A brand-new research and innovation facility has been confirmed as part of the region’s growing Net Zero credentials, placing the Tees Valley firmly at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution.
Teesside University and The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority have today unveiled plans to develop a new £13.5m industry-led Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) to support the ongoing drive for clean energy and sustainability.
The news follows a number of major announcements in hydrogen and clean energy for the Tees Valley, including confirmation that bp will set up a ‘blue’ hydrogen production facility on Teesside and the UK’s Hydrogen Transport Centre which will be constructed next door to TWI. There has been a £3m boost to create the UK’s first multi-modal hydrogen hub and Net Zero Teesside and the Northern Endurance Partnership project has secured an extra £52million to develop its infrastructure
The announcement of the NZIIC is the latest development at the expanding Net Zero Innovation Hub, spearheaded by Teesside University and based on the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TeesAMP) in Middlesbrough. The Net Zero Innovation Hub brings together expert insight, resources and partnerships to grow net zero capabilities and opportunities, placing the region at the forefront of the clean energy agenda and helping to create hundreds more clean energy jobs.
Set to be a national centre of excellence, the Net Zero Innovation Hub draws on Teesside University’s expertise in clean energy and sustainability, which last year saw the launch of two brand-new centres aligned to this ongoing work – the Circular Economy and Recycling Innovation Centre and the Industrial Decarbonisation and Hydrogen Innovation Centre, both set up in partnership with TWI. As well as working closely with TWI, the centre will link to pilot plant facilities at the Materials Processing Institute (MPI) site in Redcar.
There has already been significant investment to establish the Hub, with further projects totalling £20m underway. These include the recently announced National Hydrogen Transport Centre, focused on the research, development and testing of new hydrogen technologies; TWI’s Centre for Materials Integrity, with an Engineering Hall for larger scale technology and testing; and the University’s Tees Valley Hydrogen Innovation Project, which supports SMEs to develop low carbon initiatives, as well as a new Industrial Technologies Digitalisation Centre, which will be used to develop digital technologies used for energy reduction.
The Net Zero Innovation Hub is also set to provide key infrastructure across major developments confirmed for the Tees Valley, including the UK’s National Hub for Hydrogen Transport and the Teesside Freeport, which aims to establish low carbon engineering sector in the Freeport zone.
The new Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre project is central to this activity. Led by Teesside University, the Centre is the subject of a proposed £13.5m funding package seeking formal approval from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the European Regional Development Fund.
Work on the NZIIC is scheduled to begin in September, with completion expected by August 2022. National architectural practice, GSS Architecture, have been appointed for the design and delivery of the Centre.
The NZIIC will be industry-led and industry-focused in its approach, working with business partners and key organisations including the Materials Processing Institute and TWI and will focus on developing new approaches to tackle the impact of waste and pollution on the environment, utilising expertise around industrial decarbonisation, sustainability and the circular economy.
Up to 40 specialist staff from Teesside University will work from the new facility on research and innovation collaborations with local businesses, and it is expected to continue to create additional jobs and business growth over the coming decades.
Professor Simon Hodgson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Teesside University, said: “The development of the Net Zero Innovation Hub fits perfectly with the knowledge and skills we have at the University and allows us to align our expertise to meet the demands of the Government’s industrial and climate change strategies.
“It provides a unique opportunity to grow our capabilities across areas including sustainability, clean energy and the circular economy – all of which are of increasing political and social importance.
“The Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre will be the focal point of this ambitious new Net Zero Innovation Hub and will provide a coherent and comprehensive industry-focused Research, Development and Innovation offer for the region and beyond, with Teesside University at its heart.
“We are looking forward to leading this project and working with partners to place the region at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “I’m delighted to be supporting plans for Teesside University to create the Innovation Centre. Projects like these are putting Teesside at the centre of developing the technology needed to achieve the government’s ambitious net zero targets. With the government and major global companies such as bp investing in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, this centre will help support the industries of the future that are central to my plan for jobs, a plan that is already creating good-quality, well-paid jobs for local workers.
“The centre will be a fantastic example of what can be done when our brilliant local institutions work together, sharing their expertise and skills to help our businesses to grow.
