The Odyssey Business Leaders Roundtable brought together business leaders to explore opportunities for growth and collaboration in the region, with a focus on recruitment, skills development and investment. Matt Vickers (MP Stockton West) joined the conversation on our local economy and infrastructure in the North East.
Matt Park (Odyssey Systems) opened the session with some of the key trends Odyssey has seen, including the growing demand for tech skills and evolving investment patterns in response to economic shifts.
A key theme of the conversation was the changing nature of today’s workforce and business environment. Jonathan Hall (owner of Cena, Muse, Bay Horse) said “it’s hugely important for businesses to adopt strategic, forward-thinking approaches. Flexibility in the workplace is becoming a crucial factor in attracting and retaining top talent”. Melissa Thomson (Web.com) and Jamie Pell (AM Recruitment) echoed this sentiment, noting that businesses are finding creative ways to adapt to remote working challenges and financial constraints while continuing to grow their teams.
Simon Crisp (Edward Robertson) shared his perspective on how workforce dynamics have evolved over the years, while David Warwick (TGA Consulting) highlighted growth opportunities in specialist industries such as heritage and healthcare. He pointed out that university courses previously exclusive to Northumberland are now available in Teesside, strengthening local talent pipelines and giving businesses access to the skills they need on their doorstep.
Regional investment and infrastructure were also a major focus. Matt Vickers (MP Stockton West) gave updates on projects such as the new diagnostic hospital in Stockton and improvements to Eaglescliffe Railway. With institutions like the Treasury now established in the region, confidence in Teesside’s future is increasing. Business leaders agreed that by continuing to showcase the area’s strengths, the region can attract more investment and economic opportunity.
While challenges such as rising business rates and supply chain disruptions were acknowledged, the conversation stayed solutions-focused. Business leaders discussed ways to tackle these challenges, including stronger collaboration between industries, education providers, and policymakers. Changes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors were noted, with Jamie Pell highlighting how businesses are working to retain valuable skills within the region. Grant Glendinning (The ETC Group) said “I cannot stress the importance of apprenticeships in bridging skills gaps and ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the future in our area”.
The roundtable reinforced the region’s momentum, with leaders committed to building a resilient business community. By investing in people, embracing innovation and strengthening collaboration, Teesside is well placed for continued success. The discussion reaffirmed a shared view: Teesside is a great place to do business today, and will continue to grow as a hub for talent and investment in the years ahead.
Odyssey was delighted to host these conversations, and we continue to be a cornerstone of the Teesside business community. We look forward to hosting more.