SPONSORED: Attend the live event rewarding local businesses

Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive – North East – a direct briefing of the latest headlines to start the dayInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Subscribe

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time.More info

Thank you for subscribingWe have more newslettersShow meSee ourprivacy notice

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 North East Business Awards 2021, headline sponsored by Middlesbrough College and associate sponsored by Sage, 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 #nebizawards21 to keep up-to-date with the highly-anticipated event. For more information, visit the online hub. For tables, tickets and queries, email [email protected] or call 07825 762 040

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

Chronicle 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 North East Business Awards 2021 are:

Newcomer of the Year Sponsored by Virgin Money

Small Business Award

Apprenticeship, Training and Skills Award Sponsored by Northern Skills Group

High Growth and Ambition Award Sponsored by FW Capital

Innovation and Technology Award Sponsored by Sage

Manufacturing Award Sponsored by Nifco

Services Award Sponsored by Peacocks Medical Group

Heart of the Community Award Sponsored by University of Sunderland

Covid-19 Response Award Sponsored by North of the Tyne Combined Authority

Company of the Year

• Northumberland and Tyneside Company of the Year Sponsored by Newcastle City Council
• Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside Company of the Year Sponsored by Business Durham
• Teesside Company of the Year Sponsored by Tees Valley Business

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 Newcastle University

• The North East Business Awards 2021 will take place at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, on Thursday, September 23. #nebizawards21

To buy tickets or for any queries: email [email protected] or call 07825 762 040