Tourism across our region generated a staggering £1.38billion for the local economy last year, according to new data.
Statistics show the boost came in the shape of £475million generated by rising numbers of overnight visitors and £906million from day visitors in 2024 – with the food and sector the biggest winner, contributing 45.8% of the total economic impact and providing almost half of all direct tourism employment.
The numbers are crunched using the STEAM model – a mechanism used by local authorities across the UK and provides a detailed picture of the economic impact of tourism – including day trips, overnight stays, visitor spending, and employment supported by the visitor economy.
And they showed how visitor numbers have now recovered beyond pre-pandemic levels.
In 2024, the Tees Valley saw:
- £475million generated by overnight visitors – up 1.3% on 2023, and 3.9% higher than 2019, before the covid-19 pandemic.
- £906million from day visitors – up 5.4% on 2023, and 0.6% above 2019 levels.
- 23.4million visitor days and 20.4million individual visits, offering increases of 4.5% and 5.0% respectively on the previous year.
- Tourism directly supported 10,035 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, rising to 12,919 when indirect employment is included.
- The food and drink sector provided a total of 4,758 FTE roles, up 3.1% from the previous year.
The figures were presented and endorsed at last week’s (2 July) LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) Board – a body which plays an important role representing the voice of key sectors within the local visitor economy.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who also chairs the LVEP Board, said: “These brilliant results show we’re not just open for business – we’re open for hundreds of thousands of visitors too.
“From our bustling food and drink scene to our coastal escapes, cultural attractions, and global sporting events, we’re proving our beautiful part of the world can more than hold its own as a top destination.
“Tourism means real jobs, real investment, and real pride in our home. With more than 12,000 jobs supported by this sector, this isn’t just about people visiting for a day – it’s about a growing industry that puts money in the pockets of local people and keeps our vital small businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool opening and running.
“These figures are good news – but I’m keen for us to do more. We recognise there is still an awful lot to do to support our businesses more – and offer targeted help.
“We need to attract more major national and international events, listen to our businesses and get our investment right. We’ll keep getting our name out there and letting the world know just how brilliant our region is.”
The Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) is a nationally recognised model that measures tourism volume, value, and economic impact. It draws on a range of data sources including accommodation occupancy, visitor surveys, and local economic data to provide a detailed annual picture of the performance of the visitor economy.
A regeneration scheme to bring high-quality developments to Middlesbrough has been officially launched at a prestigious property event.
Crown Square was unveiled as the name and brand behind the £200million vision in Gresham and central Middlesbrough at major national property event UKREiiF, on Tuesday afternoon.
More than 230 build-to-rent properties and student accommodation for more than 400 people are among Crown Square’s first landmark strides – with one of the country’s first Fairfield by Marriott hotels being built to meet unmet demand at the entrance to the town on from the A66.
Leaders, property developers and business owners heard about Crown Square’s part in the ambitious vision to create 1,500 new homes, 4,000 jobs and both attract and retain talent in the town.
Developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property have teamed up with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation to create the town’s biggest development in generations.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was in attendance for Crown Square’s launch.
He said: “Middlesbrough has been in dire need of action for generations – and now it has come. It’s great to see Crown Square launched – with building work and hoardings going up around these brilliant developments soon.
“The time for talk is over, and now we can start to see even more action on the ground to build on our massive strengths in digital industries and provide for our growing university. This will allow us to nurture our talent so our young people stay local and go far.
“We’ve got developers on board with a great hunger and a very good pedigree – and a brilliant vision for all to see. Now it’s time to put it into action and deliver what has been promised to Middlesbrough for so long – and I’d urge other businesses, developers and ambitious company owners to come with us.”
Crown Square’s first phase planning permission has now been secured.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “This scheme, alongside all of the other projects led and supported by Middlesbrough Council such as our Local Plan, Captain Cook Square, the new Live Well Centre, STACK, the new Odeon Luxe cinema, and many others in the works, will deliver a town centre that is fit for the future.
“We will continue to work productively with partners to secure high quality redevelopment in our town centre and beyond.”
iMpeC Director Neil McMillan is leading the charge to make Crown Square a Northern beacon by building on the town’s strengths and gems it has to offer.
“This is a regeneration project,” said Neil. “We’ve looked at the challenges in the town, but we’ve also identified and recognised some of the wonderful things going on.
