Tees Valley Business Challenge partnership
(Posted on 13/12/22)
North East software development firm, Sapere Software, has developed a tool to allow Port of Middlesbrough owner and operator AV Dawson to manage and visualise strategic projects in real time.
Sapere, which is based in Stockton on Tees, competed against other software companies in the region to partner with AV Dawson and provide them with a digital solution using innovative software tools.
The AV Dawson team were looking for a solution to efficiently manage their strategic projects in real-time, which are usually long-term with many variables so tracking progress was difficult.
Sapere stepped up to this challenge by developing a web based digital tool that solves the issue, enabling the management team to provide a real-time visualisation on the progress of ongoing projects. This enables the directors to make strategic business decisions using accurate information.
Neil Warren, Head of IT at AV Dawson, said: “We needed a bespoke solution that would allow the business to be able to manage our strategic KPIs as well as provide the visibility on the performance with the use of interactive dashboards and reports. The solution that Sapere has produced has certainly provided us with that.”
The work was initially funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund through the Tees Valley Business Challenge which is delivered by local innovation and design specialists Edge Innovation on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Edge brought in a number of local software companies and evaluated their approaches in terms of business set-up, technical ability and dealing with complex challenges. To win, the businesses had to present their ideas to a board of experts from different professions and a representative from AV Dawson.
An initial £5,000 grant gave Sapere the opportunity to develop its concept and undertake feasibility studies, followed by £45,000 of funding to make the prototype a reality.
Commercial director of Sapere Paul Drake said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have won the competition to provide a technology solution for the Port of Middlesbrough. It was a great project, and we are delighted to have designed and developed software that addresses their needs.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Sapere is a brilliant local business helping to put our ever-growing digital sector on the map. I’m delighted our funding has been a driving force for this project, taking it from inception to reality. This is another example of firms in our region collaborating for mutual benefit, with this move by AV Dawson showing how you don’t need to look outside Teesside, Darlington or Hartlepool to secure top-quality talent.”
Latest News
Trois-Rivières awards the title of First Vessel of the Year 2026 to VECTIS PRIDE
(Posted on 07/01/26)The Port of Trois-Rivières has awarded the title of the first vessel of the year to VECTIS PRIDE... Read more
New Terneuzen Lock trial voyage with wider ship to ArcelorMittal
(Posted on 06/01/26)The New Lock in Terneuzen has been operational since 1 August 2025 and a new phase has now begun: On... Read more
Two modern fertiliser warehouses opened in Gdansk Free Trade Zone
(Posted on 06/01/26)Two modern warehouses belonging to Solid Port, one of the key operators in the Inner Port, have been... Read more
Rail freight is key competitive advantage for German seaports
(Posted on 23/12/25)With this year’s Rail Conference “Rail Freight Transport and Seaports”, a joint initiative... Read more
ABL Group and ICG announce the successful acquisition of SCF Containers
(Posted on 18/12/25)Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) and ICG have jointly announced the successful completion of ABL&rsquo... Read more
AD Ports and AVESTO establish New Logistics JV in Tajikistan
(Posted on 18/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Patrick Krawutschke appointed new Managing Director at HPC
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Executive Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Patrick Krawutschke as Managing... Read more
Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility
(Posted on 09/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more
30 Years of DUKC at Port Hedland
(Posted on 04/12/25)This year marks a significant milestone in maritime innovation as Port Hedland, Australia, celebrates... Read more
Major capital investment programme for ABP’s South Wales ports
(Posted on 02/12/25)Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, has announced the latest tranche... Read more
