Ann Ming MBE to headline Tees Business Live on courage, leadership and changing lives

What gives someone the courage to challenge convention, overcome adversity and change lives? That question will be at the heart of the next Tees Business LIVE as five remarkable women whose work has transformed thousands of lives come together for a powerful discussion on leadership, resilience and making a lasting difference.

Taking place on Wednesday August 26 (11am-1pm) at The Auxiliary – a refurbished creative hub in central Middlesbrough – the event will explore the qualities that define exceptional leaders, from standing up for what's right and overcoming setbacks to creating opportunities for others and inspiring the next generation.

Speakers at Tees Business Live: courage, leadership and changing lives:

• Ann Ming MBE – the inspirational campaigner whose extraordinary determination secured justice following one of Britain's most significant miscarriages of justice, earning her the Jane Turner Award for Outstanding Contribution at the 2025 Tees Businesswomen Awards.

• Zoe Lewis CBE DL – principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College Group, established headline partners of the Tees Businesswomen Awards, recognised nationally for transforming education, developing skills and creating opportunities for thousands of young people and adults.

• Rachel Burke – director at Tracerco and the Power of Women - and reigning Tees Businesswoman of the Year, helping lead one of Teesside's globally respected engineering businesses while championing women in industry.

• Claire Preston – chief executive of High Tide Foundation and co-founder of the Work Ready Collective, and the first ever Tees Businesswoman of the Year, whose work has helped inspire and prepare countless young people for successful careers.

• Sarah Stephenson – representing My Sister’s Place Middlesbrough, not only the Charity of the Year at the 2026 Tees Business Awards but also the chosen charity for the 2026 Tees Businesswomen Awards.

Together they will discuss the defining moments of their lives and careers, the challenges they have overcome, the lives they have changed and why courage remains one of the most important qualities in leadership today.

Standing up for what's right

Making difficult decisions

Overcoming setbacks

Resilience

Leading when it's uncomfortable

Creating change

Tees Business LIVE has become one of the region's leading business networking events, combining high-profile speakers with valuable opportunities to connect with senior decision-makers from across the Tees region.

A limited opportunity is also available for a business to become the event partner. The package offers extensive promotional coverage before, during and after the event, prominent branding throughout the event itself including a presentation slot and the chance to align your organisation with one of the region's most respected business networking events while demonstrating your commitment to championing leadership, opportunity and positive change.

The event will also serve as the final call for entries and nominations for the ninth annual Tees Businesswomen Awards, with the deadline fast approaching.

Female-inspired local businesses will also be encouraged by the panel not only to enter themselves but also to nominate the inspirational women around them ahead of the September 7 deadline.

Whether it's a colleague, manager, mentor, business owner or someone quietly making a remarkable difference behind the scenes, a thoughtful nomination could be the recognition they richly deserve.

Limited places at Tees Business LIVE are free but must be booked in advance. The event includes networking over refreshments before the panel of speakers.

To find out more about nominating or entering for the Tees Businesswomen Awards, visit Tees Businesswomen Awards 2026 - Tees Business

Description supplied by the event organiser.