“It has a major university which has just invested £280m pounds, some really rapidly growing digital businesses – and billions of pounds going into Teesworks creating jobs in advanced manufacturing.
“You’ve got a bustling professional services sector – so there are some wonderful things happening attracting people to work in and around the town.
“But ultimately, the town centre needs regenerating to both attract and retain those talented people. That is key.”
The new student accommodation block will be managed by a national operator with on-site concierge staff and cutting-edge social spaces.
A series of one, two and three bed apartments will make up the build-to-rent project – with lounge spaces, breakout areas for remote working and shared high-quality amenities, including a private gym
Neil also explained how the new hotel – one of the country’s first by Fairfield by Marriott – will meet an unmet demand and make a statement on Borough Road as people come into Middlesbrough from the A66.
He said: “It’s the type of hotel brand you associate with successful towns and cities – it’ll one of the first things visitors will see as they arrive.”
When it came to the new Crown Square name, Neil explained how – alongside ensuring safety and security – honouring the area’s heritage was a high priority.
“It’s the history and heritage of this part of town,” he said. “There’s The Crown itself – the old ABC – but all the streets in the area are names after jewels – and this was an important way of marking the past while also looking to the future.”
There will be more chance for the public and businesses to have their say soon – with a consultation on Crown Square’s second phase taking place in summer.
Cygnet Law is proud to be celebrating the first anniversary of its Middlesbrough office, marking a year of strong growth, local engagement, and high-quality legal support delivered in the heart of the community.
Since opening in spring 2024, the Middlesbrough office has gone from strength to strength, with the team working hard to ensure legal services are not only professional, but also approachable and accessible. Over the past 12 months, Cygnet Law has built a strong presence in the town, supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most important – and often most difficult – moments.
The firm’s work has not gone unnoticed. Cygnet Law was named Legal Employer of the Year at the FB Fashion Ball / National Business Hero Awards and was a finalist in the Community Champions category at the Tees Business Awards, a reflection of its ongoing commitment to making a difference locally.
The Middlesbrough office also introduced walk-in legal support, creating a space where people can speak directly with a legal professional without the need for an appointment. This move has helped to remove traditional barriers to accessing legal advice, particularly for those in urgent or sensitive situations.
Over the past year, the team has continued to deliver standout work across all departments, achieving panel accreditations, securing successful outcomes for clients, and providing clear, compassionate advice every step of the way. The firm has also shown a strong commitment to giving back, supporting local events, causes, and fundraisers that align with the values of both staff and clients.
Reflecting on the milestone, Stacey Phoenix, Director at Cygnet Law, said:
“It’s been a privilege to watch our Middlesbrough office grow into a trusted part of the community over the past year. From the outset, we wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, supportive, and genuinely accessible – and I’m proud of how the team has brought that vision to life. This first year has laid the foundations for something really special, and we’re looking forward to building on that momentum in the months and years ahead.”
Looking to the future, Cygnet Law remains committed to deepening its presence in Middlesbrough, expanding its services, and continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of the people it serves.
Special offer:
10% discount for Middlesbrough residents with TS1 to TS9 postcodes. Quote “birthday” when enquiring to claim.
Walk-in legal support is available at:
Cygnet Law, Victoria House, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PX
Mondays, 11am – 2pm
No appointment necessary – just drop in to speak with a member of the team.
Vital growing companies across our region are to receive digital support and grants of up to £23,500 as part of a successful expanding programme.
Made Smarter Adoption North East provides grant funding and access to free workshops and expert one-to-one advice for small and medium-sized manufacturers adopting digital technology.
Now, after more than 100 Tees Valley firms have taken part in the programme, a fresh round of companies will benefit from three new Made Smarter workshops in the coming weeks.
Manufacturers are now being urged to sign up to the next cohort starting on Wednesday 14 May, which will kick off with the first of three workshops focusing on digitalisation strategy, lean thinking and process mapping, and change management.
These will open the door for businesses to apply for to up to £3,500 to access expert technical advice, and up to £20,000 to help purchase and implement new software and equipment.
One growing Teesside company to reap the benefit of Made Smarter is Elemy Ltd.
The firm designs, manufactures, supplies, and installs of steel access solutions, providing services to a range of sectors including construction, rail, water and energy.
