Business Board

Matthew Ord

Chair of the Business Board

LV Logistics 

Matthew is the Company Ambassador of LV Logistics globally. He has over 20 years’ experience in international trade and is a proud Teessider, having worked and lived here all his life.

Having previously worked for the North East of England chamber of commerce for 6 years as their International Trade lead, he developed relationships with all of the exporters in the region and became a credible source of support and guidance for those businesses.
When moving to LV Logistics, 7 years ago Matthew helped guide their business through some of the most challenging global impacts and process changes for many decades, this required dedication and a sound understanding of the global markets and the implications on trade from and with the UK.

Matthew’s understanding of the local business community is highly regarded, and he is often the barometer for Tees Valley in terms of measuring the current business climate. He is a highly credible business leader and is often to go to person for soft landings with new businesses and inward investment in Tees Valley.

Matthew is also Trustee for Vision Academy (8 schools in Teesside); Vice-Chair of Tees and Hartlepool Port Users Association – (Chair as of December l) and Member of The Etc’s LAB (Logistics advisory board)

Gary Briston

BP

Gary is Quality Manager at bp and has been twice appointed to the Business Board. Having completed a craft apprenticeship at Smith’s Dock, South Bank, Middlesbrough, he went on to obtain both BSc Hons and masters degrees. He has 40 years of practical experience within the Energy and Construction industries and is presently working as part of a project management team on several large-scale low carbon energy projects based on Teesside.

He has worked on major Exploration and Production (EP) projects within the UK, Europe, Russia, Far East, Middle East and Americas.

Gary has previously contributed to developing and implementing several overseas In-country growth and value chain development programs and is presently on the board of trustees for a local school trust. A natural leader, communicator, adept problem solver and decision maker with good people management and communication skills (Craft, Engineer, PEER, Shareholder, Stakeholder and Government Bodies), he brings knowledge and experience in developing and implementing Business Management Systems, Corporate Frameworks and Assurance processes.

Tania Cooper MBE

Steel Benders UK

Tania is the Managing Director of Steel Benders UK Ltd, a family-owned business she co-founded with her husband Malcolm in 2002 and has been twice appointed to the Business Board. The company specialises in providing steel forming and profiling services and serves offshore, architectural design, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries from their base in Teesside.

Her career started in 1990 when she joined Alexander Technologies Europe LTD as Finance Manager and later rose to become the CEO. Alexander is involved in designing and manufacturing batteries and chargers for portable power applications, operating across multiple countries, including Mexico, USA, Malaysia, and the UK, supplying OEM customers worldwide.

Tania's expertise encompasses global logistics, manufacturing operations, finance, procurement, CEM management, regulatory design management, and ISO.

Her outstanding contributions to international trade and business in the North East earned her the North East Exporter of the Year Award and the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

Tania's dedication to the business community is evident through her past roles as Chair of the NE Regional International Trade Office for UK Trade and Investment and Chair of East Durham Business Services. Tania remains actively involved in the business world as a member of the Business Durham Advisory Board, where she supports business development and job creation in County Durham.

Moreover, she holds the position of Chair for the County Durham Regional Growth Fund and serves as a Chair of the North East STEM Foundation, a charity that focuses on promoting education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for children in the North East.

Derek Bulmer

GeoPura

Derek is a Chartered Accountant and Barrister with extensive senior leadership experience, including Chief Financial Officer roles across regional and national businesses.

His career includes leading organisations through periods of growth, major corporate transactions, and securing significant private investment across finance, technology, and clean energy sectors.

He is currently CFO of GeoPura, a hydrogen technology business with strong alignment to the Tees Valley’s industrial and decarbonisation ambitions.

He brings deep expertise in financial governance, investment, and commercial strategy, supported by well-established professional networks relevant to the region.

Rachel Burke

Tracerco

Rachel is a Teesside based Director at a global industrial technology company headquartered in Billingham.

She has senior leadership experience across multiple industrial and technology sectors, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.

As a long-standing resident of Middlesbrough, she has strong personal and professional ties to the Tees Valley.

She brings a well-established understanding of the regional economy and continues to provide informed board-level insight
rooted in both local and global industrial contexts.

Rachel was also voted as Tees Businesswoman of the Year.

Louisa Clarke

One Feather Coaching

Louisa is a multi-award winning senior leader and entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience across the Royal Air Force, facilities management, executive coaching, and workplace consultancy. She has held Managing Director-level positions and brings substantial experience in governance, organisational growth, and service delivery across public and private sectors.

She is a published author, Chair of the IWFM Veterans in FM Network, and a Freeman of the City of London.

Originally from the Tees Valley, she has maintained strong regional connections. Her work in leadership development and national advisory roles supports skills, partnership working, and organisational capability aligned with regional priorities.

