Award categories
Celebrating the achievements of our region’s business community
You are the leaders, innovators and the beating heart driving this region forward. Now is the time to recognise your achievements.
With thanks to Chamber awards headline sponsor Bernicia.
Small Business of the Year (regional)
Regional categories aim to find and recognise our best businesses in the region. Open to members with under 50 employees.
Sponsored by Intuit
Find out moreLarger Business of the Year (regional)
Regional categories aim to find and recognise our best businesses in the region. Open to members with over 50 employees.
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Business Leader of the Year (regional)
For individuals who lead a business with a clear vision and commercial success, demonstrating leadership, innovation and measurable growth.
Sponsored by Big Purple Group
Find out moreCommunity Business of the Year (regional)
For organisations that facilitate, participate in or enable community engagement through initiatives, demonstrating the power of giving back and clear commitment to positive local impact.
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Rising Star (regional)
For individuals at an early stage of their career demonstrating potential and initiative, already making a notable contribution within their organisation, profession or wider sector. A future leader in the making.
Sponsored by Gateshead College
Find out moreCustomer Excellence Business of the Year (regional)
This award recognises a business committed to delivering an excellent customer experience. It highlights organisations that define and implement a clear vision for customer service and consistently go above and beyond to engage customers.
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Business of the Year (regional)
Outstanding within their field, the business of the year will be selected from category winners once judged.
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People and Work Business of the Year (national)
A business that has shown commitment to recruiting, training and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce, which has led to an improvement in business performance. This business will also demonstrate how diversity and inclusion is prioritised and plays a pivotal role in its culture.
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Digital and Technology Business of the Year (national)
A business that is harnessing the power of digital innovation and technology to drive success.
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Green Innovation Business of the Year (national)
This award will recognise organisations implementing sustainable practices or environmental innovations that reduce impact, improve resource efficiency and support cleaner growth, with measurable environmental outcomes within their core business operations
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International Trade Business of the Year (national)
This award recognises a business that has demonstrated international growth through a clear understanding of overseas markets, highlighting the benefits of trading internationally.
Sponsored by Walker Filtration
Find out moreStart Up and Grow Business of the Year (national)
For early-stage businesses demonstrating clear growth, commercial traction and scalability, supported by innovative products or services and evidence of strong market entry within a short operating period (for start up and grow businesses under 2 years).
Sponsored by Sage
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