Showcase Sees Healthy Business Turnout For Speakers From Global Firms

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 foundation 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.