“This is the latest in a long list of initiatives which are boosting our region’s clean energy credentials, building on our work to become the UK’s premier location for offshore wind and the Net Zero Teesside project to develop the UK’s first decarbonised industrial cluster. Together these will help us to achieve our ambitious plans for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to become a national powerhouse for clean energy.”
Tees Valley Combined Authority, Tees Valley Business and Teesside University want to hear about your experiences, challenges and priorities to help shape the Tees Valley’s business support offer.
Alongside the continuing impact of Covid-19, the new trading agreement with the EU has now taken effect. This survey aims to help make sure that the right guidance and support is in place to help your business respond and thrive during these unprecedented times.
The vaccine programme, along with the Prime Minister’s Roadmap to Recovery, will start to see our economy re-open and grow. At this critical point, the survey is asking the Tees Valley business community:
- What position is your company currently in?
- What are your priority activities?
- Are there any areas where you would benefit from additional support?
Please complete this short survey to help shape the support offer available to you in Tees Valley – it shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes.
The survey is open to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to large enterprises, across all sectors.
Business support
If you want to find out what support, advice and funding is available for your business in the Tees Valley, you can contact the local growth hub at Tees Valley Business.
Phone: 01642 939386
Email: teesvalleybusiness@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
The findings from technology recruitment firm, Resst, highlight Middlesbrough as one of the best places in the UK to launch a startup.
According to the company, Middlesbrough is ranked 3rd best in the UK ahead of big cities such as Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and London – which is ranked 19th out of 20 on the list.
The report suggests traditional business powerhouses are proving to be more hostile to new businesses, and the long term success rate of start ups is lower in the capital and major cities compared to smaller towns and cities.
It cites a number of factors that are contributing to this trend including the effects of Covid-19, and improved infrastructure and shorter commute times are adding to the rise of successful start ups in smaller towns.
More and more young people are choosing to stay in their home town and start new businesses from their bedrooms or in small business premises, rather than opt for major cities with potentially bigger overheads.
Brighton and Bournemouth rank just above Middlesbrough as the top two places to start a successful business.
The average broadband speed across Middlesbrough is 97.2mbps and the average commute to work takes 17 minutes and 51 seconds.
39.8% of new businesses in Middlesbrough remain in business for more than five years.
On Wednesday it was confirmed Middlesbrough Council has been awarded £21.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund. This boost, alongside cash from the Future High Streets Fund and investment from the Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority, will see the town centre transformed in the coming years. An interactive map published today summarises many of the main developments involved. Full details of the Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund projects will be confirmed soon.
View the interactive map: the future of Middlesbrough town centre.
While it may have been quiet in Middlesbrough town centre of late, time certainly hasn’t stood still.
The impact of Covid-19 has turned routines upside down and confined most people to their homes.
Just a short stroll from the bus station, however, part of the town’s skyline is being overhauled.
The imposing new campus of the Northern School of Art is sprouting up next door to Sainsbury’s.
The art college, due to welcome students from September, will be one of the first completed works of a bolder Middlesbrough.
The town centre will merge ever closer to Middlehaven as a new emphasis is placed on urban living and leisure time.
This reimagining of central Middlesbrough was the focus of bids to the Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund.
Middlesbrough Council’s vision of thousands more homes and a revamped leisure offering on the doorstep of a thriving digital sector is outlined in an interactive map published today.
Northern School of Art’s new home is a neat example of how a better connected and more varied town centre will support jobs and local families.
At present students are bussed into Linthorpe at the old Cleveland College of Art and Design. In the main they are bussed straight out again when lessons end for the day.
From September the students from all over Middlesbrough and the surrounding area will be based slap bang in the middle of town.
They will add to the already massive volume of young people attending Middlesbrough College and Teesside University who spend their time and money in town.
Of interest to them all – and indeed residents and visitors whose studies are long behind them – will be the repurposing of Captain Cook Square.
Plans for the square are being fine-tuned following the Council’s successful bid to the Future High Streets Fund.
