New boss at Hartlepool company is more than Able

Steven Harrison has been appointed group managing director of renewable energy, property development and marine decommissioning firm Able Group.

The firm, which has a yard in Tees Road, Hartlepool says the appointment comes at “a hugely important time for our business”, with key facilities in the North East and Humberside playing central roles in developing the offshore wind sector.

Mr Harrison has held key posts in ports and mining businesses, including as chief executive officer at the Port of Tyne, managing director of Durham-based Banks Mining and most recently in overseeing Associated British Ports business in South Wales and the South West of England.

Able Group founder and executive chairman Peter Stephenson, said: “We are delighted that a senior business leader with such a track strong record in major companies will now be playing a key role in building on the success that we have achieved for many years.

Mr Harrison said: “The Able Group has always demonstrated an impressive ability to innovate and exploit new business opportunities and this is exactly the approach we need as we meet the extensive challenges and needs of these new and exciting business sectors.

“As someone who has spent much of my working life in the North East, I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a part in ensuring that the Able Group continues to move forward as one of the region’s real success stories – not least in playing its part in delivering the climate change agenda.”