Partner Article

Manufacturers top NECC awards list

Proof that the North East still excels in the fields of engineering and manufacturing came last night a North East company fought off stiff competition to scoop the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) Business of the Year award.

Wellstream International, designers and manufacturers of pipeline products and systems for the oil and gas industries, headed a strong field of other award winners including fellow manufacturers, IT specialists and a holiday company.

This year’s Chamber Awards attracted a record number of applicants with the winners now going on to compete against companies nationwide and a top prize of £50,000 at a glittering Gala Dinner in London on the 29th November 2007.

Gate 7, a signage manufacturer and last year’s winner of the Exporter of the Year Award, again led the charge on the international front when they picked up this year’s Achievement in International Business.

ComeSys Europe, an innovative new company that design and manufacture control systems for automotive applications, were awarded Most Promising New Business with Entrepreneur of the Year going to Ryan Maughan, their operations director.

I4U, a Newcastle-based developer of software solutions for the healthcare industry won the prize for the Impact of Technology on your Business in a small company of less than 50 employees. DUCO Umbilicals, manufacturers and suppliers of umbilical systems to the offshore oil and gas industries won the same award for a large company of more than 50 employees.

Parkdean Holidays were on this occasion recognised for their clear commitment to staff development and won the Award for Performance through People.

Maggie Pavlou, NECC president, talked of her pride in the outstanding level of applicants at this year’s competition: “For years now these awards have recognised the companies building the North East’s reputation as a leading region for exciting businesses. I am constantly impressed not only by the quality but also the enthusiasm of the winners. Their drive and commitment really shows through in their results. We are delighted to present these awards and are extremely optimistic for the chances of the North East winners in the national finals.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .