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 meets three times a year and offers a chance for local supply chain companies to hear about the region’s projects.

Set up in 2013, it is a partnership of three local engineering companies, Axiom, Francis Brown and Tees Components. It supports the region’s engineering supply chain providing a forum for networking, with support from the Tees Valley Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Presentations at the Stockton-on-Tees Employment and Training Hub were followed by a networking event on Friday where firms got the chance to pick the brains of bp and understand NZIIC opportunities.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The huge role TEN plays in backing our aims of putting local firms front-and-centre cannot be understated in our push to transform our region.

“We’re leading the way in Hydrogen innovation, carbon capture and storage and offshore wind. We already have a crucial role in achieving the UK’s clean energy ambitions. TEN is the glue in linking up talent and local experts in our supply chains to help us reach this goal – and will help us ensure we create local jobs for local people.”

Matthew Sims, operations manager at bp, said: “It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm and interest from local business leaders in bp’s hydrogen and carbon capture and storage projects in Teesside at the TEN event.

“As we develop these projects, we’re committed to partnering with local institutions and businesses to create a lasting legacy in the region as it transforms into a world-class low carbon energy hub.”

Robyn Claridge, from the NZIIC, said: “We’re grateful for the overwhelming interest shown in the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and our research facilities. This region is at the forefront of Net Zero innovation, and it’s inspiring to see so many businesses enthusiastic about contributing to a more sustainable future. Collaboration is key, and today’s discussions have brought us all closer to our shared Net Zero goals.”

Sharon Lane plays a key role in the Tees Engineering Network.

She said: “We were really pleased to see so many attendees at our October event.

“bp and the NZIIC are at the cutting edge of green energy developments in or region and beyond – so it was good to see a good number of our vital SMEs linking in as part of the network event.”