Karen Askwith, Managing Director of Tioxide – based at Greatham – won the award for her “outstanding contribution” to business and industry across the Tees Valley.
The award recognised Karen’s tireless efforts to secure the future of the ailing plant. The site had been producing titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment for more than 50 years – but was idled in October 2025 after its previous owner went into administration.
From October 2025 to April 2026, Karen led the team that placed the plant on standby, ensuring it was idled safely and maintained in a way that would enable a swift return to production at the appropriate time. In parallel, she worked closely with the site’s administrators to identify a new buyer and negotiate a deal that would preserve the facility as an important capability at the heart of the North East’s chemical cluster.
After the LB Group bought the site in April 2026 and Tioxide was established, Karen was appointed Managing Director and her work pivoted to recruiting staff and activating a carefully curated restart plan for the plant. Production resumed in August, after just four months, with the team making faster-than-expected progress in the manufacture of its TiO2 pigment grades. Tioxide is now working to restart a second production stream at Greatham and is targeting a headcount of more than 300 people for 2027.
Speaking after receiving the award at Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall, Karen said: “I’m delighted to receive this award. Tees Valley is home to so many talented and inspiring businesswomen, and this year’s category shortlists are a testament to that. To be recognised among them is a real honour. This award reflects the fantastic people I work alongside. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past year and excited about what lies ahead. As a chemical engineer, I’m passionate about our industry and the possibilities it offers. As Tioxide continues to grow, I look forward to showcasing the opportunities open to women and girls, inspiring them to consider careers in STEM and the chemical industry.”
