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One of the North East’s best known businesswomen has won a lifetime achievement award.

Lorna Moran, founder and chair of Northern Recruitment Group (NRG), was one of five North East business leaders honoured for their success during the North East Entrepreneurial Awards.

The awards, which are organised by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, named Tony Cleary of Lanchester Group entrepreneur of the year while Dan Martin, CEO of Consett-based Elmtronics, won the emerging talent award.

The Scale-up Award, which recognises high growth businesses in the region, went to Toby Bridges, executive chairman of Killingworth-based supply chain management company, The NBT Group, while mentor of the year title was presented to Graham Sleep of IA Growth.

Jonathan Lamb, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “We received extremely strong nominations throughout each of the five award categories which showcases the depth and calibre of entrepreneurial talent within this region.

“Each of our award winners has played a huge part in creating innovative businesses which have delivered both jobs and prosperity to the North East. They are shining examples of this region’s entrepreneurial spirit and I hope their example will inspire a new generation of business leaders.”

Ms Moran, who was North East Business Executive of the Year in 1998, began her working life as a recruitment consultant before founding Geordie Job Finders in 1976. The company later became NRG, which still operates from a base in Newcastle city centre.

With Sir Peter Vardy, Ms Moran also founded the Entrepreneurs’ Forum in 2003 with the aim of providing inspiration and support to business leaders in the North East.