Tintin takes flight from Teesside in new Brussels Airlines livery
Teesside Airport has hosted its first international "special livery" project, as Airbourne Colours unveiled a bespoke Tintin-themed Airbus A320 for Brussels Airlines. The "Tintin Gravity" aircraft features space-inspired designs of Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock to mark the 100th anniversary lead-up of the Belgian comic icon.

The 14-day project was completed at Airbourne Colours’ newly expanded 27,000 sq ft Teesside facility. The work involved trainees from the company's local programme, supported by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The aircraft's inaugural flight departed on 13 February 2026, for Milan, currently hosting the Winter Olympics.



North East engineers secure new Liverpool waterfront contract
Stokesley-based RWO has won additional geoenvironmental work to support the transformation of Liverpool’s historic waterfront. The firm is conducting ground investigations to facilitate a new memorial for the RMS Lusitania, involving the relocation of one of the ocean liner’s original propellers.

RWO is also undertaking rock borehole testing and land contamination assessments ahead of a new pedestrian bridge connecting the Royal Albert and Canning Docks. The contract follows a period of growth for the firm, which expects its geoenvironmental department to reach £1 million in revenue this year.

Chris Rudd, director of geoenvironmental at RWO, said: “This additional work reflects our ability to turnaround projects rapidly, strengthening our relationship with the client as a go-to ground engineering specialist.”



New £95m South Shields campus to create local apprenticeships
Principal contractor Castle has announced the creation of five new apprenticeships as part of the £95m relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School. Delivered via Castle’s supply chain, the roles coincide with National Apprenticeship Week and aim to provide local residents with hands-on entry into the construction sector.

The project, which will move the college from its Westoe site into a 15,000 sqm town-centre campus, is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council. To further support regional skills, a cohort of T Level students will undertake four-week block placements on-site starting this month.

Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, said: “These new apprenticeships and T Level placements represent exactly the kind of meaningful, hands-on experience that helps young people build confidence.”

Funding for the development includes contributions from the North East Combined Authority, the Department for Education, and the UK Government.



Local businesses pledge support for Armed Forces at Teesside Airport
Ten businesses from the Tees Valley and County Durham gathered at Teesside Airport on 12 February 2026 to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. The "Bugle Breakfast" event, opened by the 8th Battalion, The Rifles, formalised pledges from firms including Industro Engineering and Latitude Geospatial to provide fair employment and support for veterans, reservists, and their families.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen urged more organisations to join the scheme, which helps veterans translate military expertise into "good-quality, well-paid jobs." Lt Col Neil Watson noted that the partnership is a two-way street, returning personnel to the private sector as "better leaders."

Covenant Signatories: Industro Engineering Group, Latitude Geospatial Ltd, NAFESE, LEHU Ltd, Paragon Rapid Technologies, Premier Traffic Management Ltd, Regional Training Partners Ltd, Rite People, Trilogy HR Law, UK Neurodiversity Recognition Scheme.



North Tyneside’s Greener Solutions Group targets £10m turnover by 2028
North Shields-based Greener Solutions Group (GSG) has announced an ambitious growth strategy, with turnover expected to rise from £3.1m to over £4m this financial year. The firm, founded in 2015 by Andrew Wilkinson and Keian Sanchez, aims to reach a £10m turnover by 2028.

The 35-strong team recently secured major contracts with Morgan Sindall Property Services for insulation projects across 130 properties. Furthermore, GSG has been appointed to the £1.6bn Procure Plus framework, covering retrofit and low-carbon upgrades across the North East and North West.

Andrew Wilkinson, director, said: “Our mission is to provide trusted, end-to-end support... that reduces fuel poverty and improves quality of life.” To support this expansion, the firm is currently recruiting for several field-based roles following the appointment of a new senior management team.