THE owners and operators of Teesport and one of the UK’s major port groups has been recognised with the Communities and Reputation Award at the 2021 NEPIC virtual award ceremony.

Commended by judges for an outstanding demonstration of community support and social responsibility, PD Ports amplified its community support initiatives throughout Covid-19, donating in excess of £50,000 to local initiatives and offering support to those most vulnerable in society.

Head of PR, Marketing and Communications, Kirsten Donkin, said: “It is a huge honour to receive this prestigious award recognising our efforts to help those in most need across the Tees Valley.

“In these extraordinary times, a shared commitment to supporting communities is more important than ever and at PD Ports, we recognise our duty to engage with the local community to build a brighter and prosperous future for the next generation.”

Celebrating the region’s best and brightest, the flagship NEPIC Awards support STEM education across the North East Chemical-Processing sector, with winners able to select a local school or initiative to receive funding towards a science related project.

PD Ports’ dedication to developing the next generation was also key in their successful bid for the award, outlining how their initial £5,000 catapulted a Tech Poverty campaign into the spotlight in the Tees Valley.

PD Ports allocated their £2,000 winnings to the Tees Valley Education Trust after realising their shared ambition to help primary school children realise their ambitions.

Chief executive officer Katrina Morley said: “Tees Valley Education send heartfelt congratulations to PD Ports on winning the communities and reputation award at the NEPIC annual event.

“PD Ports have consistently demonstrated their commitment to children, young people and the Tees Valley through supporting a range of learning and development opportunities.”

PD Ports is currently celebrating its 20th year of supporting young people through apprenticeships, which also coincides with the company’s largest ever recruitment drive as it looks to recruit 50 new apprentices across its operations.