Abstract
The day 13 March saw a capacity gathering of members and guests at the Middlesbrough Thistle Hotel. Great food and ample liquid refreshment ensured a lively start to the Annual Dinner and Reunion.
Over dinner, the Chairman Mr Norman Harrison spoke of the section’s achievements over the year and expressed satisfaction at the recent democratisation of the Institute, seeing considerable benefits to come.
The Captain of Industry Address was delivered by Dr Stan Higgins, CEO of North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), an agency promoting the North East Process Industry Cluster and its supply chain. Stan spoke with passion about the opportunities for industry representatives to increase their export sales. Major opportunities exist in one of the world’s largest emerging markets, India – but UK businesses are slow to exploit this opportunity, leaving the field largely to our European competitors, particularly Germany.
The real entertainment was provided by comedian and raconteur Mr Tony Jo, ‘The Governor’ who kept the audience in stitches for a considerable time, negating most sweepstake participant’s estimates.
The event was capably organised by Carol & Colin Easton and compèred by David Otterson. Pictured are the Committee and VIP guests pre-dinner and guests enjoying the reunion in the dining hall.
