The steel industry undoubtedly played a fundamental role in forging the region’s global reputation, but it is the digital sector which is at the forefront of an exciting future.

That is the view of Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Teesside University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement), who are emphasising the impact the digital and tech sector has on the region – both in terms of job creation and economic value.

Mayor Houchen was speaking as Teesside University’s internationally renowned Animex Festival, now in its 21st year, got under way once again.

Things are a little different this year, with activities taking place online, but Animex has still attracted some of the biggest names in the games and animation industry to deliver a series of inspiring talks, workshops and screenings, which are all free to attend.

One of the highlights of this year’s Animex Festival is the Animex Industry Day, taking place on 30 September, which brings together key figures to discuss the impact of Covid-19 and how the games, animation and visual effects industry has responded. Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment, will chair the discussion, which is aimed at educators and people in the industry.  Sign up to the Animex Industry Day.

The Tees Valley digital sector accounted for an estimated 5,340 jobs in 2020, and a further 2,270 jobs across the supply chain.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our digital sector is home to some world-leading businesses doing some incredible things across the globe. It is one of our key sectors, responsible for employing thousands of people and delivering more than half a billion pounds into our economy each year.

“People know Teesside steel helped build the world in the past and now they are hearing more and more about how we are driving forward innovation and the technologies of the future.

“The sector will play a huge role as we recover our economy post-coronavirus. We need to be ready to capitalise on opportunities that the new normal brings as we see a further shift towards things like remote working, online learning and digitalisation.

“There are companies here in Teesside working on the next blockbuster for the likes of Microsoft and Animex shows that if you want to get into games design, animation or visual effects, you don’t have to move away from the area.”

Teesside University’s Animex Festival is one of the world’s largest and longest running festivals of animation and computer games and is always a highlight in the Teesside University Calendar. This year it has launched an exciting new partnership with the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, working together to use Animex’s reputation and profile to continue to promote and  develop the Tees Valley’s burgeoning digital sector and establish the region as a hub for digital innovation, growth, enterprise and employability.

Teesside University is well-versed in this area. Since starting in 2001, its DigitalCity initiative has helped over 650 digital and creative businesses, creating 254 new companies and 518 jobs. In the last year, the University has worked with 43 separate digital organisations, completing 62 projects and, since 2016, its Launchpad scheme has launched 28 digital organisations, creating 57 jobs in the digital industry.

Professor Turner OBE DL, said: “The digital and technology sector is of huge significance to the region and Teesside University has, and continues to play, a leading role in its growth and success by providing the talent, research and business creating opportunities.”

“Animex showcases some of the games and animation industries’ brightest lights and future stars sharing their knowledge, ideas and experiences. We are delighted to be hosting Animex 2020 in partnership with the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.”

Mayor Houchen added: “The creative side of this sector is hugely important and we are delighted to be working with Teesside University to bring Animex back for its 21st year. Brilliant guests who started their careers in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool will inspire our up-and-coming talent, while experts in animation and gaming from around the world will pass on their knowledge and experience.

“Each year, Animex helps us increase our profile even more and highlight that we are leading the way for digital, while creating jobs and driving economic growth.”

Animex runs until 2 October. Find out more about the event and the various activities taking place.

A major funding boost is set to breathe new life into Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter.

Grants will be up for grabs to help with repairs and restoration works to businesses and other premises.

The quarter was designated a Conservation Area in 1989 and centres around the Grade II-listed railway station, extending north towards Middlehaven and south towards the town centre.

The area is now set to benefit from a key funding injection through Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone fund.

Middlesbrough Council’s successful bid was chosen from more than 200 expressions of interest from across England.

High Street Heritage Action Zone status will see the Historic Quarter become the focus of a programme of improvements designed to reinvigorate the area and drive investment.

The programme is funded by Historic England (£985,880), Middlesbrough Council (£1 million) and will leverage third party funding.

Kicking off immediately and running until 2024, it will offer property improvement grants to eligible privately-owned premises, to assist with building repairs and restoration.

It will also provide enhancements to Exchange Square and Zetland Road, such as upgrades to hard surfacing, new street furniture, improved street lighting and the introduction of new trees.

A range of community and cultural activities will reanimate the area and increase footfall.

