THE UNIVERSITY OF TEESSIDE -
BUSINESS INCUBATION CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

The prestigious award was announced at the UK Business Incubation annual conference in Bristol and recognises the dedicated team who provide a supportive environment for business start-ups during the early stages of their development.

To date the pioneering initiative has seen over 100 graduate companies launched on campus with the teams help since 2001, creating nearly 225 new jobs.

The award was presented to the New Business Account Manager Eileen Wicks by the BBC’s economics correspondent Evan Davis, the presenter of Dragon’s Den who also reports for Radio 4’s influential Today programme.

REAL IMPACT ON REGIONAL ECONOMY
Eileen said: ‘The campus-based business incubation centre welcomes a variety of new companies. These range from high-tech motion graphics animators, web developers and computer games designers right through to business support enterprises and lifestyle companies. Our work reflects the University's desire to encourage high levels of business and entrepreneurial activity in the Tees Valley and wider North East of England. The award recognises that we are starting to make a real impact on the regional economy by encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship among students, graduates and local people wanting to set up their own businesses.’

Neil Hannah, New Business Manager, explained the UKBI awards recognise those organisations who strive to support world-class businesses and entrepreneurs who are making an impact on local, regional and national economies, particularly those who are creating sustainable environments for the future.