Teesside industry proving its worth

Feb 5 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

THE Tees Valley has a long and renowned industrial history, stretching right back to the opening of the world's first passenger railway in 1825 between Stockton and Darlington.

Since then we have grown as experts in shipbuilding, iron and steel, and chemicals. We are known for our unique concentration of high quality industrial facilities and a readily available skilled workforce. Our endless list of achievements, including our role as leading producer of chemicals for the British Empire during World War One and steel supplier for the Sydney Harbour bridge, have undoubtedly helped put us on the map.

But things are changing. Tees Valley industry is diversifying and we are once again proving our worth, not only in traditional engineering disciplines, but also in new and emerging markets. Today the region is home to more than 400 engineering-related companies, operating in an array of sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and all types of energy.

A couple of weeks ago I heard from three of these companies, Sonhoe, Cummins Engines and the Cordell Group, as they addressed guests at the TVEP's 2008 Project Preview event. While they each spoke of different sectors and services, their underlying message was the same: we are growing as a business and the Tees Valley has the right facilities and the right expertise to help us get the job done.

As the new honorary chairman of the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership, I now sit at the head of an organisation which is working hard to ensure that this remains the case. We already know that the Tees Valley is an attractive prospect for companies looking for a well-equipped base, thanks to reliable access to utilities, an unrivalled selection of industrial property, and outstanding transport links.

We also know that the region is a world leader in engineering expertise, thanks to the 20,000 people already employed in the industry here, and the outstanding number of others currently in training.

Our job now is to make sure the rest of the world knows these things too. To achieve this we all have a role to play. We welcome investment from large, global organisations, but must not forget the important position of local SMEs and family run firms which have been the backbone of this area for generations.

2008 is this region's chance to excel and I hope that you will all continue to forge ahead, much as we did when creating that railway more than 180 years ago.