Departing PD Ports boss David Robinson speaks to Business Editor Steven Hugill about his time in the region

DAVID Robinson is waiting for me at the double doors.

His hand outstretched to shake mine, we meet in the reception of PD Ports’ Middlesbrough offices, its floor decorated with a large tiled compass.

The business oversees global imports and exports out of its nearby Teesport dock, so the compass’ appearance, alongside model vessels in glass cases, is well in keeping with the firm’s operations.

However, as we greet each other, standing as we do on the compass’ points, the feature takes a different meaning.

For Mr Robinson, chief executive of PD Ports for more than ten years, is himself heading off in a new direction.

He has accepted a post with the port’s parent company, Brookfield Asset Management, which will very soon see him move to London to take over as director of operations within the Brookfield Infrastructure European team.

His initial focus will be upon the group’s UK and European port assets, but he will also become chairman of PD Ports, meaning he will still be involved in the business’ future.

For a man who has overseen significant growth and investment at Teesport, near Redcar, such an assurance can only be a positive step, though he is keen to point out its new team will be equally adept at building on and enhancing his work.

One of his major achievements during his tenure has undoubtedly been a project to redevelop the quayside at Teesport to create a 550-metre deep-water area capable of welcoming larger vessels carrying greater cargo.

However, the base can also now handle more containers thanks to investments in cranes under Mr Robinson’s watch, a move he says could eventually see upwards of one million processed annually in the region, while supermarkets Asda and Tesco are increasingly using the site to shift their goods.

They are significant triumphs, which have created local jobs and added real value to the economy.

So how does a man who was born in Stoke – a Stoke City calendar proudly adorns his wall – and worked in Hong Kong earlier in his career, reflect on his time in the North-East?

In an accent, which in places still reflects his Potteries upbringing, he speaks with real warmth about the area and the people, joking the biggest challenge he is likely to face is convincing his two black Labradors that he’ll quickly find new walking routes in the city.

He also said his role may provide added ballast to debates with the Government on regeneration schemes in the North-East, which include the future use of the mothballed SSI UK steelworks at Redcar.

He told The Northern Echo: “I’ve had some fantastic times in this part of the world and have fantastic friends and colleagues here.

“It is going to be different but my glass is always half full.

“The move has created opportunities for other people and opportunities for PD Ports.

“There will always be Teesside in my heart and it will always be a place I come back to – I’ll be back on a fairly frequent basis.

“The new role is also a good opportunity to make sure we are connected.

“If you have someone in London speaking with a strong Teesside voice it is going to add value to the debate.

“I see it as a big opportunity for the area.”

Mr Robinson took over as chief executive in May 2006 and smiles when he tells me the welcome he received from a predecessor.

He also highlights major developments at Teesport, including MGT Power’s £650m Tees Renewable Energy Plant, which the company says will be one of the world’s largest biomass power stations when operational, providing electricity for 600,000 homes by burning wood chips and pellets imported predominantly from the US.

Sipping from a cup of tea, Mr Robinson, who was named business personality of the year at the recent Northern Lights Awards, where PD Ports also received the transport and logistics company of the year honour, said: “The ten years have absolutely flown by.

“I remember being told by the previous chief executive that the average life cycle was three years; I guess I’ve had three lives then!

“We have done a lot but the world does not stand still.

“What has happened over that time has been progressive but we’ve also demonstrated resilience in terms of what happened with SSI.

“We will continue to invest, we’ve continued to grow the container business and have a host of projects going on, such as MGT.

“There is so much more to go at.

“The management team has a good track-record; we’re just shuffling the chairs.”

However, there is one final thing Mr Robinson will take with him and cherish; the High Tide Foundation.

Launched in 2012, the registered charity aims to support youngsters by heightening their aspiration in marine and related-sectors to ultimately increase skills and job opportunities.

He added: “High Tide has been a tremendous journey for us and all the young people that have benefited.

It’s a highlight for sure.”