Stephanie Zielke

Oak Connexions

Stephanie brings senior leadership and entrepreneurial experience across public sector communications, international manufacturing and business ownership, alongside a strong commitment to economic growth in the Tees Valley. She began her career as a BBC broadcast journalist, winning a national Reuters award for investigative work, before serving as Media Manager at Northumbria Police, leading communications on sensitive issues and public engagement.

She later supported the growth of an international manufacturing business trading across Europe and the USA, gaining experience in operations, supply chains and workforce leadership.

Stephanie now leads two businesses in the furniture and home interiors sector and brings strong commercial insight, international trade experience and a clear, long-term commitment to the Tees Valley’s economic development.

Jo Davies

HR Alchemy

Jo has over 30 years’ senior human resources leadership experience, much of it developed within Teesside’s industrial base.

She has operated at board level within large manufacturing organisations, supporting workforce strategy and organisational change.

She is now the founder of a successful HR consultancy supporting a wide range of local employers. Her experience provides ongoing insight into labour market conditions, workforce challenges, and skills needs across the Tees Valley economy.

Anthony Fiske

Eastgate Engineering Services

Anthony has progressed from an apprenticeship background to a senior commercial leadership role within the construction sector. He has led teams, overseen complex commercial strategies, and operated within strong governance and performance frameworks.

He has close ties to the Tees Valley and a continued commitment to skills development, apprenticeships, and sustainable growth. His experience provides a practical understanding of delivery, investment, and regional workforce priorities.

His business at Eastgate is a brilliant story of growth and the success you can have in Teesside.

Lee Gibson

EDF Energy

Lee has more than 30 years’ experience in the UK nuclear sector, including senior leadership roles at Hartlepool Power Station. His career spans strategic planning, major capital investment, workforce leadership, and regulatory accountability.

Based in Teesside, he retains strong connections to the region and its industrial base. His current involvement in nationally significant infrastructure projects provides relevant insight transferable to the Tees Valley’s industrial and supply chain ambitions.

Michael Manders

Haddon

Michael has extensive experience delivering complex commercial and consumer focused projects, including as former Managing Director of Lusso Stone, where he led significant growth and international expansion.

He now focuses on entrepreneurial ventures and business development, bringing strong commercial leadership experience.

His background supports the Board’s strategic interest in scaling businesses and attracting high-value investment. His business is also an international business that has its heart in Teesside, importing and exporting are at the heart of his business and he is very well versed in this area.

John McGee

Durata

John is a time served electrician who completed his apprenticeship in Middlesbrough and has worked extensively across Teesside’s industrial sites. He has first-hand experience of the region’s industrial evolution.

He later founded and grew an international critical power and data centre business headquartered in Middlesbrough. His experience combines entrepreneurship with a clear and sustained commitment to the Tees Valley.

Tomas Roberton

Circle Cloud

Tomas is a Teesside based technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Circle Cloud, an IT and cloud-computing business established in 2014.

He launched the company at the age of 23, following earlier professional experience in the IT sector, and has led its growth from start-up to a business achieving turnover more than £400,000 within its early years of operation.

The company provides managed cloud computing services to small and medium-sized enterprises and has achieved Microsoft recognised partner status.

Douglas Dinwiddie

Maitland

Douglas is a Darlington-based entrepreneur who founded and grew a digital agency while retaining its headquarters in the Tees Valley. He also operates businesses in property and financial technology.

He brings experience of business growth, acquisition, and investment, supported by strong regional and national networks.

Mike Priestley

Logic-i Group

Mike has held senior commercial and project leadership roles across major international infrastructure and energy programmes. He brings experience advising on large-scale capital investment and delivery.

As a director of a Teesside-based consultancy, he contributes relevant expertise in inward investment, industrial decarbonisation, and project readiness aligned with regional strategic priorities.

John Taylor

Parker Barras

John is Director of family run firm Parker Barras, a commercial property and business transfer agents based in Teesside for over 20 years, he has in an in depth knowledge of the commercial market attracting inward investment to the region.

John also brings a wealth of senior leadership & entrepreneurial experience across a diverse portfolio of businesses, including commercial property, leisure, manufacturing, and consumer brands with operations in Teesside.

He is incredibly proud of X-Heat Ltd, commercial space heaters invented and manufactured on Teesside capable of operating on Gas / LPG or Hydrogen. The technology focuses on reducing carbon footprints and eliminating pollutants like NOx, SOx, and CO.

He brings broad commercial insight, governance experience, and the ability to engage effectively across sectors, contributing to informed and balanced Board deliberation.

Phil Walker

SES Engineering Services

Phil is a senior strategy director within a large national engineering business, operating at board level and leading long-term growth planning. His work involves navigating complex commercial and economic environments.

As a Teesside native, he brings strong local knowledge and a continued focus on ensuring major projects deliver economic and social value for the region.

Phil is a champion for young girls into non-typical roles and is passionate about others and wants to help with careers support for the next generation.