Six North East companies are celebrating after winning King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The awards celebrate the achievements of Ƶ businesses and recognise the role they play in growing our economy and improving lives across four categories including innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.
The regional recipients are among 197 winning businesses across the Ƶ – two of which have won two awards – operating in a range of sectors, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of the business community. The companies toasting success include Newcastle-based Kinewell Energy, Shared Interest Society and Geopura, Darlington-based Zigup Plc, Cramlington’s Transmission Dynamics and North Shields-based OsecoElfab. Durham University spin-out Geoptic is also among the winners.
Offshore tech specialist Kinewell Energy, whose software tools are significantly reducing costs and improving energy yields in offshore wind farms, has been recognised in the international trade category, after seeing overseas sales jump 93% over the last three years.
Dr Andrew Jenkins, CEO and founder of Kinewell Energy, said: “When I started this venture, I could only dream of the journey ahead. To see our team’s dedication to innovation and excellence recognised at this level is truly humbling.
“This award celebrates not just our rapid growth in global markets, but the commitment to our core mission: helping the world reach net zero through innovative technology. As we continue to expand our international footprint, this prestigious recognition will serve as both validation of our path so far and inspiration for the ambitious road ahead.”
“But none of this would have been possible without the ingenuity and determination of our team to design, develop and deliver each of our innovative solutions.
“This award is also as much our success as a North East of England success. Our extensive R&D activities underpinning our software solutions have been made possible thanks to fantastic support from economic development initiatives such as the North East Combined Authority (NECA)’s TIGGOR programme delivered by ORE Catapult, InnovateƵ, The North East BIC, Innovation Supernetwork, RTC North, Energi Coast, and others.”
Vehicle rental and claims management specialist Zigup plc has developed a group apprenticeship and job experience initiative, leading it to being recognised in the promoting opportunity through social mobility category.
Martin Ward, CEO, said: “The team at Zigup are incredibly honoured to receive The Kings Award for Enterprise. This award recognises our efforts in promoting opportunity and reinforces the investments we are making in building skills for the future and the impact this is having on early careers, the communities in which we work and our credibility. “
GeoPura, the innovative clean energy company with a growing base in Newcastle, is celebrating a win in the innovation category, recognising its work in zero-emission hydrogen technology, specifically, the development and commercial success of its Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU).
Andrew Cunningham, CEO and founder, said: “At a time when the need for clean, reliable energy has never been greater, this award supports the shift to green hydrogen and zero-emission fuels. Our Hydrogen Power Units are helping to phase out polluting fuels like diesel and HVO that damage health and the environment. Our technology delivers scalable, reliable, zero-emission electricity wherever and whenever it is needed. From critical infrastructure and EV charging to media production and construction, we are cutting carbon, improving air quality, and enabling organisations across the Ƶ to accelerate their journey to net zero.
“It is an honour to be recognised on a national stage and even more meaningful to be building the future of clean energy in a region with such a proud industrial heritage. We are creating skilled jobs, training apprentices, and investing in the local supply chain right here in the North East.”
Cramlington-based engineering and technology company, Transmission Dynamics, receives an innovation award for its work in the rail industry, with its PANDAS-V, a solution which is used to improve railway safety and efficiency by detecting problems in real time before they cause disruption.
Jarek Rosinksi, executive chairman and founder, said: “Receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise is an incredible honour for our company, our employees, and the North East. It’s a proud moment that recognises the power of innovation coming from this region. We’re committed to continuing our investment in local talent, high-skilled jobs, and technology that makes a real difference.”
Patricia Alexander, managing directior of Shared Interest Society in Newcastle, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development is a profound honour for all of us at Shared Interest. It recognises the ongoing commitment of our members and staff to creating a fairer, more sustainable world. This award is a reflection of the impact we’ve made together — supporting producers with ethical finance so they can build resilient businesses and stronger communities.”
North Shields based OsecoElfab, which designs and manufactures safety devices for industrial pressure management, has been recognised for its excellence in international trade.
Managing director Steve Gallo said: “OsecoElfab are honoured to receive the King’s Award for International Trade, which is a testament to the steep growth our strategy has enabled, as well as to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. The company has responded to global economic challenges and opportunities with a strategy and execution model that focuses on geographic expansion, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer service.”
Meanwhile, Durham University spin-out company Geoptic, now based in Surrey, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for its pioneering approach to assessing the condition and safety of railway tunnels.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: “There are some exceptional businesses from the North East recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Kinewell Energy’s advanced efforts to combat climate change to ZIGUP’s work supporting disadvantaged groups access skilled careers.
“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in the North East and abroad, helping to boost the Ƶ economy.”
