Major acquisitions completed this week see Middlesbrough Council stake a key claim in the future of the town centre.
Following months of negotiations, the authority has taken ownership of the strategically important Captain Cook Square and House of Fraser sites.
The multi-million pound investment is part of a long-term drive to transform the future of the high street through a better balance of retail, leisure and residential space.
The approach was agreed by Middlesbrough Council’s Executive last December and has seen the council working in partnership with commercial property experts Knight Frank.
The move is also the basis for a bid for £20 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).
Over the longer term a healthier mix across the town will help to attract investment and drive up footfall, revitalising the town and delivering much-needed economic benefits.
Around 300,000 sq ft of space – 25% of the high street stock – will be re-purposed to create the largest cultural and leisure hub in a 50-mile radius.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “This is a great bit of business that gives us a much greater say in the future success and prosperity of the town centre.
“The challenges were there even before the chaos wreaked by the coronavirus pandemic, so it’s more important than ever that we invest creatively and effectively in the health and long-term viability of our town centre.
“There’s amazing potential, but major changes are needed if we’re to fulfil that potential and open up a whole new chapter in Middlesbrough’s history.
“This is all about giving people alternative reasons to be in central Middlesbrough, rather than just shopping.
“These are undoubtedly tough times, but the prospects are exciting too, and I’m really looking forward to working with all of the existing business to keep them in Middlesbrough and ensure they play their part in a bright future.”
Teesport is celebrating the success of its bespoke Vehicle Booking System (VBS), which has seen over 370,000 appointments created since the system was introduced in July 2019.
The technology, which requires hauliers to pre-book appointments when dropping off and collecting containers, places the Port in a prime position to support the smooth flow of goods transiting Teesport when new, post-Brexit border controls, are introduced.
With over 17,000 vehicles visiting Teesport in an average month, the proven VBS technology ensures that the Port can continue to handle increasing volumes and support future international trade growth without compromising levels of customer service.
PD Ports launched the VBS in conjunction with its automated gate system – both part of an ongoing; multimillion-pound investment to ensure Teesport retains industry-best average gate-to-gate times – how long it takes for a vehicle to arrive, unload, reload and exit the Port – even as demand continues to grow.
One year on, over 1,300 individual users and 6,000 licence plates are registered on the VBS with worldwide logins from countries such as the Netherlands, USA, Germany and the UAE.
Mel Hannaway, PD Ports’ Change & Delivery Manager, led and managed the implementation of the new system and explained why the VBS is an important addition to Teesport’s infrastructure.
“There were multiple objectives in mind when we first explored the concept of VBS,” said Mel. “We were looking to reduce manual tasking at the automated gate and improve efficiencies as part of our wider business strategy – meaning that we are able to exceed current standards whilst continuing to grow volumes.
“Teesport is a rather unique terminal in that we have both a deep sea and short sea customer base, meaning that we handle an expansive range of cargo,” added Mel.
“We needed a solution that would be fit for purpose and still enable us to provide the level of service our customers expect. I’m delighted to say that in the last twelve months we have successfully achieved our objectives.”
“This is an important milestone in our wider strategic vision to position our operations along the River Tees as complementary components of a rebalanced UK economy, enhance the international competitiveness of the UK and Tees Valley, and facilitate its continued growth.”
PD Ports worked with CAMCO, a leading provider of automation solutions, to develop and implement the VBS to keep cargo moving quickly with minimum congestion and disruption. As a result, Teesport has been able to reduce transit times for a vehicle entering and leaving the site to just 30 minutes.
A Teesside sportswear firm that has diversified into face masks during the ongoing pandemic has created eight new jobs after receiving its biggest order to date from Middlesbrough Council.
Imprint Applications have taken on new machinists, sales and design staff and brought more staff back from furlough since starting production of bespoke face masks at their new premises on Middlesbrough’s Riverside Park.
And they were thrilled when Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston personally placed an initial order of 1,000 red and white face masks – each sporting the phrase UTB – that will be given out to members of the public using public transport.
Set up in 2016 by directors Ashley Robinson and Nathan Sutcliffe, Imprint was originally a print and embroidery specialist for the clothing industry but had moved into providing its own range of sportswear, workwear and schoolwear.
While lockdown brought a sudden halt to their sports, work and schoolwear orders, they are confident their traditional business will pick up soon – and they believe demand for their bespoke face masks is here to stay.
The mayor’s order of 1,000 bespoke masks – each embroidered with UTB (short for Up the Boro) – was their biggest single order but has since been matched by a similar order from Wimbledon Football Club.
Orders have flooded in for masks from local takeaways, pubs, salons and restaurants including the Cleveland Tontine, The Oven, Ramside Hall and Acklam Hall.
And Imprint are making a £1 donation to Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation for every mask order they receive, with funds going towards those struggling amid the Covid pandemic.
“We’re massive Teessiders so we’re incredibly proud to be able to produce something from start to finish right here on Teesside, and then see people wearing the masks on our streets and our public transport,” said Nathan.
