Teesside Charity - Spring 2016 by Teesside Charity

INSIDE FAST Fund Teesside Heroes Meet our new Trustees Focus on our Patrons Spring 2016

FIGHTING FOR TEESSIDE TOGETHER

INVESTING IN TEESSIDE We’ve achieved some amazing things together as the Philanthropic Foundation. Companies and individuals have joined forces to create something unique across the UK. But sometimes one of our projects stands out like a shining beacon beyond all others. What I’ve discovered over the past four years of being chairman of the Foundation is that a few hundred pounds can make a world of difference. But an investment of £40,000 can literally change lives. In fact, our £40,000 investment in the brilliant Teesside organisation Community Campus ’87 will help to transform the lives of six local youths – every one of them long-term unemployed and struggling to kick-start their working lives. Community Campus don’t give apprenticeship opportunities to the brightest kids who’d probably get a chance anyway. They pick out the girls and boys who need a helping hand, a bit of encouragement and an injection of self-belief. That means our financial support is helping to give those six young people an opportunity to build a future for themselves. That really is an investment in Teesside. It will make a genuine difference to our local economy in taking six people away from a life of benefits and poor health to a position where they can make a real contribution. The community value has to be worth many £thousands There have never been more opportunities to get involved with the Philanthropic Foundation – and we’d love to see you at one or more of our events.

It’s not like being homeless, of course, but it does highlight a very real and serious issue within our community whilst raising funds to help some of the poorest people on Teesside. A very different experience but one I promise you’ll love is our hugely popular Annual Dinner, which will again take place within the excellent Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall, while our Ladies’ Lunches are proving increasingly popular, with their wonderful guest speakers. But we’re also looking out for people to take part in the Great North Run, our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and Transporter Bridge Zip Line, so there really is no excuse for not joining forces and helping us to fight for Teesside together. Andy Preston Chairman

T he Big Tees Sleepout

In this newsletter you can read how you can make a real difference in the fight against local homelessness simply by giving up the comfort of your own bed for just one night. You can raise funds by sleeping rough and taking part in either CEO Sleepout or the Big Tees Sleepout.

Magazine Editor: Dave Allan, DNA PR & Publicity Design: Eighty8 Design Photography: Doug Moody Photography, Sharone Robinson Photography Print: printing.com, Middlesbrough Website: www.teessidecharity.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/teessidecharity Email: info@teessidecharity.org.uk

Funding apprenticeships can change lives.

is back.

NEWS

WHEN SPIDERMAN MET CINDERELLA

Princesses and super heroes invaded Teesside when we held our latest fun-packed kids’ event. Forever Frozen versus Super Heroes and Princesses attracted more than 360 kids for two hours of dancing, singing and saving the world! The kids, many of them dressed up as their own heroes, looked on in awe as Batman, Spider Man, Captain America and Super Girl were joined by Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel and Rapunzel, plus characters from children’s favourite, Frozen. Profits from the event of £3,500 will be distributed to worthy causes and community groups on Teesside. Look out for another similar event towards the end of 2016. Email mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk or call 01642 686018 for more details.

TIME FOR TEE

June will see the return of the Foundation’s Annual Golf Day, following a hugely successful inaugural event that raised £6,000 for Teesside good causes. It’s another chance to take part in a four-ball on the sumptuous Rockliffe Hall golf course, including breakfast and a two-course evening meal. Last year’s winners, Foundation patrons Active Chartered Financial Planners, will be looking to defend the title they won last year. Our picture shows Bill Scott of Wilton Group in action at our inaugural event. Team entry is just £380. To book your place at our Annual Golf Day on June 9, email diane.w@teessidecharity.org.uk or call 01642 686018.

GREAT DAY FOR A RUN

We’re on the look-out for fundraisers to represent us in this year’s Great North Run, taking place on September 11.

WALKING AND CYCLING

Teams from two of the Foundation’s loyal Patrons are taking part in two great fundraisers during April. The girls from Active Chartered Financial Planners are taking on the challenge of climbing Scafell Pike on April 23, while AV Dawson managing director Gary Dawson will be leading a team of cyclists on a coast-to-coast bike ride, April 22-24, finishing at Saltburn.

Our small number of places in the iconic half-marathon are being snapped up quick, so don’t delay in contacting us to reserve your place. There’s a £50 entry fee and our participants are expected to raise at least £250 in sponsorship for the Foundation. Email mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk for more details.

