Major Speaks from Across Industry Feature in Another Successful Supply Chain Showcase
Posted on 16 February 2026
A popular annual showcase to help businesses tap into support and benefit from emerging major projects and investments across our region has seen another healthy turnout.
Companies gathered at Hardwick Hall last week for the second annual Tees Valley Supply Chain Showcase – with updates on major projects, funding opportunities and more chances to connect directly with key supply chain contacts.
A focus on cross sector opportunities in advanced manufacturing, energy transition, digital, construction, film and defence all featured.
Speakers and contributors included representatives from Global Underwater Hub, Tees Valley Lithium, UK Docks, JDR Cable Systems, Adderstone Living, Openworks, North East Screen, SPIE Wind Connect and the Boulby Development Project.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong turnout at this event, and so many of our brilliant local firms coming together to seize the opportunities in front of them.
“We’ve worked hard over the past few years to attract major investment into Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, and events like this are absolutely vital to make sure local businesses are front and centre when contracts are being awarded.
“These showcases are about turning big announcements into real opportunities for our supply chain, helping companies make connections, win work and grow. We’ve laid the foundation for big global employers to come here but we need to ensure we’re doing everything for our lifeblood local businesses get the support they need to reap the benefits of these developments.”
Run by RTC North on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority, the event forms part of the Tees Valley Supply Chain programme, which offers personalised support from experienced advisors and specialists to help firms address supply chain challenges and unlock new opportunities.
It connects local companies with world leading firms across the region, as well as the wider local and national business community, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Through fully funded support, the programme also helps businesses diversify, build partnerships and access broader market opportunities.
Matthew Ord, Chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, was a key speaker during the event.
He said: “Our Business Board is clear that growth must benefit local companies.
“The scale of investment coming into the Tees Valley is significant, but it is only by strengthening our supply chains that we maximise its impact.
“Bringing businesses together with project leaders and decision-makers in this way helps create the relationships, confidence and capability needed to ensure our businesses – and our region as a whole – both compete and succeed.”
Jim Barr, Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme Manager at RTC North, added: “Our annual Supply Showcase Event in Tees Valley continues to expand, attracting a cross section of exhibitors, organisations, and businesses. This strong growth highlights the diverse opportunities and multi-sector capabilities within the region, as well as the commitment and readiness of businesses to match this demand. With significant programme registrations and strong backing from stakeholders and partners, we could have easily accommodated over 300 delegates, further highlighting the strength of the Tees Valley Supply Chain brand and the high level of engagement from the local beneficiaries.
“We’d like to especially thank TVCA for their ongoing trust and support, to the speakers for their dedication and insightful presentations, to the RTC North Team for their hard work and commitment, and finally to the businesses in the region for giving up their valuable time to attend the Showcase.”
The programme is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
