Middlesbrough-based housing association Thirteen Housing Group has issued a private placement to a group of UK and US institutional investors, securing a £100m injection of new capital.

Thirteen owns and manages 34,000 homes from an area spanning North Tyneside to York, with the majority based in the Tees Valley. The association employs 1,500 people and provides services for more than 70,000 customers.

The £100m private placement is spread over a number of tranches with 25-year to 35-year maturities and a weighted average cost of funds of 2.86 per cent.

“This is fantastic news for Thirteen as it means we’ve secured long term funding at a very low, fixed cost that will help us to realise our growth and development ambitions,” said Heather Ashton, executive director of resources.

“We’re really pleased with the feedback we received from investors throughout the process.  It was extremely positive, and their confidence in Thirteen’s management team and governance has resulted in a fantastic outcome for our first private placement.”

Headquartered in Middlesbrough, Thirteen has pledged to invest more than £1bn into improving homes for existing customers, as well as building new homes, making improvements to neighbourhoods and providing support services.

Ian Wardle, chief executive, added: “By broadening our funding base in this way, we can continue to invest in existing customers as well as building the new homes that future customers want and need.”

A fast-growing Teesside firm has achieved a £1 million first-year turnover after signing a two-year, six-figure fee to provide round-the-clock security at five sites owned by logistics giant, AV Dawson.

Close Protection Security (CPS) is providing 24-hour, seven-days-a-week security to the long-established Middlesbrough firm including manned security on AV Dawson’s main gate, mobile patrols, CCTV and port arrivals.

The AV Dawson contract follows similar CPS contract wins with blue-chip Teesside brands including Psyche, Middlesbrough Football Club, Teesside International Airport and Scott Bros.

The firm, who now have a team of more than 50 operating from the airport’s grounds, plans further expansion in 2020 after “a year of rapid expansion”.

CPS recently agreed a deal to provide on-site security staffing to Middlesbrough FC at both the Riverside Stadium and the Rockliffe Park training ground.

They now act as security partners for Psyche, the high-profile clothing retailer with stores in Middlesbrough and Durham.

They also provide patrols around the land side of the airport, along with an established security detail for the St George Hotel on the airport site and services to high-profile clients using the airport.

CPS also signed a six-figure deal to provide security services for sites in Haverton Hill, Stockton, and Grangetown, near Redcar, for Scott Bros, specialists in haulage, plant hire and recycling contract services.

Close Protection Security, which is run by directors Glenn Bartlett, Chris Petty and James Wilcock, has also provided protection for a number of high-profile celebrities on visits to the region.

Jayne Cruddas, AV Dawson’s procurement manager, said. “When reviewing our security needs, it was paramount that we partnered with a company that was adaptable and able to offer a bespoke service to suit our individual requirements.

“As a port operator it is crucial to operations that we maintain the highest level of security. CPS have delivered this in a professional manner providing a visible and reliable security presence on site.”

CPS managing director Glenn Bartlett said: “Securing a deal with AV Dawson is testament to our professionalism and fast-growing reputation for setting the bar much higher than customers often associate with the security sector.

“Our uniformed staff make a positive and professional first impression, we’re reliable, provide a first class service with a personal touch, and we’ve embraced technology too. We offer a mobile web interface that allows clients to check where our security patrols are at any single time.

“Not only do we provide a first point of contact for those arriving at AV Dawson’s gatehouse but we also provide port facility security, assisting the client with checks on vessels arriving at what’s known as the hard area.

Fellow director Chris Petty added: “We’ve won work from another blue chip client because we’re bringing a new level of expertise and reliability to the much-maligned security sector. We’ve had an exciting year – but we’re planning for better still over the next 12 months.”

CPS won the contract soon after Glenn was responsible for helping to respectfully move on a group of travellers who had broken into an AV Dawson site.

The firm is also providing facilities management to AV Dawson.

Free Wi-Fi is now available across Middlesbrough town centre to help people stay connected and boost trade.

From Thursday, November 28 visitors will have free access to the internet via the Middlesbrough Council Wi-Fi network.

The permanent installation is a key strand of Middlesbrough’s City Centre Strategy to create a vibrant, modern, thriving centre at the heart of the Tees Valley.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “There’s an ever-growing need for high streets to evolve and diversify in order to meet changing trends and the demands of modern consumers.

