Tees Valley unveils new business board

A North East regional body has appointed a new business board to strengthen industry influence on economic decision-making.

The Tees Valley Business Board has unveiled its 17-member line-up, approved by the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and the Combined Authority cabinet, with the group set to represent the interests of businesses across the region.

Led by chair Matthew Ord, the board will focus on key priorities including inward investment, business growth and skills, ensuring industry voices help shape major projects and strategy. 

The appointments follow a competitive process, with 67 applications received.

The newly appointed members are:

• Derek Bulmer – a chartered accountant and chief financial officer with expertise in investment, governance and growth across finance, technology and clean energy.
• Rachel Burke – a Teesside-based director with global industrial leadership across energy, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing.
• Louisa Clarke – a senior leader with more than 30 years’ experience across the RAF, facilities management and advisory roles.
• Tania Cooper – an engineering leader focused on regional development, governance and economic strategy.
• Jo Davies – an HR leader with more than 30 years’ experience, now advising on workforce strategy and labour markets.
• Anthony Fiske – a construction sector leader with apprenticeship roots and a focus on skills and growth.
• Lee Gibson – a nuclear industry expert with experience in strategy, investment and infrastructure delivery.
• Michael Manders – an entrepreneur and managing director with experience scaling international consumer projects.
• John McGee – an electrician turned business leader who built a global data centre company on Teesside.
• Tomas Roberton – a technology entrepreneur specialising in cloud services and SME growth.
• Phil Walker – a strategy director in engineering advocating for regional value and skills development.
• Gary Briston – a senior oil and gas professional with more than 30 years’ industry experience.
• Douglas Dinwiddie – a Darlington-based entrepreneur working across digital, property and fintech sectors.
• Mike Priestley – a director with experience in global infrastructure and energy projects.
• John Taylor – a business leader with experience across property, leisure, manufacturing and consumer sectors.
• Stephanie Zielke – an award-winning former broadcast journalist now working across business, communications and creative industries.

The new board will play a central role in supporting the region’s economic ambitions, alongside a £34 million funding commitment to drive business growth.

Matthew said: “It was great to see the level of interest in the number of strong applications we received to be part of our new Business Board.

“The fact it was tough to choose from so many who applied shows just how strong our business community is in our region.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to everyone who applied with such passion – and to our local authorities, business representative organisations and the business community who helped make sure this was shared far and wide.  

“I want the Business Board to ensure the voice of business is strong and central to shaping the Combined Authority’s plans for the future.  

“As I’ve said before, we’ll be taking a fresh, inclusive approach to our work and I’m very much looking forward to working with the team.”

Mayor Houchen added: “This board brings together some of the very best business minds from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool – people who understand what it takes to invest, grow and create jobs.

“Their expertise will be crucial in shaping our plans, making sure we’re backing the right opportunities and continuing to deliver real results for local people.

“We’ve got huge ambition for our region and I’m pleased the appointments have been approved.

“This board will help make sure we keep moving forward, bringing in investment, supporting our businesses and creating good, well-paid jobs for years to come.”

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