Speakers from major global companies providing hundreds of jobs
across our region have featured in a busy business showcase
event.
Dozens of firms packed out the Tees Valley Supply Chain Showcase
at Hardwick Hall on Wednesday (20 November) to hear more about
funding opportunities, project progress, and to network with
supply chain contacts.
Run by RTC North on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority,
with oversight from the Tees Valley Business Board, the event is
part of the Tees Valley Supply Chain programme which aims to
offer personalised support from advisors and specialists to help
firms address supply chain challenges.
The event focussed on cross-sector opportunities in advanced
manufacturing, energy transition, digital, construction, and
defence sectors – with key speakers including SeAH Wind, leading
the huge offshore wind monopile manufacturing facility its site
on Teesworks, at South Bank.
Representatives from Equinor, Eastgate Engineering, Meldrum,
Airbus, Wander Films and Osbit were just some on those on the
bill.
A stakeholder and provider exhibition also demonstrated the
breadth of expertise and support available to businesses in the
region.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We've laid the foundations
for big global employers to come to Teesside, Darlington and
Hartlepool but we need to ensure our lifeblood local businesses
get the support they need to reap the benefits from these
developments.
“It's great to see such a good turnout at these showcases as it
goes to show just how deep our supply chains run. Linking up our
supply chains with the global giants coming to our region, as
well as with the wider bedrock of talented companies we have on
our doorstep, is crucial through events like this.
“I'd urge more businesses to get in touch, to seek out support,
and to keep their eyes peeled for more upcoming events.”
The Tees Valley Supply Chain offers personalised support from
advisors and specialists to help firms address supply chain
challenges – and link them with world-leading firms in the region
as well as the local and national business community.
By linking local companies with world-leading firms in the region
as well as the local and national business community, it's aim is
to offer fully-funded support to help businesses diversify and
access wider opportunities.
Matthew Ord, Deputy Chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, was
a key speaker at Wednesday's event.
He said: “It's been fantastic to hear from world-leading
companies who are choosing to do business in Tees Valley. The
Teesside Freeport is bringing more supply chain opportunities
than ever before and we want to make sure local firms are ready
and equipped with all they need to take advantage of these jobs,
as well as other opportunities being created in the region.
“We know how important and broad our business base is in the Tees
Valley – and this event is a great example of that. This
programme is open to suppliers, consultants, distribution
centres, retailers and many others so I'd urge people to find out
more.”
Jim Barr, Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme Manager at RTC
North, added: “We know how important and broad our business base
is in the Tees Valley – and this event is a great example of
that. This programme is open to suppliers, consultants,
distribution centres, retailers and many others so I'd urge
people to find out more.
“The Tees Valley Supply Chain Showcase event provided a fantastic
opportunity for local businesses to connect and engage with a
wide range of sectors. It was well attended and brought together
a diverse audience from businesses themselves to the key
stakeholders, SPF Providers, and the five local authorities in
the region.
“The buzz and energy at the Showcase was tangible and there was
something for everyone, from informative presentations to the
one-to-one opportunities appointments which were fully booked on
the day.”
Workshops, networking and events, alongside industry visits and
an online exchange portal are all part of the support programme,
which is fully funded by the UK Government through
the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
