PD Ports’ CEO, Frans Calje, has been voted the 4th most inspirational business leader in the Tees Valley in a recent poll by Tees Business Magazine.
The poll, in which business leaders from across the region are invited to nominate their most inspirational peers, saw Frans jump six places from the previous year whilst also coming in as the highest ranked non-native Teessider.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised alongside some of the most influential business leaders in the Tees Valley,” said Frans. “We don’t do what we do for the recognition. We do it because we, collectively, are all working towards the same goal of making the Tees Valley a desirable place to live and work. We want to show people what great opportunities are on offer here.
“I send my congratulations to all of my friends and colleagues who have also featured on the list, especially fellow users of the River Tees. Together we will continue to make the Tees Valley a force to be reckoned with.”
Frans’ timely ranking coincides with a front cover feature in the summer issue of Tees Business, in which he he shares his confidence in the region and why he feels the Tees Valley is on the brink of an economic boom.
“The opportunities here are huge, especially with the way it is transforming around the green agenda,” said Frans.
“Twenty years ago, the Port had oil, steel and chemicals. Look at how many strands there are now – we have oil and chemicals, and some steel may come back, but the list is now so diverse.”
Owners and operators of Teesport, the fifth largest port in the UK, PD Ports plays a critical role in managing the 483 million tonnes of cargo passing through UK waters each year.
The port operator has attracted over £1bn of direct investment in to the Tees Valley in the last decade and is currently lobbying to bring further investment and opportunities in the form of a freeport.
To read the full interview with Frans in the latest edition of Tees Business, click here: https://bit.ly/38CHxT3
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