TEES Valley business leaders were urged to turn aspirations into expectations at last week’s Big Up Tees Valley event.

The message was from Stephen Catchpole, managing director of Tees Valley Unlimited, as he and the other speakers inspired more than 150 business leaders at the sell-out event.

Organised by Evolution LLP, it celebrated business growth in the Tees Valley region, heard advice and support from local entrepreneurs, business leaders and government, including James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).

Mr Ramsbotham said: “I am immensely proud of where our region is today, and so should we all be. Places like ours and all of the great things your businesses are doing are what really make this country work.

“This is the only region in the UK that consistently generates a positive balance of trade. And if that isn’t great enough, we are the only region out of the entire UK that has seen growth in employment this quarter.”

Mr Catchpole spoke about the perception of Tees Valley, the regional and national economy, local success stories and available business funding and schemes. He said: “One of our problems is the negative perception the rest of the country has of Tees Valley and we need more events like this to show them they are wrong.

“Unlike other regions, we are moving towards an ideal economy and a lot of the work we do contributes towards the national economy too.

“We have a lot to be thankful for, a thriving subsea sector, digital technology hubs, the launch of the exciting national biologics centre and more.

“Businesses here have a lot available to them, currently you have access to the Let’s Grow fund, Regional Growth Fund, Skills for Jobs Scheme and lots more. It’s important you’re benefiting from them.”

In conclusion, he said: “I believe with the skills, resourcefulness, innovation and resilience of Tees Valley people, our region has more than enough potential to be the best part of this country.”