PD Ports celebrated for community support at NEPIC awards ceremony

A port operator has been honoured for its community work.

PD Ports, which owns and oversees Teesport, picked up the communities and reputation accolade at the virtual NEPIC Industry Awards last week.

The business was commended by judges for an “outstanding demonstration of community support and social responsibility”, which included donating more than £50,000 to local initiatives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kirsten Donkin, PD Port’s head of PR, marketing and communications, said: “It is a huge honour to receive this award.

“In these extraordinary times, a shared commitment to supporting communities is more important than ever and we recognise our duty to engage with the local community to build a brighter and prosperous future for the next generation.

“The culture within our business is very much one of inclusivity and support, regardless of your role, and it is these such qualities that drive our commitment to the people and communities across the Tees Valley.”

The NEPIC Industry Awards support STEM education across the North East chemical processing sector, with winners able to select a local school or initiative to receive funding towards a science-related project.

PD Ports allocated its £2000 winnings to the Tees Valley Education Trust.

“We send heartfelt congratulations to PD Ports on winning the communities and reputation award at the NEPIC annual event”, said the trust’s chief executive Katrina Morley.

“PD Ports have consistently demonstrated their commitment to children, young people and the Tees Valley through supporting a range of learning and development opportunities.

“We are grateful for the £2000 donation to support our shared enterprise curriculum and look forward to continuing to raise the aspirations, life chances and future outcomes of our children and communities.”

PD Ports is currently celebrating its 20th year of supporting young people through apprenticeships, which also coincides with the company’s largest-ever recruitment drive as it looks to take on 50 new apprentices across operations.