Thursday, February 12, 2015

North East Business Awards 2015: First finalists revealed


The first finalists for the North East Business Awards 2015 have been announced.


Teesside’s top businesses will go head-to-head with companies from the two other sub-regions for the prestigious annual awards.


After weeks of judging hundreds of entries, the finalists for the first heat - Tyneside and Northumberland - have been shortlisted.


They have been narrowed down into 12 categories and the winners will be announced at the Marriott Hotel at Gosforth Park, Newcastle on February 26.


Organised by the Gazette and our sister paper in Newcastle, the Journal, the awards held in association with the North


East Chamber of Commerce, aims to highlight the inspiring work of businesses small, large and somewhere in between, throughout the past 12 months.


The Tyneside and Northumberland heat will be followed by Durham and Wearside, which takes place on March 12 at Ramside Hall in Durham.


The Teesside awards will take place at Teesside University on March 26. Winners from each of the three heats will then go to the regional finals at Hardwick Hall Hotel at Sedgefield on April 23.


For the Tyneside and Northumberland heat, Newcastle law firm Muckle LLP and digital agency Orange Bus head the shortlist with three separate nominations each, including one for Muckle in the Company of the Year category.


There are also two nominations each for Egger (UK), Ryder Architecture and Atomhawk.


This year a new category – Let’s Grow – has been added to recognise companies that have made major strides in increasing profit or turnover.


Joanne Pratt, fund manager at FW Capital, said: “FW Capital is pleased to continue to be associated with the North East Business Awards in 2015 and we’re proud to sponsor the Let’s Grow Award in its first year. It’s an exciting new award that celebrates the businesses in the North-east that are achieving exceptional growth and highlights how they’re achieving these growth levels.


“Interest in the award is high and it’s clear that the extensive judging criteria have really sparked businesses’ imagination and this has resulted in an impressive shortlist.


“We met some interesting businesses during the judging process and there were some great examples of how they’re developing their competitive edge and successfully maximising their potential.


“Good luck to all those businesses shortlisted this year and I hope that more businesses will be inspired by their example and consider their growth options.


“FW Capital can support businesses in the North-east with short and long-term investment packages through the North East Growth Plus Fund and Tees Valley Catalyst Fund and we’re keen to discuss their growth plans with them.”


Guest speaker at the Tyneside & Northumberland event is champion jockey Richard Dunwoody.


* Next week we’ll be revealing the finalists in the Durham and Wearside sub-regional heat - followed by Teesside w/c February 23.


Apprenticeship Award (sponsored by Northumberland College): Bernicia, British Engines, Egger (UK).


Company of the Year (sponsored by Port of Tyne): Muckle LLP, Ryder Architecture, AAF International.


Digital and Social Media Award (sponsored by Sintons): Desserts Delivered, Lane7, Northern Power Grid.


Export Award: Atomhawk, Mactech Engineering and Inspection, Furniture Clinic.


Green Award: South Tyneside Homes, Muckle LLP, Bari.


Heart of the Community Award (sponsored by Arch Group): Muckle LLP, Greggs, Port of Tyne.


Innovation Award (sponsored by GE Oil and Gas): Bim Academy, Orange Bus, VREO.


Let’s Grow Award (sponsored by FW Capital): Owen Pugh and Co, Orange Bus, Careline Lifestyles.


Manufacturing Award (sponsored by University of Sunderland): Infinite Edge/Playgrounds, Egger (UK), Rubb Buildings.


Newcomer of the Year (sponsored by Virgin Money): SoPost, The Pudding Parlour, Bede Gaming.


Services Award: Changing Lives, Atlas Cloud, Ringtons.


Small Business Award (sponsored by Bernicia): Atomhawk, Cleardata UK, Orange Bus.



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