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North East festive focus with: Linda Hannah, Hydrochem

Linda Hannah, General Manager at Hartlepool-based Hydrochem UK, is the latest North East business leader to join our quickfire December interview series.

Your Business

If you had to choose one thing - what are you most proud of your company achieving this year, why?

As always it would be retaining our large contracts in a highly competitive environment, we are the longest-serving water treatment company in the North East and pride ourselves on the consistent level of customer service given to all of our clients across the UK.

What was the single biggest challenge faced by your firm in 2016?

Getting the correct new staff to fit into the company and complement the existing structure is a very difficult task but one that’s extremely important in the day-to-day running of the business.

We have such a successful structure in place but we’re also keen to welcome new people into the business who bring new ideas with them.

Can you tell us one thing your business is doing in 2017 that really excites you?

It would have to be our expansion into the food processing sector, offering safer alternatives than the traditional chlorine chemicals which have dangerous byproducts.

The chemicals can be used in all areas of the process and we’re really looking forward to introducing them on a national scale.

Your Region

Which North East firm has impressed you the most this year, why?

Nissan, with strong investments to ensure the security of work in the North East and a high level of job creation. They are constantly developing and showcasing us as a region of talent.

Are there any emerging businesses in the region that’ve caught your eye this year that you’ve been previously unaware of?

A small language company called away with Words – offering Japanese and French Tuition. They give an excellent service at brilliant prices in the region.

Is there an industry or sector of the North East business community which you expect to really take off next year?

It’s been a difficult time for the Tees Valley area where we’re based with SSI closing down last year, however it has been great to watch small businesses flourish and grow from this, one such example is Cleveland LGV Training, a company that saw a clear gap in the market and has secured massive contracts in the region.

Yourself

What was your first job?

My first part time job while studying was working at Tesco but my first Full time job was working in the laboratory for a company called Chemson – doing quality control and environmental air monitoring for Lead levels.

If you weren’t doing what you do, is there a job you’d love to have?

I would have to be a Radiographer!

What do you do on Christmas day?

Christmas for me is the best day of the year, I open presents with my 12-year-old son, drink champagne all day while messing about in the Kitchen doing a huge Christmas lunch. Then after relaxing with my family playing games and having fun with my son, I absolutely love it!

Join us tomorrow for another festive feature.

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