Tees Valley Combined Authority
Ben Houchen is currently serving as the Mayor of the Tees Valley since May 2017, having been elected as the Conservative Mayor for the region encompassing Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees. Alongside this role, Houchen holds the position of Chairman at the South Tees Development Corporation and served as Vice Chairman of Transport for the North until May 2024. Prior to 2017, Houchen was the Chief Executive Officer of BLK Sport UK and held leadership positions at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, including Leader of the Conservative Group. With a legal background as a Solicitor and experience as a Parliamentary Candidate, Houchen's educational credentials include a law degree from Northumbria University.
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Tees Valley Combined Authority
Five unique boroughs. One remarkable region. The Tees Valley Combined Authority was created in April 2016 with a purpose to drive economic growth and job creation, transforming our amazing area. TVCA is chaired by the Tees Valley Mayor and supported by our five local authorities and Business Board. It is working across priority sectors to ensure Tees Valley is a dynamic, forward-looking and ambitious region which is playing its role in the wider development of the UK. Under the devolution deal with Government, we have taken on responsibilities previously held in London; for transport, infrastructure, skills, business investment and culture and tourism. We have already made significant progress and are at the forefront of developing the innovative Net Zero industries of the future such as carbon capture, hydrogen and offshore wind - while also securing Freeport status. Our Mayoral Development Corporations are driving forward regeneration at Teesworks and in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough’s town centres, and we have bold transport plans delivering real and visible change. With local decision-making at our heart, we are passionate about providing opportunities for the people of Tees Valley to live and work in the best possible location – while encouraging business investment and increasing tourism. Anything is Possible.