Catchpole stands down as Tees Valley Unlimited managing director

Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) chairman Sandy Anderson today paid tribute to TVU’s managing director Stephen Catchpole for the contribution he has made to the area’s economic wellbeing.

Mr Anderson’s praise came as Mr Catchpole announced he was standing down from Tees Valley Unlimited to take up a post with Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Under Mr Catchpole’s leadership, TVU, which was one of the first Local Enterprise Partnerships to secure Government approval, has initiated a wide variety of projects that are helping to strengthen the area’s prospects. Mr Anderson said: “Stephen has been a passionate ambassador for Tees Valley. It is thanks to his expertise and energy and his ability to work with a range of organisations that a new economic landscape is taking shape in Tees Valley.

“Under his stewardship, the team at Tees Valley Unlimited has developed a reputation for innovation and excellence.

“We have engaged with potential investors, key stakeholders and those at the heart of Government to brief them on the area’s progress and potential and to make sure that as many opportunities as possible have been created.

“I and, Tees Valley Unlimited’s Leadership Board, have been proud to work alongside someone whose knowledge, direction and dedication have had such an extensive and positive impact on Tees Valley. Stephen leaves a strong legacy.”

Stephen joined Tees Valley Unlimited in 2010 from the Wolverhampton Development Agency. Since his appointment Tees Valley LEP has enjoyed a number of notable achievements including:

• The creation of the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone which was among the first to be approved by the Government in August 2011 and was described at the time by Communities and Local Government Minister Eric Pickles as “bold and clever.”
• To date, Tees Valley Enterprise Zone has attracted 12 projects which have levered in more than £440m of private sector investment and will generate 317 local jobs. This is one of many successes the LEP has celebrated under Stephen’s leadership.

Councillor Bill Dixon, TVU Deputy Chairman, speaking on behalf of Tees Valley’s five local authorities, said: “Stephen’s time with TVU and the LEP has been highly successful with a substantial amount of investment having been attracted to Tees Valley.

“He will be a difficult act to follow. When you appoint the best other organisations are bound to covet them. But we will recruit an equally strong successor.

“Thanks to Stephen, Tees Valley LEP has forged a first-class reputation and we will be looking for equally high quality applicants to build and expand upon what he has accomplished.”

Stephen added: “I have enormous pride in what TVU and our partners have achieved in my time here and move onto a new position with the confidence that firm foundations are set for ongoing Tees Valley growth and success.

“I will miss the area and colleagues and the support TVU has received from the local business community.

“The new role offers me the opportunity to move back to live with my family once more.”

Mr Catchpole will leave at the end of the year to take up his new role as Chief Executive with Coventry and Warwickshire LEP. TVU Leadership Board has started the recruitment process.