Ambassador Testimonials

Ray Mallon, Middlesbrough Mayor

"Middlesbrough is its people and the people are the town - and it is a town poised to move on to the next level. I really sense a growing pride in the people of Middlesbrough, both in themselves and in their town, and it is that sense of identity which will help to drive us forward. The Love Middlesbrough campaign is all about harnessing that energy and making sure the message of what we have to offer here is heard far and wide."

Chris Smith, Managing Director at Erimus Housing

"Middlesbrough's strengths are great ambition, a strong vision for what it wants to be and, above all, the people. Real salt of the earth with a great sense of humour and a passion for their town.

Some of my favourites in Middlesbrough are the Tavistock [at the Highfield Best Western] - the food and service are always good and it is easy to park. Binns, or House of Fraser as it is now, is a great traditional department store. My favourite open space is probably the waterside at Middlehaven. It is a great asset for the town, the new college is a remarkable building and I am looking forward to the addition of the new sculpture.[Temenos]"

Brian Wise, Musician, SteelWorks Steel Band

"Middlesbrough's strengths are a rich heritage mixed with innovation to move well into the 21st Century fused with creative people.

Some of my favourites in Middlesbrough are Central Park, near the Dorman Museum and Albert Park for a great meal out. Shopping at Gallery TS1 for unique gifts. My favourite open space is Centre Square. My favourite activity in Middlesbrough is making music with the Steelworks Band."

Sophie Rowney, Freelance Film and Television, Middlesbrough Documentary

"Middlesbrough's people are go-getters, a friendly nature and good-willed attitude make us incredibly approachable. Though,I live in York, I am a full-time lover of Middlesbrough and always will be and am currently producing a documentary celebrating the town.

Some of my favourites in Middlesbrough are Oodles Noodles for cheap, good quality food that's scrumptious, shopping at Concept on Linthorpe Road, one of the most individual and charismatic shops full of wonderful gifts and beautiful jewellery at good prices. I love the fountains next to the Town Hall, but my heart lies with Roseberry Topping.

Finally, I love The Empire, an independant night club offering one of the most quirky and interesting nights out in England."

Debbie Coulson, Marketing and Office Manager Teesside Hospice

"In my role at Teesside Hospice I get to meet some amazing and inspirational people – their warmth and determination never fails to amaze me.

Some of my favourites in Middlesbrough are Akbar’s - a great dining experience, I love the hustle and bustle of the place, Teesside Hospice Charity Chic Boutique – of course! It’s great to know your grabbing a bargain whilst supporting such a worthwhile cause and visiting mima such a major attraction. "

Steph McGovern, BBC Presenter

"Middlesbrough people have a fantastic ability to fight back against adversity. Whether it's economic hardship or the local football team not doing so well, I love the fact that we adapt, we regenerate and we never give in.

And the accent. Despite living away from Middlesbrough for a number of years, I vow never to lose our warm, dulcet tones and our wicked sense of humour.

To put it bluntly...Middlesbrough is a no nonsense place, full of energy and lots of people grabbing life with both hands...

The nights out I've had in Middlesbrough have been some of the best fun I've had in my life, despite having lived in London and New York!"

Suzannah Clarke, Opera Singer

"When shopping in the centre I always end up having a chat with someone, possibly an old friend, sometimes people who have seen me sing or know me from some of the charities and groups I support. Sometimes it is just a stranger - Middlesbrough is a very friendly place. In London it is busier and people have less time to smile and chat."

Dave Allan, Head of Media, Middlesbrough Football Club

"I'm Middlesbrough born and bred - and passionate about the place - so I have been delighted to be part from the start of the campaign to improve the town's image. It's time we stood up and told the world about our Middlesbrough. I'm proud of the town's industrial heritage and history, of our iconic Transporter Bridge, of the wonderful countryside that surrounds us, of the international achievements of our football club and of modern day initiatives such as mima and Middlehaven. I will always do all I can to promote all that is good about Middlesbrough and to encourage our increasingly ambitious future plans. To coin Gladstone's famous quote about our town, I believe that the Love Middlesbrough campaign can itself be an infant Hercules that helps the town throw off outdated perceptions and show the nation why Teessiders generally are such a fiercely proud race."

Alastair Brownlee, Middlesbrough commentator and BBC Tees Sport Presenter

"What I love about Middlesbrough most is... the people and, of course, because it has for me the best football team in the country. I am willing to do all I can to help people share the passion that I share for my home town. Up the Boro!"

John Foster, Morning Presenter, BBC Tees

"What I love about Middlesbrough most is... the Industry... the heritage.... I think people from the Boro have had a really raw deal in the past and what we need to do is celebrate the town more for what it has to offer, the history of the place and of course the future."

Tanya Garland, Managing Director, Cool Blue Brand Communications

"Middlesbrough's strength is that it's open to positive change. It's a place that has always responded to the times giving its population a flexible attitude and the ability to adapt to new ways of doing things. This is probably why its people have a great sense of humour and are so readily welcoming of new people and new ideas. It's also a great location from which to do business with its rail, road, air and world class port facilities creating easy connections to the rest of the country and beyond."

Robert Nichols, Editor and Publisher of Fly Me To The Moon fanzine

"One of Middlesbrough's big strengths is the community spirit. It binds us together and also means we possibly over-achieve in many fields. People are very proud of the heritage - Infant Hercules, sons and daughters of 19th century industry. That pride of place is very important for the future of any town/city. It is a small place but very dynamic. You never feel lost here. There is the opportunity to shape things and take part in things that can be missing in bigger cities. There is a lot more to do here than in other places of similar size - top football to top gigs - but only because the community values and supports them."

Michael Maguire, Pharmacist, Marton Pharmacy

"Middlesbrough's strengths are... its location - it's minutes away from the seaside and beautiful countryside... the variety of restaurants and shopping... a hotbed of young sporting talent...open green spaces such as Stewart Park and Albert Park... a football team with a ten-year record which is the envy of many big cities...clean air with less pollution than many towns and nearly all cities...James Cook University Hospital with a Cardiac Team which is rated as one of the top three in the world.. passionate people.. and Marton Pharmacy!"

Martyn Pellew, Group Development Director, PD Ports

"What I love about Middlesbrough most is that it is an area with lots of industrial history and heritage. I love walking around the town, looking at the old buildings and observing people, eating out at the Thistle Hotel and taking a trip to the Dorman Museum."

Richard Busby, Orangery Associates Limited

"As a Middlesbrough native and a Building Surveyor I’ve always loved the architecture of the town and the incredible detail that can often be seen high above the retail shop windows...take a minute and have a look!

Add to this some fantastic historical buildings such as the Library and Town Hall, and the more contemporary buildings such as Middlesbrough College, mima and those within the colourful Boho Zone, along with the amazing facades of Psyche and Akbar’s Indian Restaurant and you have an amazing eclectic mix of architecture to rival any town in the country. Middlesbrough is definitely a town on the ascendancy and I’m proud to be associated with, and supportive of its continued and exciting development. "