Once the commercial centre of Middlesbrough’s trade boom in the second half of the 19th century, the Historic Quarter has suffered in recent years through lack of investment and high levels of empty properties.

The programme of improvements has been designed to stimulate investment and make the area a more engaging and vibrant place to be.

Heritage Unlocked founder Dr Tosh Warwick, who chairs the HAZ Community Steering Group, said: “The Historic England Heritage Action Zone will bring new life to an important part of Middlesbrough’s heritage.

“By reinvigorating the Historic Quarter all parts of the community can discover, engage with and enjoy our town’s heritage, learn more about our past and benefit from regeneration at the heart of our town.”

Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: “The Historic Quarter is the main thoroughfare between the town centre and the train station, and is often the first thing people see when visiting our town.

“The area has huge potential, but it needs significant investment to revitalise the listed Victorian buildings and make them fit for modern purposes.

“The funding through Historic England allows us to assist building owners to deliver much-needed improvements, as well as enhancing surrounding public areas to create a place where people will want to visit and work in.”

For more information, visit the Middlesbrough High Street Heritage Action Zone page.

Work officially started today on the latest phase of Middlesbrough’s ambitious Boho campus.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston was joined on site by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Partnerships and Business Development Director Amanda Grimbleby of M-AR Off Site to get construction on Boho 8 under way.

The £2.3 million project – backed by Local Growth Fund funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority – builds on the hugely successful Boho quarter, and is the first development within Middlesbrough’s Digital City project.

The bespoke modular units will provide additional space for rapidly expanding companies in Boho 1 and Boho 5, as well as attracting new digital and creative businesses to the area.

The four one-to-three storey bespoke designed modular cantilevered buildings range from 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft and will be delivered by main contractor M-AR Off Site, with completion due in winter.

The development to the rear of Boho 1 will be complemented by modern contemporary external communal space with a high street feel.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Middlesbrough is firmly on track to becoming the digital city of the UK, and Boho 8 is another leap towards that ambition.

“It’s another step in a £250 million investment in this flourishing sector which is already putting Middlesbrough on the map nationally and internationally.

“Boho is a key digital and creative hotspot, and it symbolises the sort of aspiration and ambition that will deliver jobs and prosperity for many years to come.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our fantastic digital businesses are continuing to go from strength to strength. 

“As we start recovering from the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus this development will support my plan for jobs by bringing new, world-leading companies to the region and helping home-grown talent grow and thrive.  

“I’m delighted to be supporting Mayor Preston’s vision to see Middlesbrough become the UK’s digital powerhouse and there’s plenty more to come for this inspiring and important scheme.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP said: “I am delighted we have reached the latest milestone of this ambitious project which will cement Middlesbrough’s growing reputation as a thriving hub for the digital sector – backed by up to £2million in Government funding through the Local Growth Fund.

“This funding will give vital support to the Digital City project, attracting more jobs into the area, helping Middlesbrough’s digital and creative sectors to grow and ensuring the area continues to be a great place to live, work and study.”

M-AR Off Site Partnerships and Business Development Director Amanda Grimbleby said: “We are proud to be able to deliver this exciting and prestigious ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ project at Boho in collaboration with Middlesbrough Council.

“Whilst we start on site here today in Middlesbrough, we also commence the off site construction simultaneously in our factory in preparation to deliver 18 individual lorry loads of 49m2 modules to the site at the end of September with completion of the project in winter.

“This just demonstrates the speed in which off site construction can accelerate the delivery of such projects and this has all been able to happen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The innovative design will provide light, bright and inspiring office spaces for ambitious and creative digital businesses in the region and being part of making this happen is inspiring in itself”.

AV Dawson’s port facility in Teesside has been announced as the first site for a revolutionary new alternative fuel project that will support ambitions to reduce landfill and global carbon emissions.

Waste Knot Energy (Waste Knot) has secured funding from Gresham House’s British Strategic Investment Fund (BSIF) to build its first fuel pelleting plant in Middlesbrough.

The plant will produce Waste Knot’s Green Knot branded pellets using non-recyclable waste – otherwise destined for landfill or for another country’s waste facilities. The high-calorific value of the pellets makes them a reliable, low-emission bulk alternative to coal and pet-coke for energy-intensive industries – such as cement and steel.