After moving its HQ to Redcar in 2023, the company has continued to grow – and Made Smarter support has helped it develop fresh plans and strategies to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness as it took over a Suffolk-based firm.
Managing Director Richard Brine said: “Engaging with the Made Smarter programme allowed the business to develop a robust business case and adoption plan to purchase and incorporate a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system and take advantage of the programmes capital grant of up to £20,000.”
Manufacturing businesses taking part in Made Smarter benefit from training to understand what technology is available, how and where it can be implemented, and access to workshops and networking opportunities with other North East manufacturers.
Once completing the workshops, grants of up to £3,500 to access expert technical advice, and grants of up to £20,000 to help fund up to 50% of the price of purchasing and implementing new software and/or equipment, are available.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are home to some of the world’s best manufacturing firms – and with the right support, they can go even further.
“Elemy is a brilliant example of what happens when you match local ingenuity with the right backing – a homegrown success story that showcases the depth of talent and expertise we have in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“This kind of targeted support isn’t just about helping businesses grow – it’s about making sure they’re ready to seize the huge opportunities coming through transformational projects at Teesworks and across our region.
“It’s also crucial for helping supply chain companies gear up and get ahead as those projects come to life. I’m proud this will work not only here in Teesside, but across the North East, shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues to the north, to deliver real results for businesses on our doorstep.”
The North East Growth Hub and Tees Valley Combined Authority are working with Made Smarter to deliver Made Smarter Adoption North East in the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas. Information on the workshops is available here.
A transformative package of proposals to create 2,000 skilled jobs, regenerate key town centre sites and help Tees Valley become a global powerhouse in digital and creative industries has been agreed.
The region was selected as the location for an Investment Zone in 2023 and has now been allocated the first £80million as part of an overall £160million investment.
The zone will increase inward investment, productivity and jobs in digital, creative and technology sectors while supporting the growth of world-leading companies in two cluster areas of Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.
It is primed to create more than 2,000 jobs and unlock a further £175million of investment in the next decade.
Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet voted on Friday (March 28) to accept the Tees Valley Investment Zone into the TVCA Investment Plan with a confirmed allocation of £80m.
The proposals include:
- Redeveloping House of Fraser in Middlesbrough into a high-quality business and innovation space for the digital sector – £10m indicative allocation
- Redevelopment of the Marks & Spencer building in Middlesbrough to support digital and creative sector growth – £3m indicative allocation
- Expansion of the Northern Studios in Hartlepool to support the creative industries growth – £15m indicative allocation
- Funding to develop and support improvements to digital capability and capacity in the key IZ cluster areas of Middlesbrough and Hartlepool – £3.5m allocation
A total of £29million will be invested in business support to help key sector businesses grow while a further £11.6m will fund research and innovation.
An additional £2.6million will be spent tackling crime in cluster areas, which can be a key barrier to economic growth and private sector investment.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside is now at the centre of the UK’s creative and digital sectors, renowned for its growing excellence in areas such as gaming, film production and AI.
“We take pride in being home to global leaders in these fields, showcasing the region’s innovative spirit and potential.
“This Investment Zone is a huge step in enabling us to accelerate growth in the digital and creative sectors. This initiative will ignite our ambitions and provide resources to expand this industry, and position Teesside as a global leader.
“This promises well-paid jobs in cutting-edge industries, allowing people to build careers close to home. By retaining local talent, we’ll drive economic growth and secure a brighter future for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “The Council welcomes this Investment Zone funding to further support our ambitions to grow Hartlepool.
“As part of our biggest ever capital investment programme – currently over £150m on over 30 projects – this additional investment is very much welcomed into the development of the £18.5m Screen Industries Production Village being delivered by the Council.
“It will enable the studios to expand, creating over 130 new jobs and bringing flexible spaces and support services to the film and TV industry in the heart of our town centre.”
Middlesbrough Mayor and TVCA Cabinet Member Chris Cooke said: “The Investment Zone funding should speed up plans to bring the House of Fraser and M&S buildings back to life.
“Both sites have stood empty for too long, and we need businesses and footfall on that key stretch of Linthorpe Road as soon as possible.
“Middlesbrough has led the way regionally on digital for many years and the focus on that sector is absolutely right.
“This money can help support jobs and local families and give our town centre a boost.
“On top of recent successful openings in the town centre, it gives us a chance to build some momentum.
