The Borough of Stockton-on-Tees has something for everyone. It's no wonder our population is growing, business is booming, and residents tell us they are happy to be here. Here are some things you might like to know about our Borough.
A place people are proud to live
200,000 people call the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees home. They live in our thriving towns - Billingham, Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Stockton, Thornaby and Yarm - and our rural villages. Our population is increasing, with a 2.8% rise over the last seven years, and we're committed to serving this growing community, supported by a thriving and active voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. We're delighted to know people are proud of living here.
Going places and getting further
Business is booming in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, where 5,500 businesses generate £4 billion for the local economy. We account for a third of the Tees Valley economy overall and our towns provide work for people from across the Borough. Our excellent road and rail connections with London and key northern cities such as Newcastle, York and Leeds make the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees a great place to do business. Whilst Teesside International Airport, on the Borough's boundary, provides international connections for our globally ambitious businesses.
The Council’s new Employment & Training Hub based in the centre of Stockton town is going from strength to strength supporting local residents to find work, apprenticeships or other training opportunities. Over 200 residents have been supported into employment since it launched in 2022. Another example that Stockton borough is a great place to do business and demonstrates the investment we are getting from a range of sectors to support employment.
Alive with events, leisure and culture
There's always something to do in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees. Whether that is enjoying our beautiful parks and open spaces, the river or visiting our beautiful towns.
We have a world-class year-round events programme happening across the borough to enable our residents to enjoy a wide range of activities, events and facilities that put our Borough on the map.
Our most notable events include Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF), Stockton Calling, Stockton Sportive annual cycling event and Stockton Sparkles Christmas extravaganza. Not to mention the programme of music art and comedy events that take place at Stockton Globe Theatre and the Arc – Stockton Arts Centre.
Stockton-on-Tees' traditional markets in Stockton, Thornaby and Billingham have been bringing visitors to our town centres for over 700 years. In addition to our weekly markets, we also offer a number of specialist markets including Chic Vintique and Farmers’ Market.