“Central to that approach is the positive use of digital technology to bring people into town and city centres, increasing footfall and dwell time and enhancing our leisure and retail offer.

“We know visitors to Middlesbrough will welcome our free Wi-Fi network, whether they’re here for Christmas shopping, work or leisure.”

Yoga for school children, board games for the partially sighted and hand tools crafted in the Tees Valley are some of the goods and services being offered by the latest exciting start-ups on Teesside University’s acclaimed enterprise programme.

Six new businesses have each won a place on the latest round of the Launchpad FUEL programme and will receive funding totalling £30,000.

The companies will be part of the new £5.6m Innovate Tees Valley University Enterprise Zone.

Alongside the funding, the businesses receive dedicated workspace within Teesside Launchpad, specialist mentoring, business workshops, networking and access to finance and investment support.

Launchpad FUEL is now in its fourth year and works to help early-stage businesses overcome many of the challenges faced by start-ups.

It is part of a package of enterprise support offered by Teesside University which has helped it establish its graduate businesses as being among the most viable in the country.

The start-ups forming the latest FUEL cohort are:

  • A Bonehead’s Home – a design studio covering all areas of design under one roof.
  • Yoga Mike Group –yoga, wellbeing and training solutions for primary school children.
  • Perfect Provender – low-sugar granola in fully biodegradable packaging.
  • Across the Board Games – a community interest company designing board games for the partially sighted.
  • Tees Valley Tools – design and manufacturer of wood-working hand tools for the maker market, all made in Teesside.
  • Ellephant Bakery – A vegan and allergen- free bakery suppling cakes and bread to cafes, restaurants and businesses in the Tees Valley.

Steve Dougan, Head of Enterprise at Teesside University, said: “FUEL has already helped to create some of the Tees Valley’s most innovative and exciting new businesses.

“So we’re delighted to welcome this latest cohort who, once again, have some amazing ideas which are destined to make a real impact.

“Being part of the Launchpad ecosystem they will benefit from a collaborative environment, gaining access to advice and support from other entrepreneurs and their peers on the FUEL programme.”

In September it was announced that Teesside University’s Middlesbrough Campus was to become a £5.6million University Enterprise Zone, providing a dynamic environment for new entrepreneurs and established companies to grow through digital innovation.

Work for the UEZ will include re-purposing the existing Launchpad start-up centre and Phoenix Building to provide exciting and transformative incubation, collaboration and acceleration space on campus, including additional start-up and grow-on units, games studios, co-working and maker spaces and events facilities.

Pictured: Launchpad FUEL winners with Lizzie Dixon (far left), Teesside University’s Enterprise Coordinator

One of the UK’s major port groups has been recognised as a world leader for customer care at the International Bulk Journal (IBJ) awards in Germany.

PD Ports was one of only two UK winners at the awards, which salute achievements by individuals and organisations in the maritime bulk industry, and picked up the award at a ceremony in Hamburg.

Judges were looking for a company that demonstrates how excellent customer care has achieved increased turnover, profitability or customer retention with attention to detail and willingness to go beyond customer needs and expectations.

Frans Calje, PD Ports’ CEO, said: “We are delighted to represent the UK ports industry for customer care, setting a precedence for the high levels of service we give to all of our customers.

“Our ethos is built on creating trusted, long-lasting partnerships that allow us to understand customers and their unique requirements. We acknowledge that without our customers we wouldn’t be able to operate, and that is why we go the extra mile to support their success and secure their futures as well as our own.”

The award not only demonstrates PD Ports’ commitment to be an integral part of each customer’s business, but also the lengths it will go to exceed their expectations. This is demonstrated in a variety of its operations, including a multi-million-pound investment to create a purpose-built warehouse at its Teesport site to accommodate a bi-weekly shipment from British Gypsum, the UK’s leading manufacturer in plaster for the construction industry. This will allow direct rail access and a dedicated terminal to provide easy transportation, plus visual inspection of all cargo when it arrives on site.

Frans said: “Without exception, we aim to go above and beyond for every one of our customers. This award win demonstrates the trust and confidence our customers have in our people, our market knowledge and our ability to understand as well as respond to their needs.”

IBJ is considered the leader for shipping, commodities, port and logistics news around the world.

The awards celebrate the companies and individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the maritime bulk industry.