“The fact there’s extra funding for safety projects is crucial too. We want people to be able to come to a welcoming environment and feel safe.”
The UK Government has worked with TVCA, Teesside University and other local partners to co-develop the Investment Zone. This includes agreeing priority development sites and specific interventions to drive cluster growth.
Investment Zone status will also allow Business Rates to be retained for dedicated sites in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, split 50:50 between the local authority and TVCA, which can then be reinvested locally.
Tees Valley Business Board will provide oversight on the development and delivery of the proposals to engage with businesses and ensure the Investment Zone is business-led.
Siobhan McArdle, Chair of the Business Board, said: “This Investment Zone will provide crucial support to businesses across the Tees Valley and build on our strength in our Digital, Createch, Medtech and Greentech sectors.
“We want innovation to be at the heart of our economic growth and this Investment Zones enables us to lead the way in developing these strategically important clusters.”
Teesside University will act as the ‘knowledge anchor’, building on its reputation as a catalyst for economic growth by driving innovation through its industry-focussed research and establishing key collaborations across academia and the public and private sectors.
Professor Stephen Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) at Teesside University, said: “As a university whose core mission is to transform lives and economies we are delighted at this Tees Valley Investment Zone announcement.
“Teesside University has played a key role in developing and supporting the region’s thriving digital and creative sectors through industry-applied research and skills development.
“Many of the businesses that form the bedrock of this sector are founded and staffed by our graduates and we look forward to working with our partners to ensure this economic success story continues to grow and prosper.”
Award winning Middlesbrough TV production company XCel Broadcast, who are based at Boho Five are popping the champaign corks after securing a $2.5 million, two-year motor racing contract that will see the Teesside outfit produce live TV coverage of over forty prestigious motor races across four Asia supercar racing series.
Starting this weekend at the Shanghai F1 Grand Prix in China, XCel will produce full TV coverage of the 2025 and 2026, GT World Challenge Asia, GT Cup, Japan Cup and Intercontinental GT Challenge series for world leading motor sports operation SRO Motorsports.
The productions will be done in three languages, English, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese and beamed via satellite to TV networks around the world. As well as the TV coverage, all races will also be live streamed globally to multiple digital platforms, including into China. In 2020, XCel was awarded the Northern Powerhouse Most Entrepreneurial Exporter Award for its innovative live streaming solution into the media restricted country.
XCel will supply full outside broadcast TV facilities, such as cameras, control rooms and satellite trucks, as well as fully staffing the productions with cameramen, producers, on-air talent and engineers as the series visit some of motor racing’s most iconic racing circuits, including Japan’s Suzuka and Fuji F1 racing circuits as well as Sepang in Malaysia and China’s Shanghai F1 venue.
Utilising a 50 strong team of technical and production staff for each race, XCel will broadcast the action around the world providing everything that will be seen and heard on TV and internet screens, from TV pictures, to race commentary to the race graphics and timing clock.
XCel’s Managing Director Dave Roberts said: “This is another huge coup for Teesside. All four motor racing series are very high-profile events on the FIA motorsports calendar and to think Teesside will be responsible for producing the live TV pictures from such iconic F1 circuits, watched by over a hundred million people around the world is just amazing.
“As a region we may be thousands of miles away from where the action is happening, but securing such an important contract like this, just proves the superb talent we have on our patch. I hope other Teesside operations can look at this to see what is possible for us globally.”
Mike Scott, Head of Television for SRO Motorsports Group who own the competition said: “XCel has carried out a great job in recent years producing our motor racing series so naturally we were delighted to be able to agree that they’ll continue the work across the next two years, across four of our race series. We are delighted to have them on board again.”
SRO’s GT World Challenge Asia, GT Cup, Japan Cup and Intercontinental GT Challenge series are all sanctioned by world motor sports governing body, the FIA. They feature GT3 and GT4 supercars.
Producing live TV in Asia can present unique challenges, language barriers, local customs and the weather can throw up real-life problems, Roberts adds, “Operating in Asia can be a real challenge. In 2015 in Malaysia, a camera just 20 metres from me was struck by lightning while we were on air. The lightning strike took out half of our track cameras so we had to work through the storm just to get a few of them working again.”
However, XCel is hoping it will be plain sailing across the next two years.
A Teesside-based AI company supported by an innovative accelerator programme has secured landmark deal with a global technology specialist.
