With lockdowns and restrictions dominating 2020 and the first half of 2021, staying, shopping and supporting local was vital throughout the past year.

The strong communities throughout the north east made sure to sustain the independent businesses close-by, while the entrepreneurs reciprocated the kindness with adapted services and economic resilience.

Shining a spotlight on these efforts, the , headline sponsored by and associate sponsored by , will be held on Thursday, September 23, live at The Grand Marquee at Hardwick Hall.

The glittering black-tie event will be extra special this year as we return back to in-person networking and no more virtual catch-ups. Discovering the successes across the region will no longer be in the blue light of the computer screen, instead under the bright stage lights in front of hundreds of local business elite. Drinks will be flowing and excitement will be bouncing throughout the hall as we wait to find out who will take the coveted titles.

Make sure you use the tag to keep up-to-date with the highly-anticipated event. For more information, visit the . , email paige.jackson@reachplc.com or call 07825 762 040

North East Business Awards logo
North East Business Awards logo

The big evening is dedicated to highlighting those leading their field right on our doorstep.

and Journal editor Helen Dalby said: “There has never been a more challenging year for businesses everywhere, but we know from the stories we have been writing over the last 12 months that North East firms have stepped up to the plate and met the demands of the pandemic with ingenuity and tenacity.

“Winning one of these awards is the ultimate accolade for companies in our region.”

The sentiment was reiterated by 2020's North East Company of the Year, Gateshead firm Aspire Technology Solutions.

Managing director, Chris Fraser said: “News of the win is something we’ve really enjoyed sharing with our customers. We’re a proud North East business, as are a huge number of our clients. To be acknowledged in such fashion means the world.

“The enthusiasm it has created has been a fantastic contributor to another year of record sales and growth at Aspire and helped us to attract incredibly talented people to join the Aspire family."

The categories for the are:

Newcomer of the Year Sponsored by

Small Business Award

Apprenticeship, Training and Skills Award Sponsored by

High Growth and Ambition Award Sponsored by

Innovation and Technology Award Sponsored by

Manufacturing Award Sponsored by

Services Award Sponsored by

Heart of the Community Award Sponsored by

Covid-19 Response Award Sponsored by

Company of the Year

  • Northumberland and Tyneside Company of the Year Sponsored by
  • Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside Company of the Year Sponsored by
  • Teesside Company of the Year Sponsored by

The winners of the above three awards will then go head-to-head for the title of:

North East Company of the Year Sponsored by

  • The will take place at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, on Thursday, September 23.

To buy tickets or for any queries: email paige.jackson@reachplc.com or call 07825 762 040