This part of the world is built on teamwork and collaboration.
From the newest apprentice to the most experienced CEO, working together for the good of the region is what we are all about.
So adding a new member to that team is a big move. For Teesside a pivotal move was gaining Freeport status and all the benefits that brings - a huge attraction for investment from around the world.
For The Northern Echo’s Level Up campaign, one of our biggest moves comes this morning as the Freeport becomes a partner in the campaign to brings jobs and investment to the region.
Read more: All our Level Up stories are here
I asked Freeport Director Nolan Gray for an update on the Freeport and why joining the campaign was the right decision for him.
“Levelling Up is central to providing the sustainable jobs and skills our region deserves and this campaign is a great opportunity to speak with one voice and get us heard nationally and internationally,” he told me.
“Teesside Freeport is the UK’s biggest and first operational Freeport, and is working hard to attract those global, game-changing businesses to drive regeneration, growth and opportunity. By joining the Level Up campaign, we can add our weight and expertise – and those of the companies and sites we’re working with – to get the word out that the Tees Valley is a prime region to invest in, ultimately boosting our economy and improving people’s lives.
“It is important to say that we could not have delivered the UK’s biggest and first Freeport without the support of many people across the region.
“As Freeport Director, I work closely with colleagues right across the Combined Authority Group with technical expertise in Regeneration, Skills, Transport, Clean Growth and Innovation, to target those sustainable, clean energy businesses we’re keen to see come to the Freeport.
“Given our size and scope – 4,500acres at sites right across the region – I also work alongside the senior leadership teams and key figures from our key assets and organisations including Wilton International, the Wilton Centre, PD Ports, Port of Middlesbrough, Redcar Bulk Terminal, Able UK, Teesside International Airport and Teesworks who have been invaluable and passionate supporters of this project. From officers and business leaders to local politicians and the community, all are as excited as I am to realise the benefits of this transformational project.”
After only seven months, the Freeport already has an impressive list of partners and is the key reason why we can take a long-term view of our future.
“Considering our Freeport was launched just seven short months ago, things are going incredibly well,” said Nolan.
“Major projects are getting under way as we speak, with SeAH Wind just days away from starting work at its £300million offshore wind facility at Teesworks and Sembcorp announcing the development of a 360 Mw Battery Storage facility, the largest in UK.
“Teesside Freeport played a big part in securing these projects and the UK Investment Bank also saw the potential, investing £107million for the under-development South Bank Quay that will enhance and compliment one of the busiest marine clusters in the UK.
“Of course, as the area we cover is so big and distributed at different sites across the region, there is much more opportunity to secure businesses of all kinds and talks are continuing in the background with many interested would-be investors.
“I keep using the word “opportunity”, but we truly are at a time of unparalleled opportunity for the region. The Freeport will be a beacon for investors and industry to act as a key catalyst for regeneration and growth at major sites, complementing our existing offer, local businesses and growing innovation. For example, at supply chain events held for Net Zero Teesside and SeAH over 300 and 250 local business attended and the first contracts have started to flow.
“That’s without mentioning projects like, Circular Fuels’ renewable gas facility, SABIC’s £850million investment to restart its hydrocarbon cracker, Alfanar’s sustainable aviation fuel project and many, many more,” said Nolan.
In addition, the Freeport will be working hand-in-hand with the International Chamber of Commerce’s world first Centre for Digital Trade coming to the region, helping to inform its work on frictionless trade and removing barriers to growth for all businesses. Other schemes, such as the Darlington Economic Campus, will make sure our voices are heard at the very heart of Government – and the biggest departments will have a front-row seat to the Freeport’s development.
Nolan’s comments are as inspiring as the Freeport he runs. We’ve never been in a better position to be able to Level Up.
To find out more about joining our Level Up partners, contact mike.hughes@newsquest.co.uk
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