GENEROUS GESTURE

A big ‘thank you’ to Boro supporter David Strickland of York, who has personally donated £600 to the Foundation over the last 12 months. At David’s request, all of the funds have been donated to our Schools Hardship Fund. Your generosity is appreciated, David.

NEWS

A BRIDGE TOO FAR?

Calling all thrill-seekers. We’re hosting a zip-slide from the iconic Transporter Bridge that will give you a high-speed crossing of the River Tees you’ll never forget. The event takes place on Sunday, July 10, with entry just £25 each – though you’re required to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. To reserve your place on the Transporter zip line, email mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Teesside’s female business community are in for another treat when we hold our next Ladies’ Lunch at Wynyard Hall on Thursday, June 16. The event will feature a talk by the team behind Hartlepoolbased Heir Hunters, who specialise in finding missing beneficiaries of unclaimed estates. Tickets are just £30 each, taking in a welcome drink and two-course lunch. Book early to avoid disappointment as our first three Ladies’ Lunches have proved hugely popular. To reserve your seats, email mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk

BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING?

Time to get those walking boots on because June 11 sees the return of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Dozens of big-hearted Teessiders put their best foot forward last year, climbing the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – a walk of 24.5 miles - in less than 12 hours to raise more than £6,000. For those who need to get some training in to prepare them for the big event, you can join in a series of practice “runs” with experienced guides. Good walking boots, waterproofs and lunch are essential, as are a good level of hill walking fitness – and determination! The entry fee is £25. To reserve your place on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, visit www.kutaoutdoors.co.uk/charity-pages/ philanthropic-foundation

AROUND TEESSIDE ON A BIKE

The amazing people who go by the name of Fat Lads on Bikes are planning one of their greatest fundraisers yet when they hold the Tour of Teesside to coincide with the Tour de Yorkshire. The 44-mile sponsored bike ride takes place on May 29, starting 9.30am from Middlesbrough Sports Village. The exciting route takes in Seamer, Stokesley, Great Ayton, via Roseberry Topping, Guisborough Priory, Marske, Redcar, via SSI and the Riverside Stadium, mima, Albert Park and back to the Sports Village. The entry fee is £20 adults and £10 juniors. Visit www. fatladsonbikes.com to register. Participants must be aged 13+, while under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. No helmet, no ride.

There’ll also be 1k, 2k, 5k and 10k rides around the velodrome track for children, who can also enjoy a Fun Day at the Sports Village.

Shaun Hughes of Foundation Patrons Erimus Insurance Brokers helps two Community Campus ’87 apprentices with the decorating.

CHANGING LIVES

We love helping to change lives at the Philanthropic Foundation. And here’s one of the best examples of us doing just that. We’re working with the brilliant Teesside organisation Community Campus ’87 to fund six apprenticeships that would not have otherwise existed. The apprentices – all long-term unemployed - will get real work experience by helping to transform

previously derelict properties into homes for homeless young people. The apprenticeships will cover painting, decorating, construction, housing and administration, helping to give life opportunities to six local people who might not have otherwise had an opportunity to kick-start their working lives. Simon Virth, service manager for Community Campus ’87, said: “This £40,000 funding will make a huge difference to the lives of six young people, giving them purpose, confidence, hope and aspiration.”

BROWNIES IN THE PINK Lisa Preston of Patrons Hunters estate agents with girls from the 37th Middlesbrough St John’s Brownies.

Brownies who enjoyed “the trip of a lifetime” couldn’t wait to tell Lisa Preston of Foundation patrons Hunters all about it when she paid them a visit. The Foundation made a £650 donation to help fund a trip by 10 members of the 37th Middlesbrough St John’s Brownies for a sleepover in Scarborough’s Sea Life Centre that also took in a visit to Whitby. Assistant Brownie leader Michelle Bowker said:

“The Foundation’s donation gave the girls, many from one of Middlesbrough’s most underprivileged estates, a chance to experience a new environment that they all excelled in. Thank you so much for your support.” Lisa Preston said: “It was lovely to meet the Brownies and hear how the Foundation has inspired them, giving them a great life experience. Hunters are proud to be supporting a charity that raises the aspirations of underprivileged Teesside children.”