Pictured: (L-R) CEO of award sponsor Senalia Gilles Kindelberger, PD Ports’ Business Development General Manager Roy Merryweather, PD Ports’ Bulk General Manager Grant Honzik, PD Ports’ Business Development General Manager Michael Parker, and Publisher and Owner at IBJ Ray Girvan. 

The names of 76 fallen World War One soldiers have been unearthed as part of the redevelopment of the former Newport Ironworks in Middlesbrough.

The team behind the new Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TeesAMP) are working with neighbours TWI to restore the plaque which is inscribed with the names of the town’s fallen WW1 heroes who worked at the Ironworks before heading off to battle.

Geoff Hogg of Cleveland Property Investments, who is working with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to bring TeesAMP to life, said: “This site’s history was always going to be celebrated as part of our redevelopment. 

“Newport Ironworks played such a huge part in Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage and it’s important to give these local heroes the respect they deserve by ensuring the commemoration is restored for future generations.”

Phase one of TeesAMP will include 180,000 sq ft of space set in high quality, well-designed, high specification buildings in a quality landscaped environment.

Find out more about the plaque.

Middlesbrough’s digital and creative cluster continues to flourish on the back of an announcement that will see £250 million invested in the sector.

Seymour Architecture – the firm behind the cutting edge design of Middlesbrough’s Centre Square development – are the latest business to move into the Boho Zone, the Tees Valley’s major digital and creative hotspot.

Based in Morpeth, Seymour Architecture have chosen Middlesbrough’s Boho 5 as the base for their expansion into the Tees Valley.

They have recently started work on plans for the new Boho 8 building, which will see 10,000 sq ft of bespoke modular office space delivered in autumn 2020.

Boho 8 will be part of the £45 million first phase of expansion plans for the Boho Zone, creating a digital campus with around 115,000 sq ft of prime business accommodation and a complementary residential offer delivered by Thirteen Group.

Paul Seymour, Managing Director of Seymour Architecture, said: “Working for and in Middlesbrough has been a really gratifying experience and we really enjoy working in a town where there are so many exiting initiatives being delivered by the Council and private companies.

“Following our appointment on another small commission for Middlesbrough we decided to invest the fee back into the town by taking office space in Boho 5.

“The new plans for the Boho Zone were a compelling reason to be located at its heart.”

Middlesbrough’s reputation as a destination for digital innovation continues to rise, with a number of businesses, like Liverpool-based LouTom Media, choosing to relocate or expand into the town.

Councillor Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Regeneration, said: “Seymour Architecture are playing a key role in shaping how Middlesbrough will look over the coming decades, so it’s great that they’ve chosen to have a base here.

“Boho is the engine room of the ambition we have for Middlesbrough, and is on track to become a digital hub of national and international importance.”

Find out more about the Boho expansion plans.

Pictured: Managing Director Paul Seymour and Director Sarah Sabin of Seymour Architecture outside Boho 5 in Middlesbrough

One of the UK’s major port groups has been recognised as Water Business of the Year at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Logistics Annual awards in London.

PD Ports scooped the top prize at the glamourous event held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge which was attended by leaders and experts from across the logistics industry.

The judges commended PD Ports for offering the ‘highest standards of service’ for its customers across its road, sea and rail networks when moving freight inland.

Frans Calje, PD Ports’ CEO, said: “We are delighted to have won this award and be recognised for both our operations and our customer relations but also for the work that we do in our role as the Statutory Harbour Authority.

“Our ethos is built on creating trusted, long-lasting partnerships that allow us to understand customers and their unique requirements. We acknowledge that without our customers we wouldn’t be able to operate, and that is why we go the extra mile to support their success and secure their futures as well as our own.

“To have this appreciated by the FTA and the judges is truly rewarding.”

The award not only demonstrates PD Ports’ commitment to adding value to services, and building strong relationships with customers and partners, it also commends the port operator’s role as the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, through which the firm ensures the safe navigation of vessels as well as maintaining and managing the river itself.

The judges also paid tribute to the commission of the Teesport Express, PD Ports’ second daily service to Scotland, and the seamless work undertaken with partners P&O Ferries to achieve a remarkable seven hour turnaround from the arrival of the ferry to the departure of the train.

Teesport has become the port of choice to connect shippers with Scotland as with 10 trains running each week, it offers more direct, daily rail connections to and from the continent and the Baltics than any other port in the north of England.

