The people behind the partnership: Dr Suzanne Hague
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your role and what drives you in your work?
Hi, I’m Dr Suzanne Hague
I’m a principal lecturer at Teesside University International Business School, where I teach leadership, lead on executive education in the UK and internationally, and am the regional course director for the Government Help to Grow Management Course. I am Chair of Partners at North East Chamber of Commerce, and involved in other charitable work in the Tees Valley.
What drives me is simple: creating social impact through knowledge exchange. I’m passionate about connecting education with industry to deliver real, lasting change for individuals and businesses. There is no better feeling than being part of a learning community, where you can see first-hand the difference the university has made to an employer, employee or student.
How important is collaboration in driving regional success, and how has the Chamber helped you forge connections, influence policy, or support regional investment?
Collaboration is at the heart of everything and the root of success. Amazing things happen when partnerships are created by diverse stakeholder groups, not just for the individual organisation, but for the region.
The Chamber’s recent ‘Stronger North East’ campaign really struck a chord, as I believe that collective strength helps businesses thrive. Through our membership in the Chamber, we have built valuable connections across the globe, explored new research and commercial opportunities, and contributed to important conversations shaping the region’s future.
What role do organisations like yours play in retaining talent and making the region a great place to live and work?
Everyone knows the North East is the best place to live and work…
Teesside University plays a critical role in this by stimulating innovation and acting as a knowledge anchor. We help create and support thousands of skilled roles in sectors such as animation, gaming, AI, Net Zero, health, creative industries, professional services, renewables and engineering.
We are deeply embedded in the region’s economic and social fabric, and will deliver our mission through our Corporate Strategy 2027: Ambition Delivered Today. We not only nurture local talent, but we also help ensure that our graduates have access to high-quality career opportunities. It comes back to the alignment of industry and education. By promoting opportunity and social mobility, we can help make the region a great place to live, work and do business.
What are the biggest opportunities for people-driven business growth in the North East, and how do you see your organisation and its team contributing?
People-driven businesses are the blueprint for the next generation. Businesses that go the extra mile and invest in the whole person, not just the resource, will be the ones that see reduced staff turnover, higher levels of staff well-being, job satisfaction and stronger loyalty. All these attributes create a culture to be proud of.
At Teesside, we support this in several ways and hold many international awards and accolades. We have a strong focus on student experience. We help businesses grow by empowering their people.
What advice would you give to other businesses looking to grow through collaboration and regional engagement?
As the strapline of a famous sports brand once said, ‘just do it’…
The North East is full of brilliant, welcoming businesses. Building meaningful connections has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career – collaboration really does lead to remarkable results.