7 THE BIG SLEEP

Dozens of Teessiders are set for a sleepless night down by the riverside when the Foundation hosts the seventh Big Tees Sleepout outside Middlesbrough College. If you fancy taking on the challenge, there’s no training necessary – or available. To give up your bed and sleep rough for just one night, all you need is a sleeping bag, mat and warm clothes. The good news is that your friends and family will recognise the sacrifice you’re making and sponsor you generously. Best of all, everything you raise will go towards raising the profile of local homelessness, and raise funds to fight the issue and other poverty-related issues. The Big Tees Sleepout returns to Middlesbrough College on the night of Friday, April 8. For full details, visit www.bigteessidesleepout.co.uk and start fundraising via the justgiving link. Participants must be 16+ and must register online.

UP YOUR STREET?

Teesside business owners, directors and senior executives are being asked to give up the comfort of their bed for a night sleeping rough under the stars to aid Teessiders in need of a helping hand. With the generous support of Stockton Council, Tees Business editor Martin Walker of Mantis Media and DNA PR & Publicity owner Dave Allan have secured the unique setting of the Victorian Street at Preston Park Museum for the next Teesside leg of CEO Sleepout. Participants are allowed to bring along a sleeping bag, while warm clothes are recommended. There will also be access to hot drinks and toilets throughout the night.

Proceeds from the event will go towards funding a high-quality not-for-profit restaurant in Middlesbrough that will provide catering jobs for recovering addicts and alcoholics, those who have suffered from homelessness and ex-offenders. Our pictures show the first ever CEO Sleepout that took place at the Riverside Stadium back in 2013. Don’t sleep on it, sign up today. To register your interest in taking part in CEO Sleepout at Preston Park Museum, visit www.ceosleepoutuk.com

WELCOME ON BOARD The Foundation has significantly strengthened its Board of Trustees in recent months. Our six new patrons were already committed to our charity as their businesses are loyal patrons of the Foundation. The Foundation’s 11 Trustees are:

JOHN MCCULLAGH

Along with his brothers Rolf and Tim, Teessideborn John is a Director of MMC Group. An engineer and Company Director, John is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a past President of both the Cleveland Institution of Engineers and the Cleveland Scientific Institute.

ANDY PRESTON (CHAIR)

Having previously created and managed a large hedge fund group for a European bank, Middlesbrough-born Andy has provided a number of local businesses with ideas and capital since returning to the North-East. Andy’s extensive experience of charities includes being a patron of international children’s charity ARK (2003-08) and regional chair of Fairbridge Teesside (2006-10). With Tanya Garland, he founded the Philanthropic Foundation in 2011.

IAN TRACEY

Ian was one of the founding partners of Teesside-based accountants and business advisors Davies Tracey. Having initially been involved with the Foundation when Davies Tracey became patrons, Stockton-born Ian is now a personal patron.

DAVID HENDERSON

A chartered electrical engineer, Hartlepool-born David sits on the executive board of the px group as the Group Development Director. He brings over 25 years of industrial management experience to the charity, including time spent on the management committee of the Teesside Power Fund.

ALASTAIR WAITE

A hugely successful North-East entrepreneur and major driver in the Teesside technology scene for many years, Alastair now runs his own consultancy business focused on helping businesses develop strategy, raise funding and deliver growth. He is also Group CEO of Durham-based Altec Engineering Ltd.

LEE BRAMLEY

Middlesbrough-born Lee is a partner at commercial law firm, the Endeavour Partnership, where he heads up the Commercial Litigation Department.

NIGEL WILLIAMS

Nigel is a partner with national law firm Bond Dickinson LLP. A specialist in corporate finance, Nigel advises individual and corporate clients on a range of transactions throughout the region and beyond.

PAUL DAVISON

Born and raised in Middlesbrough, Paul is the joint owner of Erimus Insurance Brokers, the only top 100 independent insurance broker with a Tees Valley HQ. Erimus were one of the founding patrons of the charity.

KARL PEMBERTON

Karl is Managing Director of Active Chartered Financial Planners. Karl joined Active in 2007 with a vision to develop the firm into one that was capable of challenging the services offered by the big banks, whilst sticking firmly to the firm’s local, ethical and traditional values.

EMMA SIMKINS

Emma is a Director of the Teesside branch of Henderson Insurance Brokers, one of the UK’s six leading independent insurance brokers. Specialising in business insurance, high net worth home, farm and estate insurance, Emma and fellow Director Jonathan Willett lead a 30-strong team at Henderson’s offices in Stockton.

EMILY BENTLEY

Emily is Marketing and Business Development Manager for Wynyard-based Evolution LLP, business and tax advisors, while she is also director of Tees Valley Business Club, a not-for-profit organisation. Born in Middlesbrough, Emily has studied and worked in Teesside her entire life and describes herself as passionate about the communities, people and businesses across the area.

