Tees Valley Mayor flying high with Stockton businesses

19 December 2017

The Tees Valley mayor has reaffirmed his support for digital businesses in a special visit to Stockton鈥檚 Fusion Hive

Ben Houchen (left) is shown how to fly the drone by Chris Young of Rectrix

Ben Houchen met with businesses at the specialist hub, which is managed by 海角直播, on Stockton鈥檚 Northshore and heard what more he could be doing to support the area鈥檚 burgeoning digital community. On a tour of the Fusion Hive premises he met engineering software specialists Datum360, roofing technology specialists Tapered Plus and cloud computing firm Circle Cloud.

And resident drone company RectrixAS was on hand to let the Mayor take the controls and fly high above Stockton with one of its drones 鈥� normally used for sophisticated surveying for oil and gas, petrochemical and property companies.

He said: 'Digital commerce is incredibly important to the future of the Tees Valley and its global reach.

'Fusion Hive is home to innovative companies with world-beating products that are helping to put our area on the map, and I want to do all I can to support their growth and the creation of more like them.

'From aerial surveying services to computer games, the Tees Valley is building a strong reputation for cutting edge technology and know-how.'

Gilly Hall, business innovation manager at 海角直播, said: 'Fusion Hive companies are contributing to the Tees Valley鈥檚 technological prowess, and it鈥檚 great they鈥檙e recognised by our Mayor.

Fusion Hive is home to innovative companies with world-beating products that are helping to put our area on the map.

Ben Houchen, Mayor of the Tees Valley

'With support from 海角直播, a great skills base nearby and good connectivity we want to send the message that Stockton is a great place to base a digital business.

'Fusion Hive is part of a thriving business ecosystem that includes larger established names like Cubic and Visualsoft as well as small businesses such as Renoovo Design and RAW Digital Training, based in the nearby Digital House.'

Digital and creative is one of seven priority sectors in the Mayor鈥檚 portfolio 鈥� one which is expected to grow by 3,000 people by 2026.

Ben has previously cheered the sector as crucial to Tees Valley鈥檚 future growth and resilience, and is keen to learn directly from businesses about the challenges and opportunities they face.

He added: 'The Tees Valley is really gathering momentum and with great assets like 海角直播 and Fusion Hive we鈥檙e in a strong position to deliver even more growth.

'Getting to meet the people behind these businesses helps me understand the conditions they need to grow, and how my role as Mayor can deliver for them.'