Put quite simply – Middlesbrough town centre is going to be a place people want to go to.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston is excited to see a remodeled town emerge.
The Mayor said: “A successful 21st century centre needs three activities on a big scale: living, working and leisure. So central Middlesbrough will do all of those in a big way and be very successful – watch this process start in the coming 12 months.
“I’m grateful to the Government for honouring their commitment to us and other places who successfully bid on the Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund. Nowhere will put this money to work better than us – we will create new jobs, new energy and a new spirit!
“The Council has already bought Captain Cook Square and we now have the money to transform this key part of Middlesbrough town centre.
“We have plans for empty units in and around Captain Cook Square and the heart of the town centre. We are in detailed discussions with a cinema operator, bowling alley operator and are developing a really exciting concept focused on food and music.
“This is an idea that’s proving a huge success in some of the bigger cities and we’re learning from them with the idea of improving on it to drive hundreds of thousands of people into the centre of Middlesbrough for leisure.
“We’ve got the money, the ideas and the interest from investors and operators. It’s a massive opportunity.”
When the world returns to a sense of normality, hundreds of workers will get their bearings in new offices in Centre Square. Employees of First Source, XPS and Causeway will be the first to set up camp in the shadows of mima.
Planning approval has also been given to further Grade A offices in the area.
Among the plans are for the old Captain Cook pub “over the border” to be saved from falling down and to complement new homes and businesses in Middlehaven.
Middlesbrough Railway Station is subject to a £35m transformation that will include direct trains to London and a brilliant environment for travelers.
Work is already under way on Boho 8 as Middlesbrough boasts a thriving digital sector owing to the good work of Teesside University. This means new – often multi-million pound turnover businesses – keep popping up in the town due to intrepid Teesside entrepreneurs.
Following that will be Boho X – the centre piece of Middlesbrough’s digital expansion plans. Middlehaven will also home a new secondary school for the town.
Five sites have already been declared set for new housing which will see more than 600 new homes built on brownfield land and Middlehaven will also be home to a new community farm – as it was around 150 years ago.
Mayor Preston added: “Middlesbrough is amazing and it also has challenges. We’re facing those issues head on and building a really exciting future.
“We will not play second fiddle to places like Newcastle. Give us 10 years and we will take them on.”
Projects including the Northern School of Art, Boho 8 and Boho X are part-funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to award almost £60million in funding to help drive forward these transformative projects across Middlesbrough. All of these are hugely important individually but when taken together will be a catalyst for huge change.
“Just last week I visited the new Northern School of Art to see first-hand how it was coming along and how its state-of-the-art facilities will help shape the next generation of creatives. The Boho developments too will provide much-needed extra space for our growing digital businesses and they expand and create more good-quality jobs for local people. When work at Middlesbrough station is complete, the town will be able to welcome direct trains from London, further tightening links to the capital, encouraging investment.
“These schemes are all the more important as we recover from the pandemic. By giving young people the skills they need to enter a career they are passionate about and building the environments businesses are crying out for, we can show people they don’t need to leave the region for a successful and rewarding career and help create even more good-quality jobs.”
Over the road from the bus station, the construction work goes on.
By the middle of summer, commuters will have a new focal point on their journeys to and from town. The art college will be the start of Middlesbrough’s new chapter.
Covid-19 has accelerated the need to futureproof town centres.
Middlesbrough Council is working flat out to force change, build strength in the town’s urban core and encourage a resilient and varied town centre economy.
Do you want to export, but don’t know where to start?
Do you already export, but want to improve your knowledge and skills?
Join the Department for International Trade North East for a free in-depth virtual training programme, delivered by international trade specialists, to learn everything you need to know about trading overseas successfully.
This Export Academy is a comprehensive step by step programme ideal for anyone:
- New to exporting
- Exporting, but needing to upskill staff
- Exporting, but wanting to refresh their knowledge or fill gaps
The programme is primarily designed for North East businesses with a turnover of up to £500,000, however businesses with over £500,000 turnover will be considered.
Join an introductory webinar on Tuesday 23rd February between 11:00 and 12:00, for an overview of the programme, providing you with an opportunity to assess whether it’s right for you, and to answer any queries.