Young Eaglescliffe athlete Amy Carr in training, with Teesside Philanthropic Foundation chairman Andy Preston.

HEADING FOR THE TOP... FAST The Foundation’s new fund to help talented Teessiders fufill their sporting talents has got off to a super FAST start. Local talents from the sports of athletics, judo, ice hockey, swimming, rowing, badminton, wheelchair racing and canoeing received grants worth a total of £10,500 from the FAST Fund - Financial Assistance for Sportspeople on Teesside. The £120,00 FAST Fund provides grants for the region’s talented sportspeople as they strive to reach the top of their chosen game, creating sports stars to follow in the foot steps of World and European gold medal sprinter Richard Kilty, Olympic swimmer Aimee Willmott and England footballer Stewart Downing.

Paralympian Jade Jones. Photo courtesy Gazette, Teesside.

Ice hockey netminder Alex Kelly, from Billingham, received £1,000 from the new FAST Fund.

The first 12 FAST Fund winners were: Amy Carr (athletics) - £2,100 for 16-year-old from Eaglescliffe towards her aim of qualifying for the GB senior team for the European Championships in Italy and, longer term, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Amy won a gold and two silvers at last year’s Cerebral Palsy World Senior Games and 200m gold at the England National Under 17 Championships Alex Kelly (ice hockey) - £1,000 for Billingham netminder who has been selected to represent the North of England, covering an area from Whitley Bay to the north, Hull to the south and Manchester to the west Jade Jones (wheelchair racing) - £1,000 for 2012 Paralympian and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist as she looks to compete in her second Paralympics in Rio this summer Charlie Myers (athletics) - £1,200 for Great Britain pole vaulter from Middlesbrough, who is ranked No 2 in the UK and seventh in Europe for the Under-20 age bracket Rachel Jackson (judo) – £1,000 for Middlesbrough 13-year-old former British Junior gold medallist who has been selected for England’s pre-cadet squad Beth Bryan (rowing) - £500 for Stockton girl who won bronze in the Women’s Eight at last year’s Under-23 World Rowing Championships and aims to make the GB squad for the Toyko 2020 Olympics Josh Young (badminton) – £1,000 for 22-year-old Marske BC player who is currently No 1 badminton player for the North of England Bethan Kelly (canoe slalom) - £500 for former Hartlepool Sports Council Sports Personality of the Year who competes nationally and internationally Hannah Featherstone (swimming) - £700 for Billingham 100m and 200m swimmer ranked in the top three in the country among juniors Amy Carter (athletics) - £500 for current North-East Under-15 girls 75m hurdles champion, who is also part of the Cleveland School 4 x 100m relay team that finished third in last year’s English Schools Championships Molly Dorsi (swimming) - £500 for 12-year-old who recently broke Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club’s 50m record Laura McCluskey (swimming) - £500 for 13-year-old Stockton girl who is a former national champion at the 200m freestyle To apply to the FAST Fund for a grant, visit www.fastfund.org.uk

Bethan Kelly, from Hartlepool, received £500 from the FAST Fund as she strives to reach her potential in the canoe slalom.

EVERY ONE A HERO Every month The Foundation presents a Teesside Hero award to give some credit to the unsung community champions in our midst. They receive a trophy, a voucher for Mohujo’s restaurant in Billingham and £1,000 for a local good cause of their choice. Here’s six of our most recent Teesside Hero award recipients…

GEMMA SANDS

SUE & TERRY HINE

Teesside mum Gemma Sands, who lost her daughter to a rare brain condition, was recognised with a Teesside Hero award for her charitable work on behalf of other local families whose children suffer from similar neurological issues.

A Tees couple who taught Middlesbrough Olympian Aimee Willmott when she was a beginner were recognised for their dedication during 35 years as volunteer swimming coaches.

£1,000 donation to: Remembering Rebecca Presented by: Jayne Stephenson

When 21-month-old Rebecca died from Lissencaphaly in August 2010, her parents Gemma and Mike set up Remembering Rebecca, a charity to raise awareness of the condition and other neurological diseases. School teacher Gemma, from Ingleby Barwick, received her award from Foundation patron Jayne Stephenson.

£1,000 donation to: Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club Presented by: Dave Atkins, Pass

Retired British Steel worker Terry Hine and his wife Sue received their award in recognition of their long service to hundreds of swimmers they have taught at Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club since first getting the coaching bug back in 1982.

