The North East Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the shortlist for its prestigious Business Awards 2025, with 35 businesses and individuals from across the region reaching the final stage.
The shortlist reflects the strength, creativity and resilience of the North East business community with finalists representing a broad mix of sectors and sizes, from start-ups and global exporters to community-focused organisations and future leaders.
Finalists for the SME Business of the Year, sponsored by Erudus, include Advantex Network Solutions Ltd, Forfusion, Talentheads and Wander.
In the Large Business of the Year category, sponsored by Howden Insurance, Education Partnership North East, Karbon Homes and Metrocentre are all in the running.
Those shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Intuit, include Brenda McLeish OBE DL (Learning Curve), Sam Gordon (Big Purple Group) and Susan French (Crew Gal).
Four organisations have been recognised for their local impact in the Community Business of the Year category, sponsored by Society Matters, including Egger, Muckle LLP, Richard Reed Solicitors and Sage plc/Sage Foundation.
Inspiring individuals making their mark in the region are recognised in the Rising Star category, sponsored by Gateshead College. Finalists include Alex Tate (Northern Stage), Ellie Johnson (NE Youth Ltd) and Jake Atkinson (Bigbite).
The Customer Excellence Business of the Year shortlist, backed by CrossCountry Trains, features Access Training Ltd, Breeze Academy and Dawson & Sanderson Ltd.
The awards also feature National Categories, recognising organisations that have the potential to go forward to the British Chambers of Commerce national awards later this year.
Finalists for People and Work Business of the Year, sponsored by North East Times, are Echo U Ltd, Muckle LLP and Square One Law.
In the Digital and Technology Business of the Year category, supported by Pulsant, Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd, Co Wheels and Southern Asset Management Ltd are all shortlisted.
Green thinking is at the heart of the Green Innovation Business of the Year category, sponsored by Lumo, with Dalton Moor Farm, PD Ports and Probe Industries Ltd making the shortlist.
Recognising global ambition, the International Trade Business of the Year, supported by the Port of Tyne, includes AGMA Ltd, Circadian Global Forwarding Ltd, MGH Offshore and Walker Filtration.
The Start-up and Grow Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Durham, celebrates emerging businesses, with Like Us (NE) Ltd, Spear-heads and Sustainable Business Services Ltd.
Finally, the Chamber Business of the Year, sponsored by Middlesbrough College, will be
selected from all winners in this year’s business awards as the most exceptional in the region’s business.
Chamber events and awards manager Ashley Carney, who leads the awards programme, said: “Once again, we’ve seen outstanding entries from across the region, showcasing the strength and diversity of North East businesses. These awards are about celebrating success, shining a spotlight on innovation and recognising the individuals and organisations making a real difference to our economy and communities.
“Best of luck to all our fantastic finalists – we look forward to celebrating with you at our grand final at The Glasshouse!”
The Chamber Business Awards final will take place on Thursday 19 June at The Glasshouse IMC, with tickets available on Eventbrite soon.
The Chamber Business Awards are sponsored by headline sponsor Bernicia.
More information is available here.
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