Tees Valley firms get tips on ‘unlocking’ new growth opportunities
The event, held at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium on Friday, March 28, focused on unlocking new growth opportunities for businesses when bidding for contracts.
Various workshops, led by teams from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, informed attendees about standing out for upcoming opportunities, how the authority’s procurement team functions, and the positive social impact required as part of contract awards.
The event at the Riverside Stadium saw a good turnout (Image: Tom Banks)
A specific workshop on bid writing and expectations was facilitated by The Wright One, while Believe Solutions led a session exploring improved collaboration between firms and voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSEs).
The initiative comes after both Believe Solutions and The Write One were named joint winners of the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Social Impact Innovation Challenge earlier this month.
The challenge aims to drive social impact through procurement.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to see such a good turnout at events like these.
“It’s absolutely vital we support innovation and creativity across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool as we continue to grow our economy, bring huge game-changing projects, and deliver well-paid, skilled jobs for local people.
“We need to bring our businesses with us – and providing vital support, guidance and for small advice for their leaders and staff across our region puts more money in their pockets and also ensures they make a real positive impact out in our communities.”
Liz Byrne, CEO and co-founder of Believe Solutions, said: “The event was so energising.
“We have over 100 businesses all committed and engaged in optimising social value to really provide greater support for our communities in a joined-up way.
“This is just the beginning.
“The best solutions are co-designed with the people that will provide long-term relationships for the future.”
Siobhan McArdle, chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, added: “The fantastic turnout at this event highlights just how crucial it is for our local firms to understand the intricacies of procurement, especially as legislation evolves.
“Ensuring that businesses, particularly our SMEs, have a clear pathway to securing contracts is not just about compliance – it’s about growth, resilience, and unlocking new opportunities.
“Social value is at the heart of this process, ensuring that the entire Tees Valley region benefits while creating a thriving ecosystem where small and medium-sized enterprises can truly flourish – and barriers to opportunity are broken down.”
The Social Impact Innovation Challenge is delivered by Edge Innovation Ltd and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the Tees Valley Business Board.
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.