PD Ports has been named winner of the Inclusion and Engagement Award at the Tees Business Awards, recognising the company’s people‑led approach to building a safer, more inclusive and more connected working environment.
Michelle Robson, PD Ports’ chief people and compliance officer, on stage at the awards
The win marks the second success of the week for the company after also taking home the North East Business of the Year accolade at the Business IQ Awards.
One of the largest private employers in Teesside, PD Ports employs around 1,100 people across five sites in the region.
The award acknowledges the progress made in recent years to improve engagement across the business, strengthen employee voice and create a culture where colleagues feel supported, listened to and valued – regardless of role or background.
With a focus on practical, day‑to‑day inclusion – from closing long‑standing communication gaps for non‑wired colleagues to introducing safe forums where people can speak up openly about well-being, safety and working life – the award reflects the efforts made to move away from old perceptions of what it is to ‘work down the dock’.
Michelle Robson, Chief People and Compliance Officer at PD Ports, said: “This award really belongs to our people. We’ve worked hard to create a culture where colleagues feel they belong, feel confident to speak up and feel recognised for the difference they make.
“Our employee networks play a huge part in that – they’re driven by colleagues themselves, supported by our leaders, and they help ensure everyone has a voice.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and just as proud of the people behind it.”
From left: PD Ports network group leads Amy Sullivan (neurodivergent network group), Katie Jones (Pride network group) and Andy Tomlinson (men’s network group) with the award
A key part of PD Ports’ entry was its commitment to ensuring employees without regular access to email are not excluded from company news or engagement activity.
The launch of a new internal magazine, Compass, alongside improvements to the employee app, has helped close that gap and create more consistent communication across the business.
Joanna MacDonald, Head of Communications and Culture, added: “We knew we could no longer just rely on digital channels that don’t work for every role.
“The launch of our internal magazine, Compass, alongside Listening Sessions held in small, independent groups, has helped us understand what really matters to colleagues and respond in a more meaningful way.
“This award reflects the power of listening properly and acting on what people tell us they need from their employer.”
PD Ports’ wider inclusion work includes bi‑annual People Surveys, colleague‑led employee networks, Listening Sessions, well-being partnerships.
There is also a strong focus on recognising contribution and a chance to celebrate our values through the annual PD Ports People Awards.
Together, these initiatives are helping to create a more open, supportive and inclusive workplace across the organisation.