TEES Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says Teesside would be the perfect home for a major Shell operation, after the energy giant made a shock announcement that it was moving the base of its global operations to the UK.

Chairman Sir Andrew Mackenzie said: “The simplification will normalise our share structure under the tax and legal jurisdictions of a single country and make us more competitive.

“As a result, Shell will be better positioned to seize opportunities and play a leading role in the energy transition.”

Read more: BP post $3.3bn profits - why that's good news for Teesside

It's that last bit that has Teesside rolling out the welcome mat. With BP and GE already investing here it will be a key prospect for Shell.

Houchen told the Northern Echo: “It’s fantastic news that Shell is bringing its HQ to the UK as it looks to drive forward its clean energy ambitions, making our country a world-leader in this vital, growing sector.

“We’d welcome them with open arms if the company is keen to set up shop right here, joining the other energy companies already committed to game-changing low-carbon developments.”

“Within the UK, Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are fast becoming powerhouses in cleaner, safer and healthier industries of tomorrow, creating good-quality jobs and boosting investment. and our Freeport only makes us a more attractive offer for investment."

 

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