North East HR&D Awards – Meet the finalists!

The wait is nearly over.

There is now less than a month to go until this year’s North East HR&D Awards – and we can today exclusively reveal the finalists for the showpiece event!

Nearly 30 companies and organisations from a variety of industries will vie for honours across 12 categories at the June 5 ceremony.

Returning for its 17th year, the event – proudly supported by headline partner TDR, the North East-based apprenticeship and upskilling training course provider – will once again shine a spotlight on the stars of the region’s HR and learning and development community.

And following 2024’s fabulous Roaring ‘20s-themed spectacle – which drew record attendance and a near 40 per cent rise in award submissions alongside new event partner NET – the stage is set for another unforgettable evening.

Scores of nominations for the 2025 ceremony, which will be held at The Fed, in Gateshead, were carefully reviewed by the North East Work and Talent (NEWT) advisory board, with judges praising numerous examples of outstanding practice.

Elouise Leonard-Cross and Sarah Carnegie, joint chairs of NEWT, which reflects a cross-section of expertise and experience in people management from organisations across the region, say: “We’re delighted to reveal this year’s finalists.

“Every organisation on the shortlist showcases the passion and innovation that is driving our region forward.

“The North East is full of opportunity, and these awards reflect the outstanding efforts of those making a difference to people’s working lives.

“Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations, and a big thank you to our brilliant headline, category and wider event partners.”

Award category partners include CIPD, Esh Group, Jackson Hogg, North East Chamber of Commerce, Northumbrian Water Group, NPH Group, Sullivan Brown HR Recruitment & MI-Say and Womble Bond Dickinson.

Square One Law is the event’s film partner, with Motivait the evening’s digital engagement partner.

Talentheads and the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network are the ceremony’s photo booth and programme partners, respectively.

The finalists are:

Excellence in People & Technology, in partnership with Sullivan Brown HR Recruitment & MI-Say

Aspire Technology Solutions

Newcastle Building Society

Tracerco

Excellence & Positive Impact, in partnership with CIPD

Esh Group

J Barbour & Sons Ltd and Smart Works Newcastle

Komatsu UK

Excellence in SME People Practices

Inflo

Senstronics Ltd

Westray Recruitment Group, in partnership with Inspired HR

Excellence in Inclusivity & Diversity, in partnership with Northumbrian Water Group

Chevron Traffic Management

Gosforth Civic Theatre

Karbon Homes

Excellence in Health & Wellness, in partnership with NPH Group

Advance Northumberland

Everyturn Mental Health

Husqvarna

Excellence in Reward & Benefits, in partnership with North East Work and Talent (NEWT)

Global Procurement Group

NCFE

Newcastle Building Society

Excellence in Supporting Armed Forces Talent

Chevron Traffic Management

Esh Group

Northumbrian Water Group

Excellence in Organisational & People Development, in partnership with North East Chamber of Commerce

Gentoo Group Ltd

Tracerco

UNW LLP

Excellence in Talent Attraction & Employer Brand, in partnership with Jackson Hogg

Inflo

J Barbour & Sons Ltd

NCFE

Excellence in Apprenticeships, in partnership with TDR 

Home Group

KAEFER

OsecoElfab

Excellence in Leadership, in partnership with Esh Group

Aspire Technology Solutions

ConocoPhillips

Global Procurement Group

HR&D Team of the Year, in partnership with Womble Bond Dickinson

Chevron Traffic Management

Gentoo Group Ltd

iamproperty

For further information about the 2025 North East HR&D Awards, contact:

Lesley Hampson – lesley@netimesmagazine.co.uk

Dawn Owens – dawn@netimesmagazine.co.uk

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