North East England

From vibrant cafe culture and nightlife to peaceful countryside scattered with medieval market towns, Tees Valley is a land of contrasts.

Appealing to both science and creative graduates, Tees Valley is a hub for professionals within the process industries including petrochemicals, low carbon energies and printable electronics, as well as the digital media and creative sector.

The area is home to 58% of the UK petrochemical industry with a vast complex of chemical companies at Wilton International near Middlesbrough. At its heart is the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) which helps ground-breaking technologies reach the market.

Graduate entrepreneurs in digital media are drawn to the area too. Many have put down roots at BohoZone, a town-centre hub with incubator facilities and excellent support services.

"From vibrant cafe culture and nigthlife to peaceful countryside scattered with medieval market towns, Tees Valley is a land of contrasts."

Successful companies such as The Ensus Group, which has built Europe’s largest biofuel refinery at Wilton International and Qurios Entertainment, a 3D animation and graphics company in Hartlepool, are key employers.

Tees Valley boasts one of the largest modern housing developments in Europe at Ingleby Barwick. Sought-after locations include Stockton-on-Tees and the pretty market town of Yarm, both of which offer private schooling.

When it comes to higher education, Teesside University was voted University of the Year in the Times Higher Education awards 2009.

Downtime can be spent in so many ways. Pack a picnic and climb the landmark Roseberry Topping in Great Ayton, get into surfing at Saltburn or take in a world class exhibition at mima, Middlesbrough’s Institute of Modern Art.

Hit the designer boutiques of Yarm High Street or enjoy a sumptuous meal overlooking Hartlepool Bay at Hillcarter Hotel’s Rooftop restaurant. In Darlington there are many independent and designer shops along with plenty of restaurants and stylish bars.

Getting around Tees Valley is a breeze too. Its comprehensive infrastructure includes Durham Tees Valley airport, near Darlington.