Bittersweet is the only word to describe seeing a monument to our rich iron and steelmaking heritage – albeit one a shadow of its former self – being brought down.
As Teesworks marks its second anniversary, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen offers a very personal view of the former steelworks site that has become the focal point of the future of the region.
As Teesworks marks its second anniversary, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen offers a very personal view of the former steelworks site that has become the focal point of the future of the region.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen writes exclusively for BUSINESSiQ about the challenging journey to a £400m investment
Ben Houchen is the Tees Valley Mayor
Ben Houchen is the Tees Valley Mayor
Four years ago Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool stood on a precipice. We could look forward to a brighter future, a future of investment pouring into the area and good-quality well-paid jobs being created. Or we could go on as we had before - ignored and forgotten. Jobs leaving. Investment drying up. Local people worrying about whether our great region would ever catch up.
SINCE 2017 I have tirelessly banged the drum for Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool, and with less than 24 hours until the Chancellor unveils his latest Budget, I once again urge Rishi, who knows our region so well, to give our region the attention it rightfully demands.
WHEN the government started devolving powers from Westminster to local regions, some thought it would be yet another layer of bureaucracy making little difference to local people’s lives.
I’m delighted and proud that the new Novavax vaccine – the first vaccine proven to be effective against Covid’s latest mutation – will soon be manufactured in Stockton.