AV Dawson’s Middlesbrough facility was selected as the site for the first plant due to its quayside location on the south side of the River Tees, providing a strategic entrance point to serve the UK and beyond. With construction now underway at the site, this marks an important step for the UK in developing infrastructure to process its own waste and providing an alternative to landfill.

Once completed, the plant in Middlesbrough will create over 20 full time jobs and revenue within the region. It is estimated the plant will manufacture in excess of 240,000 tonnes of fuel pellets each year, which will be transported within the UK by rail or exported by ship. The plant is being developed on a brownfield site owned by AV Dawson.

Gary Dawson, Managing Director at AV Dawson says: “We are completely redeveloping a whole area of our Middlesbrough site to provide a tailored solution for the customer that gives them a purpose-built facility with immediate access to the quayside, enabling the efficient production and export of pellets around the world.

“Once the processing facility is operational, we will be providing the ongoing logistics; loading vessels on a weekly basis to keep up with 24-hour production schedule.

“This project is an exciting step forward in the expansion of our port facilities on the River Tees.  It is part of our long-term plans to move into renewable and recyclable energy markets; supporting our diversification strategy and our environmental aspirations.  It also supports the region’s and the UK’s wider environmental challenges to create a circular economy; diverting waste from landfill whilst supporting the move away from fossil fuels.” 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says: “It is fantastic to see Teesside landing the first plant for this exciting new project. Whether it is Net Zero Teesside, e-scooters or pioneering the use of hydrogen across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool we are developing the technologies of the future and creating sustainable good quality well paid local jobs for local workers. This amazing news further supports our ambitions to drive forward the clean energy agenda; further cementing our regions reputation as an innovator and world leader in decarbonisation.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston adds: “This is very positive for Middlesbrough, bringing investment and jobs to the town and enabling AV Dawson, as one of the largest family businesses in the area, to take the next step in its plans for growth.”

Focused on real assets, BSIF invests in sustainable UK housing and infrastructure, with emphasis on the smaller mid-market, via investments in local and regional projects. By investing in projects such as Waste Knot, which deliver environmental benefits and support job creation, the BSIF strategy aims to have a positive social and environmental impact on the UK.

Ed Simpson, fund manager of BSIF and Investment Director – New Energy at Gresham House, says: “The benefits to the UK from the Waste Knot Energy project are myriad – from providing a waste disposal alternative to reducing carbon emission from the industrial sector and stimulating regional economic activity. Having just completed its final funding round, this is exactly the type of strategically important sustainable project BSIF is looking to facilitate, while generating attractive returns for investors.”

Pictured: (L-R) Ed Simpson (fund manager of BSIF and Investment Director – New Energy at Gresham House), Roger Ferguson (Waste Knot), Tony Green (Waste Knot), Craig Jones (Waste Knot). Gary Dawson (managing director – AV Dawson)

PD Ports is celebrating the official opening of a multi-million pound bulks handling facility at Teesport that marks an important milestone in the revival of the Tees Valley following the collapse of the SSI Steelworks in 2015.

Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, officially opened Teesport Bulks Terminal during a virtual ceremony on August 12th.

PD Ports’ £9.2 million investment to renovate and refurbish its former Steel Export Terminal delivers a modernised warehousing facility that is firmly positioned to handle continued international trade growth and support post-COVID economic recovery, as well as further economic growth over the longer term.

The 300,000sq.ft. terminal comprises seven walled bays, primed to store a range of bulk products such as soya and grain and directly connected to covered rail access to provide an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective solution for domestic exports.

The investment has created 44 new jobs on Teesside, and builds on the £1bn of investment PD Ports has attracted to the region over the last decade, in addition to the Government’s own £70 million investment to regenerate the Tees Valley and its ongoing commitment to the levelling-up agenda.

“The opening of the Teesport Bulks Terminal marks an important milestone in the continued revival of the Tees Valley,” said Simon Clarke, MP during his opening speech.

“This new terminal will increase trade, create new jobs for the region and help boost the UK’s economic recovery as we emerge from the worst effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Teesside is leading the way in an era of international investment and economic renewal and as a proud Teessider, I couldn’t welcome this more.”

