Chamber Business Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced
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We have unveiled the shortlist for our Business Awards 2026, with 36 businesses and individuals from across the region reaching the final stage.
Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor Bernicia, the shortlist reflects the strength, ambition and diversity of the North East business community, with finalists representing a wide range of sectors and sizes, from growing businesses to established organisations and emerging leaders.
Finalists for the Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Intuit, include CrowdHouse Energy, Southern Asset Management, Tom Walker and Sons Ltd and Towne Lifting and Testing.
In the Larger Business of the Year category, sponsored by Newcastle College, Eldon Square, Muckle LLP, Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa and Ward Hadaway LLP are all in the running.
Organisations making a positive difference across the region are recognised in the Community Business of the Year category, sponsored by Society Matters CIC, with AV Dawson, Maldron Hotel Newcastle, Media Cultured and Radisson Blu Durham shortlisted.
New for 2026, the Business Leader of the Year category, sponsored by Big Purple Group, recognises outstanding leadership across the region. Those shortlisted include Andrew Broadbent of New College Durham, Helen Cowie of Eldon Square and Sarah House of OCDC Cleaners Ltd.
The Customer Excellence Business of the Year shortlist, sponsored by Lumo, features Coffee Design, Integrated Utility Services and ITC Service.
Inspiring individuals making their mark in the region are recognised in the Rising Star category, sponsored by Gateshead College. Finalists include Dylan Bingham of CrowdHouse Energy, Kayleigh Reid of Apexon and Meg Hardiman of Community Foundation North East.
The awards also include national categories, recognising organisations that have the potential to progress to the British Chambers of Commerce awards later this year.
Finalists for People and Work Business of the Year, sponsored by Northumbrian Water, are Global Procurement Group, Osbit Ltd and RS Industrial Services.
In the Digital and Technology Business of the Year category, sponsored by NECRC, Alt Labs, Care Messenger Holdings Ltd and razorblue Group Ltd are all shortlisted.
Green thinking is at the heart of the Green Innovation Business of the Year category, sponsored by PD Ports, with Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, Esh Group and SPARK Robotics recognised.
Recognising global ambition, the International Trade Business of the Year, sponsored by Walker Filtration, includes Metec Cathodic Protection Ltd, NCFE and William Hackett.
The Start Up and Grow Business of the Year category, sponsored by Sage, celebrates emerging businesses, with North East Escapes, Skylark Asset Finance and SPELK. shortlisted.
Finally, the Chamber Business of the Year, sponsored by Square One Law, will be selected from all winners as the most exceptional business in the region.
Chamber events and awards manager Ashley Carney, who leads the awards programme, said: “Once again, we’ve seen a fantastic response from businesses across the North East. The quality of entries has been incredibly high, reflecting the strength, innovation and resilience of our business community.
“These awards are about recognising success, celebrating ambition and shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations making a real difference to our region.”
Our Business Awards final will take place on Thursday 18 June at The Glasshouse ICM, with further details on tickets available soon.
The Business Awards are supported by headline sponsor Bernicia.
More information is available here.