Showcase spotlights Tees Valley opportunity

Businesses from across the Tees Valley have gathered for a regional showcase aimed at unlocking major project opportunities and strengthening supply chains.

The second annual Tees Valley Supply Chain Showcase, held at Hardwick Hall, attracted a strong turnout of firms seeking updates on emerging investments and funding opportunities. 

The event focused on cross-sector prospects in advanced manufacturing, energy transition, digital, construction, film and defence.

Representatives from organisations including Global Underwater Hub, Tees Valley Lithium, UK Docks, JDR Cable Systems and North East Screen shared insight into upcoming opportunities.

Matthew Ord, chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, said: “Our Business Board is clear that growth must benefit local companies.

“The scale of investment coming into the Tees Valley is significant, but it is only by strengthening our supply chains that we maximise its impact.

“Bringing businesses together with project leaders and decision-makers in this way helps create the relationships, confidence and capability needed to ensure our businesses – and our region as a whole – both compete and succeed.”

The showcase is delivered by RTC North on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority as part of the Tees Valley Supply Chain programme. 

Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative offers fully funded support to help businesses diversify, build partnerships and unlock new markets.

Jim Barr, Tees Valley supply chain programme manager at RTC North, added: “Our annual Supply Showcase Event in Tees Valley continues to expand, attracting a cross section of exhibitors, organisations, and businesses. 

“This strong growth highlights the diverse opportunities and multi-sector capabilities within the region, as well as the commitment and readiness of businesses to match this demand. 

“With significant programme registrations and strong backing from stakeholders and partners, we could have easily accommodated over 300 delegates, further highlighting the strength of the Tees Valley Supply Chain brand and the high level of engagement from the local beneficiaries.

“We’d like to especially thank TVCA for their ongoing trust and support, to the speakers for their dedication and insightful presentations, to the RTC North Team for their hard work and commitment, and finally to the businesses in the region for giving up their valuable time to attend the Showcase.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong turnout at this event, and so many of our brilliant local firms coming together to seize the opportunities in front of them. 

“We’ve worked hard over the past few years to attract major investment into Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, and events like this are absolutely vital to make sure local businesses are front and centre when contracts are being awarded.

“These showcases are about turning big announcements into real opportunities for our supply chain, helping companies make connections, win work and grow. 

“We’ve laid the foundation for big global employers to come here but we need to ensure we’re doing everything for our lifeblood local businesses get the support they need to reap the benefits of these developments.”

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