PD Ports’ CEO, Frans Calje, says completion of the Teesport Bulks Terminal signifies the resurgence of bulks handling in the Tees Valley and demonstrates the region’s economic recovery post SSI.

“In 2015, disaster struck the Tees Valley as the steelworks collapsed after more than 150 years of steelmaking. Overnight the River Tees and this region lost one of its main component parts and we, as PD Ports, lost a third of our business.

“Thanks to an ongoing journey of diversification, we have been able to rise, almost symbolically, from our own ashes into something that is now far larger in 2020 than it ever was in 2015.

“We now employ more people than we ever did before in the Tees Valley and instead of being reliant on what we once were we are now in charge of our own destiny.

“With the opening of this facility we are celebrating the relationship of two like-minded businesses and the realisation that by working together we can be far greater than going it alone.”

Global natural resource company Glencore Agriculture UK backed PD Ports’ investment and UK Managing Director, James Maw, explained how the opening of the facility is an important milestone for the Glencore business as well as for the Tees Valley.

“Our business was getting tired and so we had to radically think about how to revitalise Glencore UK,” said James. “That planning and strategy led us to Teesside and PD Ports in late 2016.

“PD Ports has proven its adaptability in transitioning from steel products to a wide range of bulk products and I have to commend the work they have done, alongside key customers, in delivering a remarkable change for PD Ports and the Tees Valley. It is providing a future for the Port and the region as a whole.

“The Teesport Bulks Terminal will provide new opportunities for both import and export as well as providing the efficiency, reliability, flexibility and a level of service that will ensure that our customers remain our customers.”

Glencore will utilise three bays at the Teesport Bulks Terminal to store its agribulk products destined for UK distribution – a long-term commitment that demonstrates the resilience of the UK economy and continued international confidence for trade and investment in the UK.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has today (July 28) set out his plan for jobs at the former Redcar steelworks site – a plan that will see almost 400 jobs created and almost £400m worth of investment over the next 12 months.

Throwing the doors open to the newly-named Teesworks site this morning, Mayor Houchen announced a host of new contracts which will go out for tender in the coming weeks, and he is urging businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to bid for the work in order to create good quality local jobs for local people.

Over the next 12 months, 19 separate demolitions will take place and 18 individual contracts will go out for tender, creating 390 jobs, 39 of which will be for apprentices. In total, 775 jobs will be created through these investments, which will total £393 million.

From today, local businesses and local workers will be able to find out about contracts and job opportunities at Teesworks by visiting the new Teesworks website.

In a further bid to support local businesses, Mayor Houchen worked with Middlesbrough-based Better brand agency to develop the new Teesworks brand, established to appeal to both international investors and local workers in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, and a new site entrance will also be built by the end of the year.

Mayor Houchen said: “My 12-month plan for the former steelworks is a plan for local people and local businesses to create jobs, jobs and more jobs. Due to the sheer scale of the site, the numbers are huge and there is nothing like this anywhere else in the UK.

“More than 200 local jobs have already been created on the site, but this is just the beginning. Over the next year, we will go on to create hundreds more real jobs for real people in our communities. We own the land, we have the keys, the diggers are in place and we are getting on with the job we promised to the former steelworkers, some of which are already back on site in new jobs.

“We want businesses to know what opportunities are coming up so they can bid for them and support jobs in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, which is more important than ever as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Our new Teesworks website will do exactly that and help us match local people with the right vacancy.

“With this exciting new phase for the site and investment in the pipeline on a scale that has not been seen before in this region, we felt it was time for a new identity to tell our story and showcase our potential to investors across the world as well as real people in Teesside, which is why we’ve launched Teesworks.

“By the end of the year, we will also have built a new and impressive entrance to the site. This will be our shop window to the world, allowing us to wow local people and investors alike, inspiring current and future generations to train and apply for the high skilled jobs that we are creating

“The hundreds of jobs we are creating and the investment we are bringing in will help us change the skyline of Teesside forever in the biggest demolition programme this region has ever seen. This is a site with a proud history and one which has touched the lives of so many of the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, and we can make it a site they are proud of again.”

Support from Teesside University has helped scores of companies navigate their way through the challenges and opportunities posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the start of lockdown, the University quickly pivoted its expert-led programmes to ensure they were meeting innovation and skills needs across the region.