Middlesbrough firm Seer has sold its AI workflow platform Flytta – a digital joint venture it runs with Casper Shipping – to London-based AI technology company Sedna.
Flytta is an automated digital trade product which cuts customs processing time for goods into the UK. It allows businesses to process thousands of customs declarations instantly using AI models.
Seer has been part of the Forge programme through Tees Valley Labs – a 12-week accelerator delivered by Teesside business consultancy Alt Labs, on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, which has helped companies primed to scale up and attract significant investment.
Flytta originated as an in-house solution at Casper Shipping, designed to streamline internal operations before being further refined and commercialised by Seer into a scalable AI-powered workflow platform.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Having a company at the cutting-edge of technology and trade striking a big international deal is brilliant – and this shows the sheer amount of talent and expertise we have on Teesside.
“There is a concerted push to put AI industries at the forefront of how we grow as a nation – and this takeover shows how businesses are forging ahead, developing and growing right on our doorstep. It’s also great that Seer has been part of our Forge programme which has helped steer their growth and tapped into their expertise.
“This is great news for Seer, Casper Shipping and Teesside – and I hope Flytta continues to have more success on the back of this takeover.”
The deal expands Sedna’s UK presence with a new office in the Tees Valley, with the company investing in the region’s growing AI talent base to accelerate product development.
The Flytta acquisition means Sedna now has six offices around the globe in Athens, Cape Town, Copenhagen, London, Singapore and Middlesbrough.
“We’re excited to open our new Middlesbrough office, tapping into the exceptional talent in Northern England to drive the next wave of AI innovation in global trade,” said Bill Dobie, CEO of Sedna.
“This investment strengthens our AI capabilities while reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in digital trade transformation.”
Michael Shakesheff, MD of Casper Group, said: “Flytta began as an internal innovation within Casper Shipping, addressing real-world operational challenges.
“With Seer’s expertise, it evolved into a scalable product, and now, through Sedna’s ambitious AI vision, it has the opportunity to drive transformation across the broader maritime and trade industries.”
Support for the Tees Valley Labs programme is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Imran Anwar, Tees Valley Business Board lead for the Digital Economy and CEO and Founder of Alt Labs, said: “Sedna’s acquisition of Flytta marks a transformative step forward in the use of AI in the global shipping industry. The development of this technology highlights the groundbreaking digital work taking place in the Tees Valley.
“Seer have been part of the Forge cohort of Tees Valley Labs programme, and I’m delighted to see the groundbreaking opportunities this partnership will bring to the growth of Seer, and the longer-term growth in the Tees Valley.
“By combining Seer’s innovative spirit with Sedna’s strategic vision, it’s not just merging two companies, they’re setting the benchmark of technological advancement, growth and inward investment to the region.”
A Teesside business is marking a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of dedicated service.
SNE Care Services was founded in 2015 by Mao Musonza, who moved from Zimbabwe to Middlesbrough to pursue a business degree at Teesside University. Upon graduating, Mao worked as a homecare assistant and quickly recognised an opportunity to combine his business expertise with his passion for caregiving.
Since its inception, SNE Care has experienced steady growth, expanding with offices in Northallerton in 2019 and Redcar in 2021.
Founder Mao Musonza said: “I started SNE in 2015 with the goal of not only achieving personal success, but also empowering people from all backgrounds to thrive and helping the local community maintain their independence and live their best lives at home,”
“It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years; it feels like we’re just getting started.”
Tracey Hugill, Registered Manager at SNE, shared her experience with the company. “I began working for SNE 10 years ago starting as a care assistant. I’ve progressed throughout the company and have been in my registered manager role for the past four years.
“I love my job, my colleagues, and our clients. We have great opportunities and many team-building activities outside of work, which are fantastic for building rapport with employees. We’re a growing company that embraces new challenges, and that’s what I enjoy most about working here.”
SNE Care now serves the Teesside area and North Yorkshire and plans to expand further in the coming year.
A modern new office has welcomed 80 staff from a leading travel company in the heart of Middlesbrough.
Six Centre Square will host teams from brands including First Choice, Holiday Hypermarket and Holidays for Heroes, which sit within the wider TUI Group, in a new 4,500 sq ft base in Middlesbrough town centre.
