Member Article

Tees Valley’s ‘world class expertise’ could swing Heathrow Logistics Hub deal

The Tees Valley is in contention to be one of Heathrow Airport’s four UK Logistic Hubs, as part of the airport’s £16bn expansion plans.

Once effective, the Hubs will act as hotspots where components are pre-assembled and then delivered to the airport. Should Tees Valley be successful in its bid, hundreds of jobs and significant opportunities for the local supply chain would be created.

Over the summer Mayor Ben Houchen, alongside the Combined Authority, convened a powerful collation of local businesses to submit before recently meeting with Heathrow’s Chief Executive, John Holland-Kaye, to go through the proposal further.

The bid secured the support of leading business figures in the area, including British Steel, Cleveland Bridge, PD Ports, AV Dawson, RBT, Deepdale Solutions and the North East England Chamber of Commerce.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen said: “We always think big in the Tees Valley. We have the capability and capacity to deliver massive projects, and I am pleased Heathrow Airport have recognised this.

“Our case is strong because we have world-class expertise, excellent infrastructure, a pool of skilled and talented workers and the strong supply chain necessary to establish their Logistics Hub.

“The Heathrow Logistics Hub proposals complement perfectly with the South Tees Development Corporation’s emerging Master Plan for the area that supports industrial growth and job creation.”

The proposal would the see the facility established on the recently launched South Tees Development Corporation.

Welcoming the opportunity for the South Tees, Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: “Redcar is uniquely placed to be a Logistics Hub to Heathrow.

“Our area is seeing significant growth and global interest because of the huge potential we offer to businesses. We have the necessary skills and experience, great infrastructure and ambitious plans for future development and stand ready to support this investment.”

James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “We supported the Tees Valley’s proposal as the site has unique potential, with excellent port facilities and transport links, high quality industrial assets and the backing of the local business community.

“The Tees Valley already plays a substantial role in the global supply chains of construction projects around the world, and we believe the site can play that same crucial role in the expansion and on-going operation of Heathrow.”

Heathrow will visit the Mayor early in the New Year to look at the proposed site and has chosen the Tees Valley as one of the areas to hold its business summit.