspire young people into the clean energy careers of tomorrow. As part of the national Green Careers Week taking place this week, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority are launching an Experiences of the Workplace…
Steelmaking to Return to Teesside Under Plans For Electric Arc Furnace
Steelmaking is to return to Teesside after British Steel confirmed plans to build a new furnace at Teesworks. The company has selected Lackenby, Redcar, as one of the locations for its new generation of electric arc furnaces, which use greener technology to melt scrap and produce new steel. The multi-million pound…
Grants Help Middlesbrough Firm Cut Bills On Journey to Net Zero
A five-figure grant boost has helped a long-established Middlesbrough firm to reduce bills on its journey to Net Zero. Dormor Machine, at Cargo Fleet, has been engineering parts for vital UK projects for more than 40 years. Now the company has used a £59,000 grant to install new energy efficient lighting, a raft of…
Top Business Leaders Announced For New Tees Valley Business Board To Drive Forward Growth
The 12 experienced industry leaders set to make up the Tees Valley Business Board and help boost growth and investment have now been revealed. The Board – chaired by Siobhan McArdle (The Strategy House & L3COS) with Matthew Ord (LV Logistics) as Deputy Chair – will play a defining role in representing the voice of […]
New Offices Approved for South Bank Quay as Wider Build Set for Completion Before Year End
A new base to service a game changing Teesworks project has been approved. Plans for an operations headquarters next to the upcoming South Bank Quay have been given the green light by planners at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The base will help service the huge quay with offices, a visitor reception, staff…
Major Firm Launches Office Base For Solar Power Project At Teesside Airport
Energy giant SSE Energy Solutions has launched an office base at Teesside International Airport as part of the company’s ambitious growth plans for the region. The FTSE 100 company has signed a lease for a unit in the airport terminal, with staff now working from the location. The agreement follows an announcement…
Giant Teesworks Demolition Wins Major Global Award
A successful demolition on the former Redcar steelworks – which included one of the largest single explosions in the past 75 years – has been recognised with a major international award. The Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) plant was brought down last October as part of the clearance of Teesworks for large-scale…
More Than a Hundred People Hear of Green Future at Popular Engineering Event
A successful breakfast event has seen more than 100 people flock to hear about Net Zero developments from industry leaders. Speakers from bp and the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre offered updates on exciting projects as well as the latest developments in Net Zero policy and what it means for businesses. TEN…
Middlesbrough Contractor to Begin Work on Cutting-Edge Quay Platform
A Middlesbrough contractor has been signed up to help create a huge 150,000-tonne platform for the vital South Bank Quay. GRAHAM has brought in Middlesbrough-based ZTL Contracting – part of the Applebridge Group – to re-engineer earthwork materials that would otherwise not be suitable for re-use. This is done by…
First Export Leaves Teesside Airport’s Cargo Handling Facility As Imports Roll In
Teesside Airport’s cargo handling facility has waved goodbye to its first export shipment, following more than a dozen import movements in just two weeks. The fully accredited facility is newly up and running but has already made a name for itself as the key hub for the swift turnaround of cargo, particularly in…
Teesworks Makes Final Shortlist For New Rolls-Royce SMR Factory
Teesworks has secured a spot on the final shortlist of locations to host Rolls-Royce’s first factory manufacturing parts for its fleet of clean energy power stations. The heavy pressure vessels factory will produce and assemble some of the largest and most complex components for Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactor…
Leaders Sign Pledge to Help Boost Filming in the Region
Tees Valley leaders have signed up to an initiative to boost the TV and film industry by making it even easier to shoot projects in the region. The Filming Friendly Charter has been backed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and the Combined Authority Cabinet, made up of the five Local Authority leaders. This…
Family Firm Urges Others To Seek Out Lifeline Grants After Investments
A successful family firm has urged others to look into grant support after reaping the benefits of new machinery and energy efficient equipment. ERW Joinery started up as a small business in Grangetown in 1979 before it grew into supplying both trades and homes with windows and doors, and manufacturing and…
Net Zero Airport By 2030 Unveiled in Bold New Vision
A bold vision to make operations at Teesside International Airport Net Zero by 2030 has been backed. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet Members approved a Net Zero Strategy for the region at a Cabinet meeting on Friday morning (December 9). And it included a move to ensure…
Work to Get Started on Vital South Bank Link Road
Work on constructing another vital piece of transport infrastructure at Teesworks is primed to begin after a contractor was selected for the project. The one-mile long South Bank Link Road will provide access to a 500-acre site at Teesworks – including the huge SeAH Wind monopile manufacturing plant. It will…
Sapere Software
Stockton-based Sapere Software built a real-time project dashboard for Port of Middlesbrough operator AV Dawson after winning a regional business challenge.
Behind the Scenes as £450Million SeAH Project Begins to Take Shape
Four in five workers now employed in building a huge wind turbine monopile factory have come from the region. Postcode data has shown around 80% of those employed on the SeAH Wind site come from within 30 miles – with almost 200 people now in work on the vast complex. The mammoth £450million monopile manufacturing […]
Number 10 Office Open For Business in Darlington
The Prime Minister used a new Number 10 office at Darlington’s Economic Campus in November 2022, as plans developed for a larger government base at Brunswick.
Historic Redcar Blast Furnace Successfully Demolished
The historic Redcar Blast Furnace has been successfully demolished. Using 175kg of explosives, teams from Thompsons of Prudhoe brought down the Casting Houses, the Dust Catcher, Charge Conveyors, and the Blast Furnace at the Redcar Blast Furnace at 9am on Wednesday, 23 November. Clean up operations at the site will…
Path To Unleashing Region’s Hydrogen Potential Outlined In New Report
The Tees Valley’s pioneering hydrogen sector is laying the foundation for the world’s first net zero industrial cluster – with a new paper published today setting out how the region will lead the UK in its energy ambitions. A Vision for Hydrogen on the Tees Valley details how the area can become globally…
Draken’s Teesside Fleet Grows As New Airport Hangar Completed
Aviation services and technology firm Draken has welcomed a fleet of advanced combat jets to its base at Teesside Airport following the completion of its new hangar. The new hangar has been constructed to accommodate Draken’s fleet of Alca L-159E “Honey Badger” aircraft. These Czech-built light multi-role combat…