Tees startups thrive with expert backing

Two Tees Valley startups are scaling fast with innovative ideas and targeted support.

Redcar-based wedding content creator Let’s Get Live and offshore welfare pioneer Harlum Services have both benefited from business advice and funding through Tees Valley Combined Authority’s (TVCA) support programmes.

Founded by Laura Harrison in 2023, Let’s Get Live has captured over 50 weddings across the UK and overseas, offering couples real-time, behind-the-scenes content. 

Backed by a £981 grant, Laura invested in equipment, launched a digital ad campaign and hired a new staff member. 

She now plans to grow into corporate events and B2B content, with bookings stretching into 2026.

Laura said: “I saw a gap in the market for newlyweds who wanted instant access to their wedding day memories. 

“Professional photos and videos can take six to eight weeks or more. 

“I wanted to give couples a way to relive the real and raw moments of their day right away.

“The grant and support I received helped me streamline my offering, implement a business plan and introduce new services.

“It directly led to increased revenue and bookings.

“As a sole trader, being able to pick up the phone and have access to this kind of support was invaluable.

“It helped me implement my goals, grow into new markets, and set realistic revenue targets.”

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough duo Harry Taylor and Calum Brown launched Harlum Services to tackle welfare issues offshore. 

Their gender-inclusive Wind Turbine Welfare Unit offers toilet facilities (see below) inside turbines – a first for the industry. 

With support from the Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme and receiving one-to-one guidance from an RTC north business adviser, they rebranded, launched the product at Offshore Wind NE 2024 and made key industry contacts including RWE, Ørsted and Equinor.

Lesley Hawke, business adviser at RTC North, added: “Harry and Calum are solving a problem that’s long been overlooked.

“If the offshore industry wants to attract a more diverse workforce, it needs to change how it approaches welfare – and this is a clear, simple solution that helps make that happen.”

Both ventures highlight how expert support from UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes, delivered locally by RTC North and others, is helping Tees Valley entrepreneurs turn smart ideas into sustainable businesses.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “These are exactly the kinds of forward-thinking businesses we’re proud to back across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“Whether it is helping entrepreneurs get started or supporting game-changing innovation, our experienced team is on hand to offer the right advice and guidance every step of the way.

“And thanks to the funding we’ve secured, there’ll be plenty more opportunities to keep these vital programmes running and new projects off the ground in the years to come.”

To find out more about the support available for businesses, go to: Business Support - Business

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