Regional categories aim to find and recognise our best businesses in the region. Open to members with over 50 employees.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover, net profit and net reserves, over the last two years. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies, its customers and the markets it operates in.
• An overview of your staffing structure.
• Describe your business’ achievements since it was established and how these were accomplished.
• What external factors have affected your business and how have you dealt with those effects?
• Describe your business’ objectives for the next 6 to 18 months and how you plan to achieve them.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (If shortlisted, this content may be used in hosts speech/printed).

Sponsored by Newcastle College

For individuals who lead a business with a clear vision and commercial success, demonstrating leadership, innovation and measurable growth while contributing positively to the wider economy, and showing integrity, influence and direction.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net reserves. Please note: we require an overview and a projection where exact figures may not yet have been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• An overview of your business experience and career to date.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies, its customers and the markets it operates in. Tell us about a significant change in the business’ operating environment
  and how you have demonstrated leadership in responding to it.
• Your business objectives for the next 6 to 18 months and how you plan to achieve them.
• Tell us about you. What makes you Business Leader of the Year? How do you demonstrate integrity, influence, innovation, direction and leadership in your role? Testimonials are encouraged.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be
  used in the host’s speech or printed materials).

Sponsored by Big Purple

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.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net reserves. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies and its customers.
• Tell us how the business is involved in the local community.
• Tell us how the business has made a difference in the community and the results.
• How does the business plan to sustain the community programme?
• What makes the business a community champion?
• Testimonials are encouraged.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be used in host’s speech/printed).

Sponsored by Society Matters

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.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• Confirm your business is not only reputable but financially stable.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies and its customers.
• Provide a personal profile and background of the nominee.
• Explain how the nominee might be a future leader, a rising star with an exciting future ahead.
• What positive impact has the nominee had on the business?
• Summarise why the individual should be awarded the ‘Rising star’ award.
• Testimonials are encouraged.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (If shortlisted, this content may be used in hosts speech/printed).

Sponsored by Gateshead College

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.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net reserves. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies and its customers.
• How does your company define “customer experience” and what is your overall vision for delivering exceptional service?
• Can you share an example of how your company has gone above and beyond to engage with a customer or surprise them with exceptional service?
• What happens if a customer has a poor experience – how do you address this and prevent it from happening again?
• What do you see as the future of customer experience in your industry and how is your company preparing for these changes?
• Summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be used in host’s speech/printed).

Sponsored by Lumo

The most prestigious award of the evening, Business of the Year is presented to the overall standout organisation, selected from this year’s category winners and representing every size and sector of business across the North East, from the borders of Yorkshire to Scotland and Cumbria.

Sponsored by Square One Law

A business that is harnessing the power of digital innovation and technology to drive success. This category recognises companies that have made a significant impact through the development or adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions, whether through pioneering technology, digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity or e-commerce excellence. Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate innovation, measurable success and a forward-thinking approach to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net reserves. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies, its customers and the markets it operates in.
• Challenges the business has faced (that may have driven change).
• Evidence of how your business has used digital solutions to transform their market, products or services.
• Details of how these technological changes have driven productivity.
• Please summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be used in host’s speech/printed).

For 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 operation

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net reserves. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies, its customers and the markets it operates in.
• Evidence that sustainability is at the heart of the business (figures or strategy details of how you manage your environmental impact; e.g. progressing towards lower carbon emission operations or waste reduction and efficiency).
• Details of your commitment to sustainable best practice.
• Your achievements over the last 12 months that make you stand out in this area.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be used in host’s speech/printed).

Sponsored by PD Ports

This award recognises a business that has demonstrated international growth through a clear understanding of overseas markets, highlighting the benefits of trading internationally.

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net reserves. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies and its customers.
• Evidence of sustained growth internationally.
• How your business has embraced and taken advantage of the opportunities that overseas markets present.
• Which overseas markets you operate in and new markets you are looking to expand into.
• How the above has impacted your business.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be used in host’s speech/printed).

Sponsored by Walker Filtration

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).

To enter this category please provide the following information:

• An overview of your turnover and net profit over the last two years, as well as current net
  reserves. Please note: we require an overview, and a projection where exact figures may not
  have yet been finalised or signed off. All financial information submitted is strictly
  confidential.
• A brief description of your business; the products or services it supplies, its customers and
  the markets it operates in.
• What inspired you to start your business?
• Describe your business journey and how your business is growing.
• Challenges you have faced since starting your business and how you have overcome them.
• The business’ vision for continued growth over the next three to five years and plans for
  long-term financial sustainability.
• How your business has demonstrated a commitment to your local economy.
• Summarise your application in 100 words (if shortlisted, this content may be used in host’s
  speech/printed).

Sponsored by Sage