North East businesses celebrated at the 2025 Chamber Awards
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The Chamber held its annual Business Awards on Thursday 19 June, recognising the talent, resilience and success of companies across the region.
Held at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and supported by headline sponsor, Bernicia, the event brought together nearly 400 guests to celebrate outstanding achievements in areas including innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and community impact.
Winners were announced across 12 categories, with finalists spanning every sector – from creative industries and advanced manufacturing to professional services and clean energy.
Forfusion was named SME Business of the Year (regional), praised for its people-first culture, national growth and strong record on cyber-security and STEM. Wander also impressed judges and was highly commended.
Large Business of the Year (regional) went to Metrocentre, recognised for its turnaround success, sustainable operations and community partnerships.
Other winners included:
Regional category winners
- Sage plc / Sage Foundation – Community Business of the Year (Richard Reed Solicitors, highly commended)
- Jake Atkinson (Big Bite) – Rising Star
- Sam Gordon (Big Purple Group) – Entrepreneur of the Year
- Dawson & Sanderson Ltd – Customer Excellence Business of the Year
National category winners
- PD Ports – Green Innovation Business of the Year
- Walker Filtration – International Trade Business of the Year (AGMA Ltd, highly commended)
- Sustainable Business Services Ltd – Start Up and Grow Business of the Year
- Southern Asset Management Ltd – Digital and Technology Business of the Year
- Square One Law – People and Work Business of the Year
The night concluded with the announcement of PD Ports as the prestigious overall Business of the Year, sponsored by Middlesbrough College Group.
Judges praised PD Ports for its forward-thinking approach, combining a clear sustainability strategy with long-term investment in people and community. Its ambition to become the UK’s most sustainable port, supported by major infrastructure upgrades and a strong focus on skills, sets it apart as a sector leader.
Paul Foreman, chief operating officer at PD Ports, said: “Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team at PD Ports, who’ve fully backed our mission to cut carbon emissions across our operations.
“Our goal is to become the UK’s most sustainable port, powered by clean, green energy.
“Sustainability runs through everything we do – from multi-million-pound investments in electric-powered infrastructure to designing eco-conscious facilities and encouraging energy-saving initiatives across our workforce.
“Thank you to all of our teams in Teesside and across the UK for their hard work and dedication – these awards are recognition of that effort”.
John Johnston, chief executive of headline sponsor Bernicia, said: “North East businesses are the job and wealth creators, the economic growers and the reason so many families can live, work and thrive in this region. Tonight’s winners show the impact that ambition, resilience and leadership can have, not just within their organisations, but across our communities. Bernicia is proud to support the Chamber Awards and to celebrate those who are helping build a stronger North East for everyone.”
Winners of the national categories will go on to represent the region as automatic finalists at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards later this year, showcasing North East excellence on a national stage.
The evening was hosted by prominent North East advocate Charlie Charlton and featured live performances by the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir and students from Gateshead College.
Awards were handcrafted by the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.
The North East Chamber Business Awards are now in their fifth year and are supported by a wide range of category sponsors including: Business Durham, CrossCountry Trains, Erudus, Gateshead College, Howden Insurance, Intuit, Lumo, Middlesbrough College, North East Times, Port of Tyne, Pulsant and Society Matters Group.
The Chamber’s next major event is the Inspiring Women in Business Awards, taking place on 28 November 2025 at Newcastle Civic Centre. Entries are open until 12 noon on 5 September.
ENDS
Caption: (l-r) Gary Potts (Middlesbrough College Group), Michelle Robson, Paul Foreman, Joanna MacDonald, Jane Carey, Dan Kidd and Patti Burt (PD Ports), John Johnston (Bernicia).