Analysis by the University has shown that significant numbers are accessing its support.

Highlights to date include:

  • 55 companies given specialist technical support
  • 101 individuals helped to improve their digital skillset through the Digital Skills for Growth programme
  • Detailed diagnostic work with 22 companies to come up with tailored responses to Covid-19 challenges, with the opportunity to apply to the University’s ERDF-funded Spark Fund for financial support to implement them.

Despite the pandemic, the region’s entrepreneurial appetite is as strong as ever,  with 25 new start-ups taking part in the DigitalCity Accelerator and 18 start-ups assisted through the University’s online Microbiz Academy.

The University-led DigitalCity initiative has also helped 13 companies prepare for growth through its SCALE programme.

Staff at the University prepared 20 bids for grant support for companies looking to innovate and grow.

This analysis follows the news earlier this month (July) that the activities of Teesside University benefited the region by more than £128.4 million as measured by Gross Value Added (GVA), according to a new report.

Laura Woods, Director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University, said: “We’re very pleased that the University has been able to react so promptly to the unique situation faced by businesses.

“The past few months have demonstrated yet again – and more sharply than ever –  the innovation and resilience with which our region responds to significant challenges.

“Companies have pivoted to provide new goods and services, while entrepreneurs have continued to find new markets for their goods and services.

“We’re delighted to be playing a part in supporting them, and are now focused on helping the region bounce back from the economic effects of the pandemic.”

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, recognising and rewarding their outstanding achievements in the fields of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

Established by Royal Warrant in 1965, the Awards have a long history of recognising exceptional UK businesses.

This year, there were 7 winners in the North East. For the 2021 round, we want to encourage more businesses to apply, as we know that the North East has amazing potential and many outstanding businesses who deserve to be recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of UK businesses in the fields of:

  • Innovation – In one of the following categories: invention, design or production of goods; Performance of services; marketing and distribution; after sale support of goods and services
  • International trade – Minimum of £100,000 in overseas sales; achieving outstanding growth having regard to the size of the business and sector
  • Sustainable development – achieving outstanding sustainable development for more than 2 years; evidence the benefits or positive outcomes of your actions
  • Promoting opportunity – Are you engaged with your community; helping socially disadvantaged individuals to progress via an apprenticeship scheme/programme/other intervention; how did you develop your programmes and is promoting opportunity embedded in your organisations culture; what are the benefits to those on the programmes

Benefits of winning a Queen’s Award

  • Use a recognised Royal Emblem that will get your business noticed, above and beyond the competition
  • Your company will be globally recognised as an outstanding British brand
  • Your company is likely to increase its sales and growth. Winners reported they have won new business e.g. in Japan and the Middle East
  • Award presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant at your company-opportunity to boost staff morale, gain great press coverage; celebrate with your staff; customers; supply chain; local authority and other stakeholders
  • Representatives from your company attend a Royal Reception

Eligibility criteria

  • Be based in the UK
  • File tax returns with HM Revenue and Customs
  • Be a self-contained enterprise
  • Have at least 2 full-time UK employees or part time equivalents
  • Demonstrate strong corporate responsibility

The next application round is open from 1 May to 9 September 2020. Almost all UK businesses can apply, and the application process is free and straightforward. To find out more, contact the Queen’s Awards Office or visit The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise website.

Application guidance top tips

  • Check eligibility online
  • Plan your responses by downloading the pdf application form
  • Use plain English
  • Provide evidence
  • Tell your story
  • Add collaborators
  • Allow sufficient time

Contact

The Queens Award Office is there to give help and advice:
Email: queensawards@beis.gov.uk
Phone: 02072156880
Website: The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise website
Twitter: @TheQueensAwards

Her Majesty –“Having watched the Awards established in my name grow in stature and influence, I continue to be impressed by the way that they have given opportunity to big organisations and small, enabling them to project themselves on the world stage”

MFC Foundation is delighted to announce a partnership with the renowned Applebridge Family group of businesses that will see 30,000 hot meals and free school meals delivered throughout Teesside during the six weeks of school summer term.

The aim is to produce and distribute approximately 1,000 free meals a day, for a 6-week period, to the children of families who need it the most in Teesside. Working in partnership with Middlesbrough FC Foundation, Applebridge Family have donated £40,000.00 to the event with the aim of covering the cost of purchasing food, packaging and transport to ensure a quality daily meal will reach those who require it the most.