The introductory webinar will be followed by 10 one-hour step by step sessions, including:
Understanding the Benefits and Barriers of Export
Understand the basics of exporting, the positive impact trading overseas can have on your business and the risks you need to consider. Discover how to avoid wasting time, resource and costly mistakes. We’ll walk you through the first steps to making informed decisions about internationalisation and how to lay the foundations of an achievable export plan.
Basic Export Procedures
In this session we’ll discuss some of the key export procedures including customs and legal documentation, tariffs and classifications, contracts, Incoterms® and international payments. Discover how to avoid risking delays in your supply chain and possible financial penalties.
International Market Research
Where do you start when trying to find an international market for your product or service? This session will take you step by step through the research models you can implement to find the right markets to start selling internationally. You’ll learn how to find good sources of information and we’ll also discuss how to find and prioritise new opportunities.
Routes to Market and Pricing strategy
In this session we will help you get to grips with how to price your products or services and how to get products to market. We’ll talk about researching markets, pricing strategies, export costings and more. We’ll also touch on routes to market; will you sell directly to consumer or will you use an agent or distributer? Don’t worry, we will cover the pros and cons of each.
Customs Procedures and Tariffs
Tariff classification, valuation and origin are core customs procedures and the main pillars for establishing customs duty liability. In this session you will learn about the Harmonized System (HS) tariff, classifying your goods, origin rules and proving origin and finally valuation for customs. We’ll also discuss where you can go for help on each of these elements.
Understanding International Commercial Terms
The Incoterms® rules are the world’s essential terms of trade for the sale of goods. When you are exporting it’s important to have a good knowledge of these terms. We will cover why we need them, what they do, what they don’t do and other essentials.
Selling Services Overseas – Part 1
Exporting can be very beneficial for companies in the service sector. This two-part session is specifically for services businesses to help you understand the different considerations involved in selling services internationally. We will cover driving interest and finding opportunities, researching new markets, how you’ll deliver, making your business stand out and other key factors to consider.
Export Controls
There are several reasons why governments aim to control the export of goods, depending on the nature and destinations of the proposed export. This session will give you an overview of the export licencing process, why governments control exports and which goods are subject to them. We will also cover military and dual use goods and you’ll find out if your products are affected.
Selling Services Overseas – Part 2
Exporting can be very beneficial for companies in the service sector. This two-part session is specifically for services businesses to help you understand the different considerations involved in selling services internationally. We will cover driving interest and finding opportunities, researching new markets, how you’ll deliver, making your business stand out and other key factors to consider.
Getting Paid
Whether exporting or not, it is important to ensure that you get paid in full and on time. We will give you an overview of international payment methods, exchange management and using export credit insurance.
PD Ports has announced a new partnership with the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, to deliver digitalised solutions that will improve efficiencies and support the future growth of the River Tees.
Having recently launched its bold ambition to make the River Tees the UK’s most successful port region by 2050, PD Ports is accelerating its pace of digitalisation with the development of a Port Community System (PCS).
Working in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam, PD Ports has started the first phase of developing this critical infrastructure, aligned with Teesport’s wider development plans to become a ‘smarter port’; reducing the need for and reliance on personal interaction and paper-based transactions.
PD Ports’ CEO, Frans Calje, explained how the partnership with the Port of Rotterdam will ensure that Teesport remains in a prime position to support the smooth flow of goods transiting the UK post-COVID and post-Brexit.
“By working with our colleagues in Rotterdam we can build direct links with Teesport’s biggest single supply route, connecting not only PD Ports but the entire community on the river to the largest port in Europe,” said Frans.
“In utilising Rotterdam’s developed PCS at Teesport, companies managing the flow of cargo between the UK and the Netherlands – for the Netherlands directly or the wider EU market – will have the convenience of using the same system for goods moving in both directions.
“This is an industry-leading initiative that highlights PD Ports’ unparalleled focus on customer service whilst demonstrating our proactive and joined-up thinking that will ensure the River Tees remains at the forefront of UK-EU trade, offering customers the most reliable and resilient connections between UK and EU markets.
