The formula for success

Apr 11 2006 By Helen Logan Evening Gazette

The chemical and process industries have been pivotal to the economic base of Teesside for many years.

On top of that, they are businesses which play a huge part in all our lives.

They have an impact on a wide range of everyday things including fizzy drinks, cosmetics, washing up liquid and pills and potions, with the industry contributing to the production of these goods or their packaging.

Therefore it was quite fitting that two of the honours in the Tees Valley Business Awards - which are organised by the Evening Gazette and its sister paper The Journal in Newcastle - came from that sector.

Billingham-based Avecia Biologics, which is a world leader in the development of advanced medicines using biotechnology, took the Company of the Year crown.

And the Centre for Process Industries (CPI), at Wilton, was the winner in the technology section.

CPI is supporting chemical firms in their ambitions to stay ahead competitively with a piece of equipment called a continuous oscillatory baffle reactor.

It allows them to trial innovative new methods of production.

The awards reflect how the face of business in the Tees Valley is evolving.

Both Avecia and CPI are at the forefront of the latest cutting edge practices in their field.

There were record entry levels in the Internet and environment categories. This shows how Teesside is embracing new technology and green initiatives.

The 11 winning companies go on to compete against those declared the best in the Tyneside and Northumberland, and Durham and Wearside areas for regional recognition at the North East Business Awards final at Hardwick Hall, near Sedgefield, on May 25.

Let's hope that the Tees Valley contenders do us proud.