Teesside students to explore what the future holds for the Tees in freeport challenge

The collaboration between the Tees Maritime Cluster--a not-for-profit organisation uniting the region's ports, operators, and supply chain businesses--and Middlesbrough College will see students engage with the future of the Tees. Running from November 2025 to February 2026, the challenge will involve students from various disciplines coming together to explore what the future holds for the Tees. The challenge is designed around the Teesside Freeport, the UK's largest freeport, which spans several sites including Teesworks, Wilton International, Teesport, Hartlepool, and Teesside Airport.

The students' task will be to design a business that could operate within this freeport, with the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of real-world investors at the Freeport Futures Expo in February 2026. The project will kick off with a visit to Teesworks, giving students a firsthand insight into the Freeport environment and their allocated plot of land before they start developing their business concepts. Kevin Jeffrey, of Middlesbrough College, said: "The Freeport Futures Challenge represents one of the most ambitious collaborations between education and industry in the region.

"Working with Tees Maritime Cluster has given our students an incredible opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experience--engaging directly with the businesses driving innovation, investment, and growth across the Tees." Behind the scenes, the project has brought together a network of partners and supporters from across Teesside's business community. These include AV Dawson (Port of Middlesbrough), SeAH Wind, Clive Owen LLP, PD Ports, Waymaker, Teesworks, Green Merch, Elite Consult Group, and Kizzy Rylie.

A team of expert mentors will also guide students through the process, providing insights into how Teesside's maritime economy operates. The challenge is being coordinated by the Tees Maritime Cluster as part of its mission to connect industry, education, and opportunity across the Tees. Jo Vinton-Bullwinkel, of the Tees Maritime Cluster, said: "This project perfectly captures what the Cluster was created to do--unite industry, education, and opportunity under one banner.

"For our members, it's a chance to give back, to shape the future workforce, and to see the direct impact of collaboration in action." Projects like the Freeport Futures Challenge are made possible through the support and commitment of Tees Maritime members. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Tees Maritime Cluster invests every penny locally to create opportunities, nurture talent, and strengthen Teesside's key industries.

The Freeport Futures Expo in February 2026 will showcase student businesses and investor pitches to regional leaders and industry experts.