Martyn Pellew : Changing landscapes inspire future development

9:39am Tuesday 19th February 2008

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THE landscape of the Tees Valley has changed significantly over recent years. Some parts of Middlesbrough are virtually unrecognisable these days as the town becomes awash with unusual, wonderful architecture and a thriving economy.

The Tees Valley and, in particular, Middlesbrough has taken major steps to further improve the appeal and prosperity of the town, creating a real buzz among the people who live and work there.

One area in particular, which is unfolding before our eyes, is Middlesbrough's multi-million pound Boho Zone - a digital and creative industries cluster.

The digital industries quarter, which is based adjacent to the emerging Middlehaven development, is a core element of the University of Teesside and Middlesbrough Council's partnership, known as DigitalCity. The North-East Chamber of Commerce's Tees Valley offices are situated at its entrance.

As I read recently in The Northern Echo, work is due to start this month on the £10m Boho Zone, which will become home to almost 30 creative businesses and will help to develop world-class creative talent here in the Tees Valley. This is great news.

Within my own place of work, striving for world-class status is one of our most important core values and is a crucial mind set to "getting things done".

And this is not just for what businesses can achieve for personal gains, but for what can be achieved for the region as a whole.

Successful and profitable businesses have a huge, positive impact on a town like Middlesbrough. The more economic wealth a region generates, the greater the disposable income people have and the more choices they have.

Ultimately, this will create a greater standard of living for the people who live and work in the town.

This inspiring outlook on a region, once steeped in heavy industry, will certainly encourage greater things and help to boost the town's future economic prosperity.

■ Martyn Pellew is chairman of the North-East Chamber of Comerce's Tees Valley committee.