The meals will be prepared daily at the Riverside and transported to nominated local distribution hubs, a process that will continue every weekday commencing today, Wednesday July 22, through to Friday August 28.

Applebridge are providing the food and chefs from MFC will be volunteering their time for Applebridge to cook the food in the kitchens of the Riverside Stadium, provided in-kind by Middlesbrough Football Club.

 “We at the Applebridge Family were inspired by the fantastic work carried out by Marcus Rashford in successfully lobbying the government to provide 1.3-million free school meals for children over the summer holidays,” says Chris Brown, Applebridge Manager Director.

“Following a conversation between our CEO Donny Hughes and Billy Lamb, Director of Retaining UK, it was decided that the Applebridge Family would play our part, however small that may be. We hope the contribution made by ourselves and Middlesbrough FC Foundation provide some comfort to the families who struggle the most during the summer school holidays.”

Mr Brown continues: “We would like to thank Middlesbrough FC Foundation for providing the facilities of the Riverside Stadium to prepare the food, the chefs and their assistants who have volunteered their time completely free of charge and who will play a key role in preparing what will be nearly 30,000 meals across a 6-week period, and the volunteers from the Foundation and the Applebridge family who are distributing the meals from hubs in Middlesbrough.

“In addition, we would like to thank Leaders Paper Merchants, QFS Food, Wolley Bros North East and Quorn Foods for the support they have provided.”

Head of MFC Foundation Helena Bowman commented: “This is a fantastic gesture from the Applebridge family. We’re combining their logistics with our expertise to make a positive difference to so many in our communities.

“I would like to place on record my thanks for this tremendous commitment from people who are clearly likeminded. They want to help.

“Thank you also to the club (Middlesbrough FC) for the use of their kitchens and to the chefs and volunteers from both organisations who will make this happen. Also to Middlesbrough Council who do great work with primary schools in the town centre to help make sure meals get to families who need them most.

“We’re humbled that the Applebridge Family have recognised the work we do throughout our communities and have chosen us to work with through the summer.”

The activities of Teesside University benefit the economy of the North East and Tees Valley by more than £128.4 million, according to a new study.

The report, commissioned by the University and carried out by independent consultancy New Skills Consulting, investigated the economic impact of the University in 2018/19 as measured by Gross Value Added (GVA).

The University’s nationwide GVA totalled £141.1 million, an increase of £15.7 million on the previous year.

When taking into account the long-term impact of the University’s knowledge exchange activities, the cumulative GVA totals £208 million.

The University spent approximately £142 million in 2018/19 and the same economic impact report also found that it supported a total of 2,961 jobs, not including the 1,614 staff it employs.

In addition, when taking into account the increased earning potential of its graduates, the University’s human capital impact – the economic value of the knowledge, skills and competencies produced – is estimated at £1.4 billion.

The findings in the report validate Teesside University’s mission as an anchor institution with a key role in driving economic growth.

This role has been particularly evident in recent months, with the University playing an integral part in the region’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Horizons Centre in Darlington has supplied local NHS trusts with state-of-the-art equipment to enable them to scale up testing, while academics have been working with clinicians on research to understand the clinical course of Covid-19 cases in the region and helping to understand risk factors.

Businesses have been supported through the crisis through the University’s DigitalCity initiative which has tailored its SME support to an online offering. The University is also working with Tees Valley Combined Authority to help shape future support for companies as part of the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Engagement at Teesside University, said: “We are delighted by the findings in this report.

“Our determined efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic have further illustrated the impact and role of the University.

“Our ability to be agile and responsive to the pressing needs of our business community was so important to us. Our support ranged from the collaboration with Tees Valley Combined Authority to create a survey to help us really understand the issues faced by business; digital skills training for many furloughed staff; diagnostic support for 22 businesses to help them pivot and then access funds to support new product or service development; to help early stage digital businesses build not recede; offering technical support to 55 companies and 38 graduate internships to help businesses. I could go on.    

“But as civic university, it is vital that we take an active role in the resurgence of the region’s economy so it is reaffirming that our work in this regard is being validated.”