Teesside machining firm joins engineering support network ahead of “exciting” in-person event

Saltburn based machining firm Tees Components has signed up as an organiser and sponsor of a major supply chain networking organisation.

Managing director Sharon Lane has joined the ranks of the Tees Engineering Network to drive forward its activity, alongside founding members Jamie Brown, CEO of Francis Brown Ltd, and Rob Johnson, director of Axiom Engineering Associates Ltd.

Tees Engineering Network was set up in 2013 to support the region’s engineering supply chain by keeping businesses informed of new opportunities and providing a forum for networking, with support from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

An apprentice-trained and degree qualified mechanical engineer, Sharon has worked in the Teesside industrial sector for 25 years and has been MD of heavy engineering subcontractor Tees Components in East Cleveland for three years.

Sharon is also the chair of the NE advisory board for MAKE UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, and works to ensure that the manufacturing sector is effectively represented to the government. Always a “loud voice” for apprenticeships and skills training, she is also a governor at Middlesbrough College.

Sharon commented: “I’ve been attending TEN events for years on behalf of my business and have seen first-hand the value that they add to the Tees Valley’s supply chain. I’m delighted to come on board as an organiser and sponsor to help drive it forward and get more companies informed and connected.

“Despite many of us still recovering from the pandemic, the region is seeing huge opportunities for our engineering businesses with large-scale, innovative schemes that we need to get the word out about. It’s a really exciting time and I’m glad to be part of it.”

TEN has also announced that its latest in-person event is set to go ahead this summer, following the successful return of its business breakfasts as Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. The date for its next breakfast is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

The business breakfasts typically see scores of representatives from the region’s engineering companies turn out to network and learn about new opportunities in the sector.

Previous speakers have included the likes of Teesside International Airport, global petrochemical manufacturer SABIC, engine manufacturer Cummins and research and development organisations such as the Materials Processing Institute.