Dave Robson

Middlesbrough

Senior Reporter and Columnist at Teesside Live

Journalist for The Gazette and Teesside Live increasingly baffled by life in general. And yes, these views are my own

Articles

Heartbreak as famous UK seaside town shop suddenly shuts after 70 years

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Kris Boratyn |Dave Robson

Heartbreak as famous UK seaside town shop suddenly shuts after 70 yearsThe shop holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors and locals, who will sorely miss it. Share Article Bookmark A much-loved seaside shop in one of Britain’s most iconic coastal towns is closing down (Image: Getty)A much-loved seaside shop in one of Britain’s most iconic coastal towns is closing down after nearly 70 years.
How apprentices are a big part of Circle Cloud’s success

3 weeks ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

Employing keen and talented apprentices can be game-changing for an ambitious firm. And for IT support and cybersecurity specialist Circle Cloud, it’s been a major factor in its continuing success and expansion. Since it was founded in 2013, five of the Stockton-based firm’s nine-strong team began their careers as apprentices, with newest recruit Charlie Pearson the latest. But Circle Cloud apprentices don’t stay inexperienced for long.
Double Tech Awards winner set for expansion

3 weeks ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

Astonished! That was the reaction of project managers from Labman Automation with the Stokesley-based firm planning to expand to 300 staff on the back of a memorable double. Having already picked up the Tech For Good title at the sixth Tees Tech Awards, staff from Labman were already having a good night. But when named winner of the blue riband Business of the Year title, project managers Matthew Watson and Joy Plowman admitted they could barely believe it.
Female tech pioneer urges aspiring leaders to ‘stay in your own lane’

3 weeks ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

The first woman to be crowned Business Leader of the Year at the Tees Tech Awards says it’s vital to nurture your staff and “stay in your own lane”. Colewood Digital MD Helen Stewart pipped Bondgate IT’s Garry Brown and Tanglewood Games’ Chris Wood to the coveted title, in a category sponsored by Punch Robson Solicitors.
Game-changing night for Tees Tech Awards

3 weeks ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

The first female to be crowned Business Leader of the Year, a surprise award for host Imran Anwar and a double success for a robotics business were the highlights of the sixth annual Tees Tech Awards. On a night of celebration for what is officially the UK’s fastest-growing tech hub outside of London, Thursday night’s Tees Tech Awards 2025 saw 300 guests gather in the Pavilion at Kirkleatham Walled Garden, near Redcar.
Read the lowdown on Tech Business Leader finalists

4 weeks ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

With the Tees Tech Awards 2025 taking place this Thursday, here’s all you need to know about the three inspiring pioneers shortlisted for the prestigious Business Leader of the Year category.
Why unity is crucial for Tees businesses to thrive

1 month ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

A united front is vital to continue enticing ground-breaking schemes and large-scale investment to Teesside, the latest Tees Business LIVE event heard. Discussing the topic “Beyond the Boom – Shaping Teesside’s next wave of job investment”, a four-strong panel of leading business figures was asked how sustained economic growth for Teesside could be achieved. And during the discussion, two common themes emerged – the need for stability and the need for the area to talk with one voice.
Law firm says global eyes are looking towards Tees Valley to do business

1 month ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

“We want Teesside to be recognised globally for what it can do on an international scale.” That was the upbeat message from Peter Snaith, a partner and head of the manufacturing sector group at international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, at the latest Tees Business LIVE event. Held in Middlesbrough Town Hall’s old Court room, the lunchtime gathering was organised by Tees Business in association with the firm, which has around 1,300 lawyers in 37 UK and US offices – including Teesside.
You can bank on caring Brenda to make a difference

1 month ago | teesbusiness.co.uk | Dave Robson

After 19 years working in a bank, Brenda Plowman’s career shift to the care sector has proved a successful and fulfilling one. And now she’s an award-winner too, having picked up the Making A Difference trophy at the 2025 Tees Business Awards. Brenda is registered care manager with Home Instead Cleveland – a home care service staffed by more than 150 people and rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission. For 19 years, she worked at Santander.
Bike hire complex with café opens in stunning surroundings near Captain Cook's Monument

2 months ago | gazettelive.co.uk | Dave Robson

A new bike hire business near Captain’s Cook’s Monument hopes to get more people exploring the North Yorkshire Moors. Bike Base, at Gribdale, near Great Ayton, comprises a café, bike hire shop and, later this year, two Air BnB apartments. The brainchild of Mark Pearson, who runs Pearsons TV and Appliances in Stokesley, the converted former equine centre opened earlier this month.