Newcastle start-up takes national award win

A North East professional services business has been recognised with a major accolade at a UK-wide awards ceremony.

Castle Peak Group, based in Newcastle, has been named National Professional Services StartUp of the Year at the 2025 UK National StartUp Awards, announced at Ideas Fest earlier this month.

Founded in 2024, the family-run executive and board search firm works with public sector organisations and partners to strengthen governance, accountability and diversity in leadership.

The company was established by James Carss following more than a decade working in Asia. 

Inspired by inequality he witnessed in education and the workplace, he founded a business committed to inclusive leadership and to developing talent that mirrors the communities that organisations support.

James said: “Winning this award is a huge honour and a milestone moment for Castle Peak. 

“It recognises the vision we set out with – to challenge the status quo and bring more inclusive leadership into the public sector. 

“The award is also a credit to our small but determined team and to the organisations that have partnered with us in our first year. 

“We are only at the beginning of our journey, and this recognition gives us even greater energy to grow our impact.”

The UK StartUp Awards were created to celebrate new businesses across ten regions and highlight the entrepreneurs shaping the country’s economic future.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the UK StartUp Awards, added: “I am delighted to announce that Castle Peak Group has won their category at this year’s UK StartUp Awards national finals. 

“The best of the best from across the UK.”

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