“The introduction of the Port Community System will provide a strong platform of continued growth in the future, delivering benefits to the Port, the Tees Valley region and the North of the UK.
“We are looking forward to continuing to develop our relationship with the Port of Rotterdam as we embark on this multi-phase project towards becoming a smarter port.”
As Statutory Harbour Authority of the River Tees, PD Ports is responsible for vessel traffic management and ensuring the safe navigation of vessels as they access Teesport. The implementation of this system will provide the river community with a single, dynamic source of information including live shipping movements, meteorological and environmental data, as well as providing the ability to initiate vessel visits to Teesport, all in one platform.
During its research phase, the port operator held consultations with river users ahead of committing to the PCS of choice, with key partners Svitzer, Graypen and Conocophillips all trialling the system prior to launch.
Dan Heritage, Agency Manager at Graypen, said he is keen to continue working with both PD Ports and Port of Rotterdam as the system develops.
“From the moment I heard about the Port Community System I was keen to engage with PD Ports, and the developers, to give guidance from our perspective as Port Agents. I could see from the outset how promising the potential is for implementing such a system at Teesport.
“As a busy agent at the centre of port activities at Graypen Ltd, it was important to me that the system not only works to streamline the operations and communications within Teesport, but also provided a hub for port activity where users from various services around the river could interact and work together, using technology to our advantage.
“It’s been exciting to be a part of the process and it is great to see aspects of the PCS really taking shape as certain aspects become live. I look forward to continuing to work with PD Port and the Port of Rotterdam in implementing a system which will be of real benefit to the entire port community.”
In 2019, the Port of Rotterdam moved nearly 470 million tonnes of cargo through its 42km waterway in the Netherlands. René van der Plas, Port of Rotterdam Director, explained how the new partnership with PD Ports will be beneficial for both parties.
“With the UK as one of the most important trade partners in Europe and approximately 40 million tonnes of cargo heading there from Rotterdam each year, it makes sense to try and optimise the supply chains and the transportation between the two ports,” Van der Plas said.
“That’s also where digitalisation is very important, because by making things digital you will enhance transparency and efficiency,” he added.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen today (25 January) revealed that direct trains between Middlesbrough and London will return by the end of this year, as work gets under way on the station’s £34million upgrade.
In order to allow for more services and the longer LNER Azuma trains that run on the East Coast Main Line to the capital, platform 2 is being extended with construction work set to be complete by May, ahead of the restoration of the direct London service in December.
The Mayor visited the station to see first-hand how the scheme was progressing which, just a year ago, was still a design on a page. Since then, the Mayor and Combined Authority have been working with Network Rail to significantly speed up the delivery of the improvements.
Further phases of the scheme will see major customer service improvements at the station including opening up the redundant, derelict and dilapidated station undercroft to provide a new entrance into the station subway and newly refurbished workspaces. There will also be upgrades to the road to the front of the station, improving access between the station and the town centre. A further phase will see a new platform 3 built to the north of platform 2 to further increase train capacity within the station.
This is the first significant public investment in a Tees Valley rail station since the opening of James Cook University Hospital Station in 2014 and is the first part of the Mayor’s ambitious plans to transform the rail network across the region in order to improve rail travel for local people.
Mayor Houchen said: “For years people have been promising to improve Middlesbrough station and produced nothing more than shiny pictures. When I became mayor, I promised to deliver the investment Middlesbrough Station desperately needed and to secure the return of direct trains to London.
“I’ve provided £22.5million and secured the rest from government to make the redevelopment a reality and we are now getting on with the jobs. Work on platform 2 will be completed in just a matter of months and LNER Azuma trains will be rolling into the station from London in December.
“The work at Middlesbrough station isn’t just important for restarting a direct train service from the town to the capital, it is also critical for improving local train services so that thousands of passengers in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can get the fast, frequent and better quality train service that they deserve.
“Access to good-quality, reliable and affordable public transport is a key part of my plan for jobs. It’s pointless creating good-quality, well-paid jobs if hard working local people cannot easily get around the region. Increasing the frequency of services and train routes is a key part of my plan for workers, local jobs and wages.”
