Region’s outstanding businesses celebrate success at Chamber awards

Hosted at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and supported by headline sponsor Bernicia, the event welcomed over 350 guests to honour businesses making a significant impact through community engagement, innovation, sustainability and international growth.

Awards were presented across 12 categories, with finalists representing a diverse range of sectors and sizes, from growing businesses to established organisations and emerging leaders.

CrowdHouse Energy was awarded the prestigious overall Business of the Year, sponsored by Square One, as well as the Small Business of the Year award (regional), sponsored by Intuit.

Judges praised CrowdHouse Energy for its strong growth and commercial success as well as the business’s commitment to sustainability. The company has evolved from a small North East start-up into a trusted solar power provider, achieving strong year-on-year growth through innovation, quality delivery and strategic investment.

Richard Blackwell, CEO and co-founder of CrowdHouse Energy, said: “To receive both Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year is genuinely overwhelming. We never expected this, and we are incredibly grateful to the judges and the wider business community for this recognition.

“You only achieve something like this because of the people around you. Our team, our customers, our partners and the support we have received across the North East have all played a huge part in our journey.

“Having experienced business in other parts of the country, the warmth, collaboration and willingness of people here to help each other succeed is something that stands out. We are incredibly proud to be part of that community and honoured to receive this recognition”

Larger Business of the Year (regional) went to Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa, recognised for its success amid sector adversity and its regional impact as a leading North East staycation destination. Eldon Square also impressed judges and was highly commended.

Other winners included:

Regional category winners

• AV Dawson – Community Business of the Year (Media Cultured, highly commended)

• Andrew Broadbent (New College Durham) – Business Leader of the Year

• Coffee Design – Customer Excellence Business of the Year

• Meg Hardiman (Community Foundation North East) – Rising Star

National category winners

• Esh Group – Green Innovation Business of the Year

• William Hackett – International Trade Business of the Year

• North East Escapes – Start Up and Grow Business of the Year

• Care Messenger Holdings – Digital and Technology Business of the Year

• Osbit Ltd – People and Work Business of the Year

John Johnston, chief executive of headline sponsor Bernicia, said: “Bernicia is proud to sponsor the North East Chamber Business Awards again and celebrate the outstanding businesses that make this region so special. Congratulations to all of the winners and shortlisted businesses recognised this year.

“The stories shared throughout the evening showed real passion, vision and courage. In challenging times, North East businesses continue to create jobs, support communities and create opportunities that help people and places take the next step, unlocking the full potential of the North East.”

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 Royal Beats and Northern Daughters by ISG, and students from Gateshead College.

The North East Chamber Business Awards are now in their sixth year and are supported by a wide range of category sponsors, including: Intuit, Newcastle College, Society Matters CIC, Big Purple Group, Lumo, Gateshead College, PD Ports, Walker Filtration, Sage, North East Cyber Resilience Centre, Northumbrian Water and Square One.

The Chamber’s next major event is the Inspiring Women in Business Awards, taking place on 27 November 2026 at Newcastle Civic Centre. Entries will open at the end of this month.