Up to 80 staff from the web development team, contact centre and sales and marketing departments will use the grade A office space.
Six Centre Square was built by developer Ashall Projects after the Combined Authority pumped £9.7million into the four-storey project.
Middlesbrough Council also contributed £2million of its £21.9million Towns Fund from Central Government.
Insurance giant AXA UK moved into the office in 2023 with 500 staff at the 40,000 sq ft town centre base.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is another boost to our efforts in Middlesbrough – and it’s great to see the First Choice teams committing to this modern new office in the heart of the town.
“Our Development Corporation is taking strides to pump new life into Middlesbrough after decades of stagnation.
“And our airport has a strong relationship with TUI when it comes to holiday flights.
“The decision to create Six Centre Square was a no-brainer – and this is another example of how our work has paid off.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Six Centre Square has already proven a great success and I’m delighted that TUI has recognised Middlesbrough’s long-term potential.
“The move complements one of our key aims at Middlesbrough Council – to attract businesses, create jobs and build a successful and ambitious town.”
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice, said: “We’re proud to have had members of our First Choice business based in the North East for 22 years, and it was important to us that we maintained our Northern roots when looking for a new office space.
“Six Centre Square is a great fit for the team thanks to the modern facilities, central location and fantastic transport links. This new space will allow us to work collaboratively and flexibly, which aligns well with our ways of working here at First Choice.”
The team behind Middlesbrough’s highly popular Holiday Inn Express hotel is creating a new accommodation concept for the town, where guests will enjoy “home from home plus” affordable luxury.
Developer Ashall Projects and the other major investors who opened the hotel nearly 10 years ago are now launching Station Suites: 42 spacious apartments which will be ready in the Spring.
They are spending £1.7m on a major refurbishment and upgrade programme over six floors of the Crown House building on Linthorpe Road, close to Middlesbrough Railway Station. The serviced apartments there used to trade as Dream Suites.
At the same time a £1m enhancement of all 159 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express has been carried out.
The double investment is being made as a response to concerns, voiced by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and others, about the lack of accommodation to cater for the influx of workers and visitors involved in giant projects such as Net Zero Teesside and the Darlington Economic Campus.
“The Holiday Inn continues to do a great job in looking after people who might be coming to Middlesbrough for a relatively short stay,” said Ashall Projects’ Managing Director Mark Ashall. “Station Suites will provide somewhere different, particularly if guests are going to be away from home for a number of days.”
There will be 33 apartments which, at 25m2, are about a third bigger than the average hotel room. There are also six bigger suites – they will be 33m2 – and three two-bedroom apartments.
“Station Suites will offer them a home from home plus,” said Mr Ashall. “That’s just not about the excellent quality of the rooms, we think it’s really important to provide a complete service. So, for example, there will be a member of staff on site 24 hours a day. You rarely get this in other serviced apartments and, of course, never in an Airbnb.”
Station Suites is a short walk from the station, with its links to London, and a stone’s throw from Middlesbrough town centre.
When they arrive guests will receive a welcome food pack and on the ground floor they will find a reception, a large comfortable seating and dining area – where they can also hold informal meetings or just relax – a pantry and a bar serving drinks and snacks.
The refurbishment of the rooms started in January and they will all be fitted with new furniture, including a king size bed. Each suite will have a kitchen area with a microwave, kettle and sink.
Station Suites will be managed by the award-winning team from the Holiday Inn Express which is located just a short distance away and it will adopt the same high environmental standards as the hotel.
Ashall Projects is looking at other projects in the area and is inviting companies who have secured contracts across the Tees Valley to discuss their accommodation needs.
“Everybody welcomed the wave of announcements about new jobs on Teesside, but they were also quick to raise concerns about a skills shortage. There’s also a serious room shortage,” warned Mr Ashall.
“It’s going to take a while to provide a local workforce with the training they’ll need to carry out the new roles required by Net Zero Teesside, for instance. In the meantime those people with the suitable experience, their support staff and consultants will be arriving in their thousands from outside the area and they’re going to need somewhere to stay.”
He added: “They expect high standards. They want space, comfort and as near to a home-from-home experience as possible – and we think we’re providing something even better than that at Station Suites.”
Ashall Projects has made a major impact on Middlesbrough town centre during the last decade. As well as opening the Holiday Inn Express, it has built three office buildings where around 1,500 people now work.
