The North East has always been a region known for its trading prowess.
Long before ‘export strategies’, companies here were already selling to the world – from shipbuilding, mining and manufacturing to today’s advanced chemicals, engineering, energy and pharmaceuticals.
Exports are fundamental to the economic health of our region.
The latest HMRC trade data shows that businesses across the North East – including those on Teesside – exported more than £14 billion of goods in the year to mid 2025, continuing the recovery from the pandemic.
Despite being the smallest English region by number of exporters, the North East accounts for around five per cent of England’s total goods exports, driven by high value manufacturing and industrial sectors. [ons.gov.uk]
What we export matters too. Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food products and pharmaceuticals are sectors where Teesside has long played a leading role and where international markets are critical to future growth.
Exports support skilled, well paid jobs and sustain supply chains locally, with more than 160,000 roles in the region linked directly to export driven businesses. [ons.gov.uk]
But despite all the positivity, analysis by the North East Chamber of Commerce notes that while export values continue to rise, the number of exporting businesses based in the region is falling.
In simple terms, fewer companies are responsible for a greater share of international trade. Thousands of SMEs in the North East have the potential to export but are not doing so.
That is something we must improve. As the North East is a net exporting region, selling more goods overseas than it imports, maintaining our status as a strong exporting region underpins economic confidence, investment decisions and long-term prosperity.
That broader context is why PD Ports is proud to sponsor the Export Champion Award at this year’s Business IQ Awards.
I joined PD Ports in 2024 as Chief People and Compliance Officer, following a career in HR, governance and compliance spanning offshore oil and gas in the Caspian Sea and the UK’s shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors.
That experience shapes how I approach my role at PD Ports, reinforcing the importance of strong standards, capability and culture in providing customers with a reliable, competent and trustworthy partner.
On Teesside, exporting is a major part of the economy and, as a port operator and Statutory Harbour Authority for Teesport and the Port of Hartlepool, we sit at the heart of it. Of course, ports don’t create exports, but they make them possible.
Teesport provides deep water access, high quality handling facilities and strong road and rail connections across roll on, roll off (RORO), container and bulk shipping from Europe, Africa, South and North America.
It is recognised as the only major port in England that handles more exports than imports, connecting manufacturers and processors directly to European and global markets.
We backed the Export Champions category because it celebrates those businesses already succeeding internationally. It is also a way to highlight the importance of exporting more widely, and to encourage others to take the first step.
Exporting is not something to fear, and it is not only for the largest businesses.
With the right advice, infrastructure and practical support, more SMEs in the North East can trade beyond our borders.
Through comprehensive port, logistics and trade-enabling services, PD Ports works alongside businesses at every stage – helping them move goods confidently, efficiently and competitively to global markets.
Because a strong export culture is not just good for individual businesses. It is essential to the future economic strength of Teesside and the wider North East.