Transport Secretary and Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Grant Shapps said:“The massive improvements being made to Middlesbrough Station underline our commitment to levelling up the North East, investing in the connections which deliver better journeys and kickstart economic growth.
“The long-awaited return of services to London is just one part of the massive investment being put into transport across the region, from work to restore the Ashington-Blyth line and millions to upgrade the TransPennine route.”
Matt Rice, Network Rail’s Route Director in the North and East, said: “We’re delighted to be able to continuing playing our part in delivering the long-held aspiration to secure a direct-to-London train service without unduly impacting the services that already serve the town.”
Graham Meiklejohn, Regional Development Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “Today marks the start of a phased delivery of range of significant improvements at Middlesbrough railway station, both on the tracks and within the historic building. We are pleased to be working in collaboration with the Mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to enhance the station, its access to the town and the facilities provided to customers.”
PD Ports has launched its ‘Future Teesport’ vision – outlining how it plans to elevate the River Tees to become the UK’s most successful port region by 2050.
As Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, PD Ports is committed to delivering a strong and sustainable future for the river, driving economic growth and job creation across the Tees Valley region and the UK as a whole.
Together with its customers, Teesport contributes £1.4 billion to the economy annually, accounting for around 10% of GVA in the Tees Valley and supporting 22,000 jobs. Over the past 12 months, the port operator has worked closely with customers and stakeholders across the region to identify opportunities for growth and develop plans to maximise future prosperity.
The River Tees offers major strengths that provide solid foundations for achieving Teesport’s bold vision to increase trade, boost exports and investment, create high-quality, sustainable jobs, improve connectivity, deliver a zero-carbon economy, drive innovation and support people and skills.
Frans Calje, PD Ports’ CEO, explained how the current strengths of the River Tees will underpin future plans. “Few regions have confronted challenges like those the Tees Valley has faced, but our resilience and strength is driving our transformation,” said Frans.
“Our vision for the future of Teesport further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to driving sustained economic growth and prosperity across not just our region, but the entire North and the rest of the UK.
“We have world-class infrastructure and facilities along the River Tees with unparalleled connectivity and over 5,000 acres of strategic development land. As part of the only continuous net exporting region of goods in the UK, Teesport is the only major port in England to have a positive balance of trade. This presents a significant advantage and reinforces our role as a national asset to rebalancing the UK economy. The opportunities are hugely exciting.
“Collaboration is the key to driving this vision forward. We will continue working with our valued partners and stakeholders to build on our existing success and strengths – enhancing our global competitiveness.”
The port operator outlined how it has identified new opportunities capable of adding an extra £3.2 billion to the economy whilst helping to create up to 38,000 new jobs. Maritime Minister, Robert Courts, expressed his support for PD Ports’ vision. He said: “Teesport is one of the country’s leading gateways for international trade and a major contributor to the local economy now and in the future.
“I welcome this ambitious plan which will boost local jobs, building on the region’s capabilities as a manufacturing and exporting powerhouse, and I look forward to working with PD Ports as we level-up our economy and embrace our exciting future as a global trading nation.”
The bold, 30-year, plan outlined by PD Ports aims to see the Tees Valley defined by high-valued trade, sustainability and thriving communities by 2050.
Ambitious plans for the flagship development at the heart of Middlesbrough’s digital powerhouse have been submitted this week.
They outline new designs for the Boho X building which will act as a regional and national focal point for the burgeoning digital sector.
And striking new artist’s impressions show how the seven-storey building will fit in to the wider Boho masterplan already transforming Middlesbrough’s historic heart.
It’s already carved out a reputation as one of the best locations in the UK for up-and-coming talent and skills within the digital sector, acting as a base for new businesses and industry start-ups.
Boho X’s state-of-the-art spacious, modern working environments will act as a further catalyst for social, economic and environmental change across the Tees Valley and the wider region.
