Tees Business LIVE November 2026

What does it take for a business to survive and thrive for 100 years, 150 years or even longer?

That's the fascinating question at the heart of our next Tees Business LIVE event in the Legends Lounge at Middlesbrough FC's Riverside Stadium on Thursday, November 19, 11am-1pm.

From economic downturns and world wars to technological revolutions and changing customer expectations, the business landscape has transformed beyond recognition over the past century and a half.

Yet some organisations have not only survived but continued to evolve, adapt and prosper.

So what's their secret?

Our November Tees Business LIVE, entitled Built to Last – The Secrets of Business Longevity, will bring together senior figures from some of Teesside's longest-established and most recognisable organisations to explore the ingredients of extraordinary business longevity.

Appropriately, the event is sponsored by leading North-East law firm Jacksons, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

And our hosts, Middlesbrough Football Club, are also marking an incredible 150 years in 2026.

Both organisations will share their stories and experiences, reflecting on the challenges, decisions and values that have helped them stand the test of time.

Joining our panel discussion will be:

• Erica Turner, head of legal at Jacksons
• Paul Foreman, newly appointed CEO of PD Ports
• Craig Turnbull, managing director of Harrison Packaging
• Michael Conville, Darlington Building Society

Together, they'll explore the qualities that distinguish businesses built to last from those that fall by the wayside.

How do organisations remain relevant across generations? How important are leadership, innovation and company culture? When should a business protect its traditions and when must it embrace change?

And what can today's ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders learn from organisations with more than a century of experience?

This won't simply be a nostalgic celebration of the past. It's a conversation about the future.

We'll examine how established businesses continue to reinvent themselves, attract new talent, respond to emerging challenges and remain competitive in an ever-changing world.

As always, Tees Business Live will also provide an excellent opportunity to make new connections, strengthen existing relationships and enjoy informal networking over refreshments with fellow members of the Teesside business community.

Whether you're leading a long-established company, building a growing business or simply interested in the people and organisations that have shaped our region, this promises to be another engaging and thought-provoking event.

Join us at the Riverside Stadium on Thursday November 19 and discover what it really takes to be Built to Last.

Reserve your place now and be part of the conversation.