Hundreds of Tees business to discuss contract opportunities

200 of the region’s biggest business names have signed up to a new event taking place next week, which will focus on helping companies spark new ideas and win new contracts.

Stephen Catchpole, who heads up Teesside’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU), has been confirmed as keynote speaker at the Doing Business @ Tees event.

Mr Catchpole will be speaking about supply chain opportunities in the Tees Valley region, the importance of Teesside University to the local economy, as well as infrastructure projects in the Tees Valley and wider area for companies to take advantage of.

He will also be discussing the importance of Higher Level Skills in the regional, national and even international marketplace.

“Teesside University is key to the growth of our economy and its need to provide sustainable prosperity for our residents,” said Mr Catchpole.

“Higher Level Skills will drive many, if not all, of our key sectors in the future.

“I am delighted to have been asked to give a keynote speech at this important event to explain our vision for the future and the role that businesses of all sizes and from all sectors have to play in achieving that vision, particularly in partnership with Tees Valley Unlimited and its partners such as Teesside University.”

The Teesside University-hosted event will also include a series of masterclasses, which have been tailored to help improve business performance.

“Enhancing leadership and management through reflective practice” is designed to be a thought-provoking session that will look at what leadership and management are, and how they relate to each individual business.

A second masterclass, titled “Open innovation skills – co-creating value for your business”, will explore what the barriers to universities and businesses working together are and how they can be overcome using knowledge transfer projects.

The final session of the day; “Making social media work for your business” will discuss how free marketing could give businesses a competitive edge.

Laura Woods, director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University, said: “We are really pleased to be holding an event on this scale on the University campus. As well as creating new opportunities and promoting new partnerships for the region’s companies, it sends out a strong message that Teesside University is an excellent place to do business.”

Doing Business @ Tees takes place at Teesside University in Middlesbrough on Wednesday 18 September. Booking is essential.

To find out more, or to book tickets visit: www.doingbusinessattees.co.ukor call 0191 426 6333.