MARTIN HILLERBY £1,000 donation to Stockton Town FC Presented by: Bill Scott

A Teesside football club chairman who grew up wondering why his hometown didn’t have its own team has won a special award after securing its place on the sporting map.

10.

Martin Hillerby, chairman of Stockton Town Football Club, received the accolade after years of sterling work that have seen the club flourish on and off the field with hundreds of footballers now on its books and the development of facilities fit for a prosperous future.

DR STEVE SHERLOCK PAUL GRIFFITHS

£1,000 shared between Middlesbrough Youth Mission and the Trinity Centre Presented by: Barney Ord Paul Griffiths, the owner of a long-established Teesside engineering firm, was recognised for his commitment to charities, young people and the church with a Teesside Heroes Award. Described as “a huge supporter of all things Middlesbrough”, Paul was head brancardier for the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for 10 years and continues to service equipment and wheelchairs through his engineering company, IMH, who also supply a van and fund its return journey. IMH also supports Middlesbrough Youth Mission Team’s annual Little BIG Assembly, which travels all over Teesside and beyond working with over 2,000 young people in a week.

Donated £1,000 to Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association (Redcar) Presented by: Graham Sizer An archaeologist who led the world-famous Saxon Princess excavations in Loftus received a Teesside Hero award in recognition of the passion he has for Teesside’s heritage. Redcar-born Steve and his team discovered a burial site for a Saxon princess – including priceless jewellery – in what is considered one of the most important archaeological finds ever made in the north of England. He ensured the impressive artefacts were donated to Kirkleatham Museum, where Steve has helped to put together two major permanent exhibitions. He also gives up much of his own time to train local archaeological volunteers.

DIANE RICHARDSON £1,000 donation to Redcar Gymnastics Club Presented by: Nigel Willis, First Choice Labels

A Redcar sport stalwart was rewarded for 28 years of dedication to gymnastics in the town by receiving a Teesside Heroes Award. Despite insisting “I’m no hero”, Diane Richardson has been recognised for nearly 30 years supporting talented kids at Redcar Gymnastics Club. And the dedicated head coach is doing somersaults as her award means the club she loves received a £1,000 cash boost.

11.

DINNER TIME! GET ready to pull on your glad rags once again! The date has been set for the 2016 version of Teesside’s greatest annual dinner. Friday, October 14 is the date for our Annual Dinner, which will again take place in Wynyard Hall’s prestigious Grand Marquee. Each year dozens of businesses and more than 400 guests help Teesside’s biggest annual charity dinner raise around £40,000 for local community groups and people who need it most across Teesside. We feature here a flashback to our last dinner, hosted by Middlesbrough FC PA announcer Mark Page, and featuring performances by Stockton’s X-Factor star Kerrianne Covell and local band Storm.

12.

Our thanks again to all those who backed our last dinner. Headline Sponsors were Active Chartered Financial Planners, while Co-Sponsors were their fellow Stockton firm Endeavour Partnership. Barclays Middlesbrough were Entertainment Sponsors, Cornerstone Business Solutions of Stockton were Wine Sponsors, while joint Dinner Sponsors were Middlesbrough’s Ecco Finishing Supplies and Marton Pharmacy. We hope to see you all again this year! To reserve your seats contact diane.w@ teessidecharity.org.uk. Prices are £84 per seat or £840 for a table of 10.

MEET OUR PATRONS CPD Bodies Cathal Doocey likes to see where his money is going. It’s a philosophy that serves him well, whether that’s investing in one of Teesside’s fastest growing businesses, CPD Bodies, or sharing their success with local good causes. And it’s the very reason why he’s such a fan of the Philanthropic Foundation.

Cathal Doocey of CPD Bodies. “The great thing about the Foundation is that you can see exactly where your money is going and the difference it’s making to people locally,” says Cathal, Managing Director of a commercial vehicle body building business that was shortlisted for Teesside Company of the Year in this year’s North East Business Awards. “I’d been looking for us to do something on the charitable front for a while and was struck by Andy Preston’s enthusiasm for the Philanthropic Foundation. Ultimately, it’s local people supported by local businesses helping local people. It was an easy decision to make. “The best thing for me about running a successful Teesside business is being able to give employment to dozens of local people. But I think it’s important to help charities too. When you go to these places, it puts all your own problems into perspective.” The Keys Yarm Cheers! Raise your glasses please to the only restaurant and nightspot among the 45 Patrons of the Philanthropic Foundation. When The Keys decided to back our charitable movement, Director Vicky Powell instinctively felt it was the right move for a business that’s part of the Teesside fabric, featuring a popular restaurant, bar and nightclub at the heart of Yarm High Street. Under the group name of Mistel, they employ around 90 staff between the long-established Yarm nightspot, which Vicky and her fellow Directors have owned since 2002, and a similar Darlington building on Skinnergate, opened at the end of 2014. “It’s great to bring jobs to the area,” says Vicky. “But it’s part of our philosophy to share some of our business success with the local community, so we support not only the Philanthropic Foundation but Butterwick Hospice too. The fact that all the money stays here to help local people makes the Foundation an ideal charity for us.

