PD Ports is delighted to have been named Business of the Year at the 2026 Business IQ Awards, recognising a landmark year for the company and the direction it is taking as a modern, forward‑looking port operator rooted in the North East.
The award reflects PD Ports’ growing influence as a national infrastructure business, focused on people, partnership working and long‑term investment across Teesside and beyond.
With operations at 11 locations across the UK, including Teesport – the country’s sixth‑largest port – PD Ports plays a critical role in keeping trade moving, supporting industry and creating quality employment.
Over the past year, the business has welcomed new people, new ideas and fresh energy and we’ve been clear about our ambition – to be a modern, forward‑looking port business that doesn’t just move goods, but helps create opportunity, jobs and long‑term prosperity for the region.
Paul Foreman, Chief Operating Officer, said: “PD Ports is a business with huge influence – locally, regionally and nationally.
“The ambitions we have and the work we do on the River Tees and across our sites impacts supply chains, customers and the wider economy.
“We’ve been very focused on making sure the business stays agile and ready for whatever our customers need next. That means continued investment in our equipment, facilities and infrastructure right across the group.
“Winning Business of the Year is recognition of the ambition we have for the business and the confidence we have in what we’re building for the future, working closely with partners across the North East.”
The night’s award winners
Michelle Robson, Chief People and Compliance Officer, added: “This recognition means a huge amount because it reflects the people behind the business.
“We’ve put a lot of work into creating a culture where colleagues feel valued, listened to and proud of the role they play – whether they work on the dock, in engineering, logistics or professional services. This award is testament to that collective effort and the direction we’re taking together.”
The Business IQ Awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate leadership, innovation and positive impact across the region.
For PD Ports, the award marks an important milestone as the company continues to invest in infrastructure, people and sustainable growth and we’re proud to have achieved recognition of our approach and the effort our people put in every day to keep the business moving forward.
The company was also a proud sponsor of the Export Champion award, which went to Durham-based PC Henderson, a manufacturer of sliding and folding doors supplied to hotels, restaurants and hotels around the world.