From humble beginnings to the halls of Buckingham Palace, Tania Cooper MBE’s journey is a masterclass in grit, graft and purpose-led leadership.
“I didn’t set out to be in engineering, but with a background in finance and business, I’ve found myself running engineering companies – and loving the challenge”. Tania’s route to the top didn’t follow a script – and that’s exactly why her story stands out. She’s the Managing Director of Steel Benders (UK), a fast-growing Teesside firm, and a fierce advocate for equality, education, and enterprise. Along the way, she’s built businesses, mentored rising stars, fronted major STEM initiatives, and still found time to champion local charities.
It’s that blend of commercial grit and community spirit that earned Tania the 2024 Jane Turner Award for Outstanding Contribution at the Tees Businesswomen Awards and a nomination for the Caroline Theobald Award at this year’s Entrepreneurial Awards.
