PD Ports scoops top prize at Chamber Awards

The North East Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Awards yesterday (Thursday, June 19), celebrating the talent, resilience and success of companies across the region.

Nearly 400 guests gathered at The Glasshouse, in Gateshead, to mark achievements in innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and community impact.

Supported by headline sponsor Bernicia and hosted by Charlie Charlton, the evening featured live performances from Gateshead College students and the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir.

Awards were presented across twelve categories, with winners spanning sectors from clean energy and manufacturing to tech and professional services.

The big winner on the night was PD Ports, which scooped two awards – ‘Green Innovation Business of the Year’ and overall ‘Business of the Year’. 

Judges praised the Teesside-based port operator for its clear sustainability strategy, investment in people and infrastructure, as well as its ambition to become the UK’s most sustainable port.

Michelle Robson, PD Ports’ chief people and compliance officer, said: “We were thrilled to take home the Green Innovation Award – a true testament to our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

“To then be named Business of the Year was a huge honour – make no mistake, this win belongs to every single person across our ports up and down the UK, who turn up every day with grit, graft, loyalty and heart. 

“To be recognised in a room full of such incredible North East talent was a moment of pride not just for PD Ports, but for our whole region. 

“There is so much energy, ambition and innovation — the North East is on the move, and we’re proud to be part of driving that forward.

“We’re not finished yet, but we’ve made real progress – thank you to everyone who has helped us get here.”

Operating Teesport and ten other sites across the UK, PD Ports is targeting net-zero operations by 2040, with recent investment in electric-powered equipment, solar panels and a newly launched sustainability strategy having helped drive its green transformation.

Paul Foreman, chief operating officer at PD Ports, added: “Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team at PD Ports, who’ve fully backed our mission to cut carbon emissions across our operations.

“Our goal is to become the UK’s most sustainable port, powered by clean, green energy.

“Sustainability runs through everything we do – from multi-million-pound investments in electric-powered infrastructure to designing eco-conscious facilities and encouraging energy-saving initiatives across our workforce.

“Thank you to all of our teams in Teesside and across the UK for their hard work and dedication – these awards are recognition of that effort.”

Forfusion was named SME Business of the Year (regional), being recognised for its people-first culture, national growth and expertise in cyber-security and STEM.

Meanwhile, Metrocentre took home Large Business of the Year (regional), praised for its turnaround success, sustainability and community partnerships.

Other winners, who received handcrafted trophies from Sunderland’s National Glass Centre, included:

Regional category winners

• Sage plc / Sage Foundation – Community Business of the Year
• Jake Atkinson (Bigbite) – Rising Star
• Sam Gordon (Big Purple Group) – Entrepreneur of the Year
• Dawson & Sanderson Ltd – Customer Excellence Business of the Year

National category winners

• PD Ports – Green Innovation Business of the Year
• Walker Filtration – International Trade Business of the Year
• Sustainable Business Services Ltd – Start Up and Grow Business of the Year
• Southern Asset Management Ltd – Digital and Technology Business of the Year
• Square One Law – People and Work Business of the Year

John Johnston, chief executive of headline sponsor Bernicia, added: “North East businesses are the job and wealth creators, the economic growers and the reason so many families can live, work and thrive in this region.

“Tonight’s winners show the impact that ambition, resilience and leadership can have, not just within their organisations, but across our communities. 

“Bernicia is proud to support the Chamber Awards and to celebrate those who are helping build a stronger North East for everyone.”

Winners of the national categories will now represent the region at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards later this year.

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