Ashley added: “The lockdown was depressing, so get back up and running and then have the mayor come in to our new unit to physically place an order has really lifted the mood.
Mayor Andy Preston said: “I’m so pleased that Middlesbrough Council can buy this vital product from a Middlesbrough business that’s creating Middlesbrough jobs.
“It’s brilliant to see local firms innovating like this at a time when their traditional markets have temporarily dried up.
“Masks look like they are set to stay for the foreseeable future so Imprint have a potentially growing market too.”
Imprint’s consultant Mark Holt added: “The orders for face masks are additional work that wasn’t even on our minds before Covid.
“As the government has announced that masks are a necessity and that staff in pubs and restaurants have to wear them, we’ve had a surge of interest.
“It has created an opportunity and possible new business going forward. We don’t know how long demand will remain but we’re buzzing to be back and raring to expand further.”
The Tees Valley Innovation Accelerator (TIA), from delivery partners Teesside University and international research and technology organisation TWI Ltd, is a new scheme offering fully funded support to SMEs in the Tees Valley area who are looking to develop new products and services, and take them to market.
TIA is ideal for companies focused on innovation and new product development who would benefit from leveraging public funding to help them maximise their potential for exploiting new technology concepts.
Participating companies will receive support from TWI’s Technology Innovation Management team who can: help turn the innovative idea into a new product or solution with the potential to attract collaborative public grant funding; bring together a consortium of experts from TWI’s Industrial Membership base and innovation networks to work with the company to develop the concept and take it to market; provide advice and guidance on writing proposals for funding bids, and manage the complete process through proposal development to final submitted bid.
In conjunction with experts from Teesside University, companies on the scheme can also benefit from product prototyping support including: key enabling technologies in electronics, mechanics, photonics, Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing simulation, chemistry and biology to realise proof of concept or prototype; development of smart products, bringing together physical components with sensing and actuating elements as well as computing devices and connectivity; and facilities for manufacturing including inkjet 3D printing and micro-milling.
Email technologyinnovation@twi.co.uk today, and a technology expert will be in touch to explain more about this tailored innovation support.
Congratulations to brilliant Boro business Charles Clinkard on being declared the best shoe shop in England.
The UK-wide chain which began life as a single store in Middlesbrough in 1924 has come out on top of a Which? survey of more than 7,000 people.
Charles Clinkard came out on top of the poll with an 82% approval rate from shoppers based on their personal in-store experiences.
The result put them ahead of John Lewis, Next, Shoe Zone, Sports Direct, Primark and others.
Having started in Middlesbrough the company’s HQ returned to its birth town in 2016 at Cannon Park.
Cllr Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “We are very proud to be the hometown of Charles Clinkard shoe stores – it is a brilliant Boro business and it’s no surprise to see shoppers across the UK agree.
“Congratulations to all the staff in the Cannon Park HQ, the store in the town centre and to all the Charles Clinkard staff across the UK.”
Middlesbrough Council has partnered with engineering manufacturing champions Make UK on a new health and safety package to help Middlesbrough manufacturers get back to work.
The COVID-19 Management Training and Planning Programme for Manufacturers includes a three hour eLearning course, risk assessment template, and policy template, plus other useful resources.
It’s free to Make UK members or £100 for non-members. Any Middlesbrough-based manufacturer who is not currently a member and would like to take part in the course and receive the resource pack can do so for free.
Please email invest@middlesbrough.gov.uk to register your interest.
For further information on the course please visit the Make UK website.
Regeneration specialist, Chaloner Group, has reached practical completion on the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TeesAMP).
Construction of phase one of the landmark £55 million park, located adjacent to Riverside Park on the southern bank of the River Tees, is now complete and ready to accept its first occupiers.
The 180,000sq ft development features high specification buildings for manufacturing and R&D facilities.
It is hoped that TeesAMP will become a focal point for innovation and advanced engineering in the Tees Valley.
Chaloner Group has developed the site in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) in order to attract companies to the area.
The investment also includes a £25 million anaerobic digester, which will use food and biological waster to generate power.
Phase one has been constructed predominately by a North East-based supply chain, including main contractor Robertson North East and Stockton steel fabricators Nationwide Structures.
TeesAMP has been funded by £12.5 million from Middlesbrough Council, £7.65 million from TVCA and £2.3 million from the SSI Taskforce, the body set up to support regeneration after the closure of the SSI steelworks, and substantial private investment.
Geoff Hogg, chief executive of Chaloner Group, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have led the delivery of phase one of the TeesAMP, which sets the standard for high quality manufacturing facilities in the region.
“Reaching practical completion is a major milestone for the project in readiness for the first occupiers moving in.
“The interest in TeesAMP from the manufacturing sector has been considerable with around 70 per cent of the space likely to be taken in the near future, which gives us confidence to embark on phase two soon.”
During this time of uncertainty and opportunity, Middlesbrough Community Learning is reaching out to local businesses throughout the Tees Valley to offer advice and support.
