Lee Cranston, Managing Director of Katmex, recently joined an influential panel at Tees Business LIVE, held at Wynyard Hall, where he shared insights on Teesside’s promising future as a hub for growth, investment, and innovation. He was joined onstage by regional leaders Peter Snaith, partner at event sponsor Womble Bond Dickinson; Gary Potts, vice-principal for business, innovation and community partnerships at training and skills leaders Middlesbrough College; and Gillian Baker, head of commercial – new business, at global energy company Sembcorp, owners of the Wilton International site. Lee highlighted what makes the Teesside area an exceptional location for business and personal growth, as well as the unique opportunities available to residents and investors alike.
Strengths and Advantages of the Teesside Region
The panel kicked off by exploring what makes Teesside an unprecedented location for businesses and individuals alike. With a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a close-knit business community, Teesside offers an ideal environment for growth. Lee emphasised that the region’s unique position enables businesses to meet customer needs effectively, while infrastructure developments like Teesworks and the Darlington Economic Campus are boosting its appeal as a destination for major investors. The influx of large companies into Teesside, the panel noted, benefits local SMEs, creates ample opportunities for school leavers, and helps retain young talent by providing pathways into promising careers.
Inward Investment and Teesside’s Clean Energy Ambitions
A major topic was Teesside’s commitment to becoming a leader in clean energy and sustainability. Projects like SeAH Wind Ltd (SEAH) are setting the foundation for a local supply chain that could support both large-scale energy initiatives and smaller businesses. Teesside is increasingly recognised for its efforts in green hydrogen production, sustainable aviation fuel, and CO₂ pipelines—technologies that are not only environmentally impactful but also economically beneficial, as they create job opportunities and support the development of a skilled workforce. Lee and other panellists emphasised that Teesside’s focus on decarbonisation—rather than deindustrialisation—demonstrates a responsible transition that balances the region’s industrial heritage with environmental priorities.
Exciting Projects on the Horizon
The SEAH wind project was highlighted as one of the most exciting undertakings for the area. Lee shared his vision for the project to establish a local supply chain, which would strengthen Teesside’s economic landscape and create a self-sustaining network of suppliers. Panellists echoed this sentiment, noting that Teesside’s transformation into a renewable energy hub could make it a national leader in green technology, driving further investment and collaboration. Additionally, plans to establish Teesside as a CO₂ hub attracted considerable interest, as they hold the potential to attract companies committed to decarbonisation efforts.
Challenges Facing the Region
The panel didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges impacting businesses in Teesside, including rising energy costs, interest rates, and economic uncertainties. These pressures, panellists noted, are prompting companies to diversify and invest in innovation to remain competitive. Long-term stability, particularly in energy policies, was emphasised as critical to supporting the region’s growth. Ensuring that local educational institutions and training programmes align with employer needs was also identified as essential to building a workforce that can drive Teesside’s clean energy and industrial ambitions.
A Message to Potential Investors
The panel’s message to potential investors was clear: Teesside is open for business. With a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and an affordable quality of life, the region is an attractive proposition for companies across industries. Lee underscored this by emphasising that “no matter the industry, there’s opportunity here” and pointed to Teesside’s rich pool of talent, collaborative business culture, and resources, which together make it an ideal location for investment and growth.
In summary, Tees Business Live provided a powerful showcase of Teesside’s potential. With industry leaders like Lee Cranston and others championing the region’s strengths and pushing for sustainable innovation, Teesside is primed to become a vital centre of opportunity for businesses, communities, and individuals alike.