Meet the Teesside businesses going for growth

We asked several Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 companies how being based in Teesside has helped fuel their success, what opportunities they see ahead and what’s needed to maintain momentum.

Lee Bramley, Executive Partner of Ward Hadaway’s Teesside office, also shares his thoughts on how the region’s businesses can continue to build on this growth.

Q: What’s behind your recent growth and how much of that success comes from being based in Teesside?

At Outrank, a Middlesbrough-based digital marketing agency ranked 14th in this year’s Fastest 50 list, growth has come from focus and reinvestment.

“Outrank has grown from a small local team into a national digital agency, but our roots are firmly here,” says Stephen Robinson, CEO. “We’ve rebuilt our operations, invested in technology and training and built a people-first culture that drives performance. This is reflected in our 94% client-retention rate and inclusion in the Sunday Times Top 100 Businesses list. Teesside’s creativity and ambition have been key to that journey.”

For Razorblue, which provides IT solutions to businesses across the UK and is ranked 24th in list, growth has come from marrying innovation with service excellence.

“Our growth has been driven by strategic investment and a relentless focus on delivering exceptional service,” says CEO Dan Kitchen. “Being based in the North East has absolutely played a part – this region has an excellent blend of talent, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.”

At Elite Energy, overall winners of this year’s Fastest 50, growth has been powered by purpose.

“Our success has been built on quality, innovation and trust in our workforce,” says Rhys Davies, Finance Director. “We’ve invested heavily in local talent and sustainable technologies that help homes and businesses cut costs and carbon. The region’s work ethic and supportive community have helped us deliver at the highest standards.”

Q: What changes or opportunities are you seeing locally that are shaping your business?

For Elite Energy, Teesside’s clean-energy leadership is setting the pace. “We’re seeing huge momentum in renewable energy and low-carbon innovation,” says Rhys Davies. “The local focus on net zero and energy transition is helping us expand our offering and partner with like-minded businesses.”

Razorblue’s Dan Kitchen agrees that transformation is creating new demand. “We’re seeing more advanced manufacturing and clean-energy firms embracing digitalisation and smarter ways of working. These sectors know that technology can boost efficiency, strengthen security and create new opportunities and we’re proud to be part of that digital backbone.”

Meanwhile, Outrank sees Teesside’s growing tech ecosystem as a major advantage.

“Middlesbrough was recently named the fastest-growing tech hub outside London,” says Stephen Robinson. “With Teesside set to become the UK’s second AI Growth Zone, the opportunities for digital businesses like ours are only growing.”

Q: What would help Teesside businesses keep building momentum over the next few years?

Razorblue highlights cybersecurity and skills as ongoing priorities. “Recent headlines have shown how disruptive cyber incidents can be. Ensuring North East businesses are equipped with the right protections, policies and training will be key to growing with confidence,” says Dan Kitchen.

Outrank points to the importance of building on recent investment and ensuring it reaches the right places. “Teesside firms would benefit from simpler access to funding, continued investment in digital and transport infrastructure and stronger alignment with education providers to help signpost young people into tech and keep talent local,” says Stephen Robinson.

Elite Energy’s Rhys Davies adds: “Continued investment in skills, infrastructure and sustainable energy will keep Teesside’s momentum strong. If we keep championing collaboration and local innovation, we can lead the UK’s clean energy future.”

Supporting growth with confidence

Lee Bramley, who joined Ward Hadaway as Executive Partner following its merger with Teesside’s The Endeavour Partnership last summer, says the region’s fastest growing businesses reflect a wave of ambition and confidence that’s changing the local economy.

“What really stands out is the pace of change and the confidence with which businesses are scaling,” he says. “Teesside firms are investing, innovating and creating jobs across sectors that are vital to the region’s future. As companies grow, they must have the right legal and commercial structures in place whether that’s protecting intellectual property, managing risk in new markets or forming strategic partnerships that support long-term expansion.

“The Fastest 50 businesses show that when innovation and regional pride come together, it creates a powerful force for sustainable growth – not just for Teesside, but for the wider North East.”