Vicky Powell of The Keys Yarm.

“It’s a perfect fit to have The Keys, as one of Teesside’s most well-known names, as Patrons alongside so many of Teesside’s other leading companies.”

13.

MEET OUR PATRONS Keith & Jayne Stephenson Family and community. Two little words with big meaning for husband-and-wife Keith and Jayne Stephenson, two of the Foundation’s newest Patrons. The 20-strong team at their long-established, family-run firm, Marton Electrical, includes not only three of Jayne’s sisters but Keith’s son and two of their nephews, while every member of staff lives locally. It’s a philosophy that’s helped their business go from strength-to-strength over the past 28 years, providing a first class service to commercial and domestic customers across the North-East. Living in Ingleby Barwick and running a Middlesbroughbased business, they are particularly proud of their local links – and they strongly believe in putting something back into the community they serve.

ds (right) Jayne Stephenson (left) presents Emma San with a Teesside Hero award.

Jayne said: “What really appeals to us about the Philanthropic Foundation is that the money goes into helping a massive variety of people in our area and, as Patrons, we’re able to have a direct input into influencing where the money goes. We used to support Butterwick Hospice, which always touched our hearts, but so many people out there need our support and we’re now helping more of them than ever.”

InBond When logistics experts InBond agreed to become patrons of the Philanthropic Foundation they knew they were making the right decision – but directors Phil Lyons and Craig Rye only fully appreciated the impact of the move when fulfilling one of their first tasks on the charity’s behalf. “It was an eye-opener,” comments Phil on the visit to Billingham Food Bank to present cash to support some of Teesside’s poorest families. “The place was a hive of activity, with volunteers buzzing around preparing not only food, but toys and winter essentials such as coats and scarves. We felt humbled and inspired to be able to say to these unsung heroes ‘Here’s a cheque for £1,000’. It was a perfect example of why we became patrons.” Based on Malleable Way in Stockton, InBond aim to become market leaders in specialist warehousing and logistical services. Their commitment to exceptional customer service

14.

ig Rye. InBond Directors Phil Lyons (left) and Cra has already resulted in them winning several prestigious clients, including the NHS, Tetley and Fujifilm. “We’re both Stockton born and bred, both passionate Teessiders and Boro supporters since we were young. From our point of view, if we’re going to raise awareness of our business then we might as well do that while helping local causes too.”

Ian Stark As CEO of a Teesside chemical firm that believes strongly in supporting its local community, becoming an individual patron of the Philanthropic Foundation was an easy decision for Ian Stark to make. Adopted Teessider Ian has been a major shareholder in Chemoxy International since a management buy-out from Dow five years ago, during which time they’ve seen their turnover soar, while they now have a team of 144 staff, almost twice the number they inherited in 2011. From its sites in Middlesbrough and Billingham, the firm makes environmentally-friendly solvents for paints and ingredients for fragrances, which are exported around the world.

Ian (back, third right) is pictured presenting coats to children at North Ormesby School.

Chemoxy’s staff have always played an active role in supporting the North Ormesby community who live close to the firm’s main site alongside the Riverside Stadium but Ian was keen to personally support the Philanthropic Foundation after hearing about the charity’s activities during one of their popular Breakfast Meetings. Ian, who lives in Middleton-One-Row with his wife Adrienne, said: “I’m in a fortunate position of being able to do more for charity so I decided to invest more widely in Teesside charities. The Philanthropic Foundation does what it says on the tin by investing in charitable activities that change people’s lives. “We moved to the North East almost 40 years ago. It’s a fantastic place to live and do business, there are great communications and there’s wonderful countryside. It’s good to do something to change the lives of the underprivileged on Teesside.”

ASK US FOR A PRICE

The generosity and commitment of the Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trustees and Patrons is helping to shine a spotlight on Teesside for all the right reasons - from willingness to give, to the strength of our private sector and the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitions for a more positive future. Thank you to every one of them.