Leaders read, and readers lead event write-up

September 24th 2021

Members and guests gathered once again at Wynyard Hall for our second hybrid event and enjoyed a delicious supper whilst networking. The event in partnership with Lexonik, was joined by Sarah Ledger, director of Lexonik and Chris Beck, director of Business and Skills from Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Chair of the Club, Jane Reynolds MBE welcomed members and guests to the event and said:

“We are really thrilled to welcome everyone back and we’re pleased to be partnering with Lexonik. It’s a joy to see you all and we are looking forward to next month’s event where we’ll be back in the same room.”

Jane invited Sarah Ledger from Lexonik to the stage to hear about word construction.

Lexonik is an award-winning company based in the north east, working with teachers globally to raise attainment through transformational programmes and training to supercharge literacy skills.

Sarah talked about the importance of language and shared information about how we form vocabulary. She talked about how we can ensure that we support positive communication in the workplace to improve business efficiency.

Up next, Chris Beck, director of business and skills, TVCA provided an update. Chris mentioned he last spoke at the club on his first day as director of business and skills two years ago and went on to share the journey so far. Chris spoke on employment levels within the region, in comparison to the rest of the UK, which showed that the regions employment level is on the rise.

Chris discussed key highlights from the last two years:

• Engaged with 3000 businesses on a light touch and almost 900 businesses at medium/high intensity
• Launched a new £35m business growth programme, an ambitious programme of business support and funding
• A £14.7m ERDF support grant programme for business growth, the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund
• £1.9m ERDF funding to deliver the SME Energy Efficiency Scheme (SMEEs)
• Over 40,000 web hits to the TVB website which has progressed significantly
• Coronavirus support to business: 24/7 dedicated COVID-19 business support helpline taken 1200 calls from businesses, launch of the Buy Local Tees Valley website (1400) sign ups
• EU Exit Support Programme supporting 218 inbound calls and making 3,300 outreach calls to businesses. 187 businesses have had a 1-2-1 appointment with a ‘tier-two’ level EU Exit Specialist Advisor
• ‘Gateway’ organisation for the Kickstart Programme, facilitating placements in smaller companies
• Skills for Growth Programme giving businesses support to identify their skills needs and access employee training
• Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) has approved 32 investments and loans totalling £760,743. This has generated an additional £5.49m in private sector match funding and has safeguarded or created 298 jobs and counting

Chris spoke about the impartial and fully-funded business support offered by Tees Valley Business. If you’re looking for fully-funded support register your interest at www.teesvalleybusiness.com, 01642 939386, teesvalleybusiness@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

Jane thanked the speakers for their presentations and the team behind the business club. We look forward to the next in-person event which will take place at Teesside International Airport on Thursday 21st October.