Awards

Overcoming Barriers

Winner: Adam Carter, Adam's Garden of Eden

Sponsored by The Prince’s Trust, this award celebrates those who have overcome challenges in their business journey – whether those challenges are personal, financial, overcoming barriers to growth or other business challenges.

Most Innovative Business

Winner: Richard Coates & Dinesh Kumar, Neutron VR

Sponsored by Sage, this award celebrates the unique, pioneering and creative businesses that make this region an amazing place to live and work. Anyone with a good idea, hard work ethic and the right support around them can be a success.

Best Employer

Winner: Alison Stephenson, AAA Caring Caretaker Limited

Sponsored by Generation NE, this category houses three fantastic employers in our region who deserve the recognition of being shortlisted for an award. Good employers are important, as it is estimated that we’ll spend 30% of our lifetime at work.

Social Impact

Winner: John Wright & Chris Woodhouse, Lyfe Watches

Sponsored by Sodexo, who are proud of our home-grown talent, this award is dedicated to those who have made a positive impact on our local community, economy or done great things for charity that deserve shouting about.

Business Person of the Year (Under 30)

Winner: Laura Burlison, The Paddock

Sponsored by Reviving the Heart of the West End, this award highlights the region’s brightest entrepreneurs.

Business Person of the Year (Over 30)

Winner: Matthew Lockie, Northern Joinery Solutions Limited

Sponsored by Skills Hub, this award demonstrates that age is no barrier in business, especially in the North East.