13 February 2026
Hello everyone, I hope you've enjoyed your week. I feel like it's been a busy but productive week, and I am looking forward to the weekend.
My diary on Monday was filled with lots of different meetings. I first met with Rob Whiteman, Chair of the Independent Advisory Board who is looking into the Best Value Notice for the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). Rob wanted to hear my views on the progress being made with the TVCA. I enjoy my role with the TVCA as Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills (EES) and I was happy to give my views on the progress.
Immediately after, I had a catch up about regeneration and inclusive growth with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, and Tracey Carter, Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth. Our plans for the Borough are both innovative and exciting and Tracey and her team do a fabulous job.
Later in the day I met with Emma Bolton, Chief Executive Officer at the Sewell Advisory and her colleague Louise about their plans for the Borough.
In the evening, I chaired Cabinet meeting where agenda items included the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), the Integrated Front Door and the Tenancy Policy.
On Tuesday, I travelled to meet with the TVCA EES Advisory Group, for which I am chair.
On Wednesday, I visited FUJIFILM Biotechnologies manufacturing site in Billingham for the launch of their new Borealis facility. FUJIFILM Biotechnologies works with biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop and manufacture modern vaccines, medicines and advanced therapies. The new facilities mean their factory is now the UK's largest single‑use contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) site, showcasing the world‑class innovation happening right here in our Borough. This facility is an absolute asset to Billingham and our whole Borough. We are lucky to have the investment. I was with esteemed guests including His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, the Ambassador for Japan and others.
This morning, I chaired the Council's Corporate Parenting Board which had presentations from Adoption Tees Valley, our placement sufficiency strategy and an update on the No Limits Hub. This has given me an idea about my blog next week!
This afternoon I met with members from the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA). SIGOMA is the collective and influential voice of 47 urban authorities in England on local government finance and funding issues, which ensures member authorities remain well-informed on Central Government policy.
This evening, I am attending a party for my lovely colleague, Cllr Eileen Johnson. I have known Eileen through my political party for a lot of years and today we will celebrate her 80th birthday. She has been within the political circle for most of her life and is a credit to our Borough. I am just about to go decorate her tables in our lovely Georgian Theatre ahead of tonight's celebrations.
Whatever you are doing please have a great weekend.