Frans added, “The Teesport Express is a fine example of the strong relationships that we hold with our partners.

“We worked meticulously with P&O Ferries and were able to influence decision making to agree enhanced capacity of over 25% on the ferry service in order to service additional demand for our customers.

“Our priority during development was always our customers. We ensures that they would have a new reliable and dependable service that would exceed their expectations, and we couldn’t have done this without our partners at P&O Ferries.”

The FTA is one of the biggest business groups in the UK, and is the only organisation to represent the full logistics industry with members from road, rail, sea and air.

The awards, now in their third year, celebrate the companies and individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the logistics and supply industry.

Pictured: Event entertainer and comedian Ed Byrne, Ben Blayds Logistics & Distribution Manager at category sponsor CF Fertilisers, PD Ports’ Kate Morris and Patti Burt plus FTA’s Kevin Green.

A key regeneration project helping to transform central Middlesbrough has welcomed its latest tenants.

Albert North comprises 10 historic buildings refurbished for modern use along the key route between Middlesbrough Rail Station and Centre Square.

The vibrant development in the town’s Historic Quarter includes office space, urban living developments and food and drink operators.

New tenants LouTom Media chose Albert North as their base for expansion into the North East.

The Liverpool-based marketing and advertising agency, which also has offices in Edinburgh, moved into the Albert North development in early October.

They will also be joined by interior designers Cocoon & Bauer, who will move into 21 Albert Road in early November.

Cocoon & Bauer owner Peter Turner said: “We needed to expand and as we’d always had our heart set on opening a showroom we had a few places in mind.

“With the success of the redevelopment of Albert Road and the growing community, I felt this was the perfect location for us to become a face on the high street.”

The Albert North development is a joint venture between Middlesbrough Council and property developer Jomast.

The development already houses a number of small to medium businesses, including award-winning digital companies which have flocked into Middlesbrough as it becomes an established digital cluster.

Tenants of Albert North benefit from rent and business rate incentives, high speed broadband and opportunities to collaborate with other companies located in the site.

Middlesbrough Council City Centre Manager Michelle McPhee said: “It’s great to see more new businesses join this unique opportunity at the heart of Middlesbrough’s ambitious regeneration programme.

“The Historic Quarter and Boho Zone are now firmly established as the place to be for cutting-edge creative and digital, retail and leisure businesses.”

Tees Valley Businesses are invited to Middlesbrough’s showpiece office development to hear about “The Living Office – the new landscape of work.”

The breakfast event takes place at 2 Centre Square on Wednesday 23 October and will feature a presentation by a company at the forefront of thinking and design about the changing nature of work.

The company – Herman Miller – was founded in the United States more than 100 years ago, became synonymous with the design of “modern” furniture and is today a recognised innovator in contemporary interior furnishings.

It also offers a fascinating insight into the 21st century workplace and its representative will discuss how the expectations of workers are changing, how the way work gets done is changing, how the tools of work are changing and how work itself is changing.

The event has been organised by the Centre Square architect Seymour Architecture and the developer Ashall Projects. Mark Ashall – the head of Ashall Projects – said the £22m Centre Square project had been created to meet the needs of both businesses and workers: “We believe employers who move here will find it easier to attract and retain staff – and the staff will thrive in this environment.”

That was not just because of the high standard of the offices but also the proximity to public transport, local amenities and the general appeal of the area.

“Our aim has been to create a new distinctive commercial hub at the cultural and civic heart of Middlesbrough which is integrated with high quality public realm, green space and local amenities – a desirable place to work, visit and relax,” he said.

Richard Wilson, senior associate with Middlesbrough-based chartered surveyors and property consultants Dodds Brown, said Centre Square provided the only available Grade A office space in Middlesbrough.  Until now many companies were having to operate in sub-standard accommodation which made it difficult to attract new staff. Centre Square will change that.

“There is real excitement within the business community at what’s been created here. There is a growing realisation about the ambition of the town and how this will become the business hub for the Tees Valley. We are already seeing occupiers moving back into the town centre to be part of that,” he said.

The Living Office (New Landscape of Work) takes place between 7.45am and 9.30am on Wednesday 23 October at 2 Centre Square, Middlesbrough TS1 2AZ. Anybody planning to attend is asked to confirm via e-mail to RSVP@rdpr.co.uk