You can get in touch for information and advice on how they can help you to identify funding and training available for your staff. They can offer tailored resources with access to online training in many areas, and also signposting to partner organisations for additional support.
Their current offer includes:
- apprenticeships for new and current staff (including furloughed)
- Functional Skills in Maths, English, and ICT
- everyday computing, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Google Docs
- ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) and Ways to Work
- a suite of free online courses, including stress management, first aid, risk assessments, mental health awareness, safeguarding, health and safety, and more
- Community Learning, for family learning and support into work
Call Kevin Sedgwick on 07825 203214 or Diane O’Connell on 07971 351854 to find out more about how Middlesbrough Community Learning can help you move forward.
Middlesbrough Community Learning also offers support for unemployed residents of all ages via the Routes to Work and Youth Employment Initiative programmes.
Volunteering schemes continue to support the work of Middlesbrough Council and its partners, offering valuable work experience while allowing residents to provide the support that makes us stronger together.
To support businesses further the government outlined on 1 May a discretionary grants fund.
If you think you may be eligible, it is very important that you read the following information.
We are now inviting eligible businesses to express an interest in the discretionary grant funding by completing the Discretionary Business Grant online form.
The discretionary fund is limited to £1.1 million. Claims will only be paid once the accurate completion of the form including supporting evidence is made. Payment of the discretionary grant will be done on a first come first served basis.
Businesses which can apply
If you are within the following priority list:
- businesses in shared business centre/units
- regular market traders with fixed building costs
- B&Bs which pay Council Tax rather than business rates
- small charities that meet the criteria for Small Business Rate Relief
Eligibility criteria
Your business:
- employs less than 50 staff.
- can demonstrate a significant drop in income brought about by COVID-19
- has high ongoing fixed costs, e.g. rent
- was trading on or before, 11 March 2020 – businesses trading after this date will not be eligible – even if the rest of the criteria can be met.
- was not eligible for the current schemes (Small Business Grants Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Scheme)
- is in occupation of a property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000
Ineligible businesses
This scheme does not extend to the following businesses:
- Businesses operating from a home address
- Businesses that are eligible for cash grants from any central government COVID-19-related schemes such as:
- Small Business Grant Fund
- Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant
- The Fisheries Response Fund
- Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme (DSSS)
- The Zoos Support Fund
- The Dairy Hardship Fund
Ensure you have all the information requested
All questions on the claim form must be completed and answered. Supporting evidence will be required to be submitted with the claim as directed. Any claims that are incorrectly completed or do not have the relevant information attached will be rejected. You’ll be advised at that point to reclaim.
When can I apply?
If you meet the above criteria, you are invited to submit a claim during the period 28 May 2020 and 18 June 2020. Please note, due to the limited funds, there is no guarantee that every claim will receive funding.
How can I apply?
You can use the Discretionary Business Grant online form to apply.
What happens after I’ve applied?
Once you have submitted your claim, we will assess it against the fund criteria and notify you or your entitlement via payment in the bank.
Payments will not be made before 3 June 2020. If you are entitled to the discretionary grant payment it will be in your bank account no later than 30 June 2020.
Middlesbrough Council wants feedback from businesses as it plans how the town centre can bounce back safely from Covid-19.
The Council’s Town Centre Recovery Group is considering what will become ‘the new normal’ in response to the Coronavirus.
Concerns around the future of retail, pubs, restaurants and the wider hospitality and leisure sector are being investigated, alongside logistical considerations including the impact on public transport.
The Council has now launched a survey of businesses as it attempts to provide as much practical support and guidance as possible.
Cllr Ashley Waters, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Bouncing back from Covid-19 will challenge different businesses in different ways and we want to do all we can to help.
“As social distancing guidelines are relaxed over the coming months the Council will work with businesses and partners to make sure people can visit the town centre safely and with confidence.
“Our Town Centre Recovery Group is working through a range of topics including retail, hospitality and leisure, culture and public transport and we want to hear from as many businesses as possible on what the main issues will be for them.
“It’s really encouraging that partners including Teesside University and representatives from different sectors are involved. Together we intend to make sure Middlesbrough recovers as quickly and safely as possible.”
Representatives from shopping centres, Middlesbrough Football Club and the town’s digital sector are involved in the plan.
Council officers are currently considering the need for a number of social distancing measures including the potential for marshals, new signage and pavement markings.
And businesses will be urged to consider PPE requirements for staff, opening hours, parking and how to manage deliveries and peak times.
The Town Centre Group is just one element of the Council’s overall Recovery plan. Other groups are focusing on Environment and Infrastructure, Business and Economy, Health and Wellbeing, Education and Skills, Council Services and Priorities, Children’s Services and Adult Social Care.
The Council is responsible for ensuring that communities and businesses can adapt to the fast-developing situation. Its approach focuses on recovery and identifying opportunities to achieve longer-term regeneration and economic development.
Town centre businesses are encouraged to complete the survey online.