Key elements of the development include:
- 60,000 sq ft of high quality grade A office space for the digital and creative sector
- Flexible office space for large or small organisations
- Swimming pool and gym, café, roof top bar/event space, lecture theatre
- High quality public realm
Subject to planning permission, Boho X will be delivered by global property developer and construction company BCEGI who will establish a town-wide apprenticeship scheme and offer work placements to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Work is due to start in August next year, with a completion date in December, 2022.
Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston said: “Middlesbrough can compete with Leeds and Newcastle, and this building will bring the jobs and investment to make that happen.
“It’s the best office building for many miles and it will ignite more investment – tens of millions of pounds – that will start the process of reenergising central Middlesbrough.
“From Berwick Hills to Stainton, everyone everywhere will benefit from this investment because it will boost our town’s financial security and help us to provide better council services.
“This building is a fantastic statement of confidence in a post-Covid Middlesbrough.
“As the pandemic struck and economic chaos arrived, we amended our initial plans for a much taller building and devised this stunning but less expensive alternative.
“For ambitious businesses, the facilities and atmosphere here will be a must: a rooftop bar and conferencing, gym, wellness suite and a magnificent cafe. Interest in this building is already huge.”
The project is being part-funded by £26.5 million from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to see this important project move a step closer.
“Growing our tech and digital sectors is an important part of my plan for jobs and Boho X will deliver the high-quality office space needed so that the amazing businesses we already have here can grow.
“It will also mean we have the space to attract other companies to the region creating even more well-paid jobs in an ever-growing sector.”
Dongwen Yu, Lead director at BCEGI, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Middlesbrough Council to deliver this iconic digital hub.
“Our vision is to deliver a thriving, successful and attractive heart to Middlesbrough which will serve the needs of local people and businesses for decades to come.
“This is an ambitious and carefully crafted proposal that expresses the confidence in Middlesbrough.
“Boho X will deliver a best-in-class destination that meets the aspirations of existing and new occupiers and reinforces Boho as a fantastic location for digitally focused businesses.”
A North East technology firm, founded by a Teesside University graduate, is helping to revolutionise the business procurement process thanks to a £2.2 million investment.
Darlington-based Paid Ltd recently secured the seed funding from investors led by tech-focussed venture capital firm, Crane Venture Partners with active participation from Seedcamp, Techstars and other notable angel investors.
The funding will help the digital procurement start-up improve its enterprise software and achieve its mission to create equal opportunities for businesses of all sizes, all over the world.
Its software helps large companies improve their agility and innovation capability while smaller companies gain economic strength and access to wider business opportunities.
Owner of Paid Tom Howsam first took the entrepreneurial plunge after graduating with an IT degree from Teesside University in 2004.
He said “My journey into start-ups was triggered after doing a placement year as part of my degree. Experience of working in an IT department at the age of 20 inspired me to set up the software development company, Thap with an old school friend, Adam Paxton.”
“As we grew we also wanted to offer placements, giving more students the chance to figure out what they really loved doing. We expanded this and employed many graduates over the years, with support from DigitalCity and Teesside University.”
The University has continued to support Tom with several projects throughout his entrepreneurial journey. He said: “Having this resource to call on has given me the confidence to go for more complex and valuable contracts.”
Thap was later developed into a technology partnership agency and acquired by Dubai-based performance marketing company, Clicksco. In his role of CTO, Tom continued to support local graduates and went on to grow a team of over 45 employees in Middlesbrough.
Tom’s experience of the challenging procurement process that enterprises face led him to find ways create a solution to the problem. As a result, he left Clicksco to set up Paid in 2018.
The company’s mission has been to bring value to companies both large and small and since its launch, it has taken part in the Barclays-powered Techstars Accelerator Programme and recruited over half a dozen new employees in the middle of the pandemic to help perfect its platform.
David Dixon, Investment Programme Manager at DigitalCity, said “What Tom has achieved over the last 15 years is incredible. He was one of the first people that DigitalCity supported and to witness his personal growth is immense, but in truth his biggest achievement will be securing a significant number of high quality sustainable employment opportunities right here on Teesside.”
To find out more about the Paid platform visit: https://paid.co.uk/LinkedInTwitterFacebook
News story from The Digital City
