Chamber Awards 2026 shortlist announced

North East business organisation has revealed the finalists for its annual awards, celebrating enterprise, leadership and innovation across the region.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has announced the shortlist for its Chamber Business Awards 2026, with 36 businesses and individuals reaching the final stage.

Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor Bernicia and supported by multi-platform publisher NET, the awards highlight achievements across a broad range of sectors.

Finalists include:

• Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Intuit – CrowdHouse Energy, Southern Asset Management, Tom Walker and Sons Ltd and Towne Lifting & Testing
• Larger Business of the Year, sponsored by Newcastle College – Eldon Square, Muckle LLP, Ramside Hall Hotel Golf & Spa and Ward Hadaway LLP
• Community Business of the Year, sponsored by Society Matters CIC – AV Dawson, Maldron Hotel Newcastle, Media Cultured and Radisson Blu Durham
  Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by Big Purple Group – Andrew Broadbent, of New College Durham; Helen Cowie, of Eldon Square; and Sarah House, of OCDC Cleaners Ltd
• Customer Excellence Business of the Year, sponsored by Lumo – Coffee Design, Integrated Utility Services and ITC Service
• Rising Star, sponsored by Gateshead College – Dylan Bingham, of CrowdHouse Energy; Kayleigh Reid, of Apexon; and Meg Hardiman of Community Foundation North East

The awards also include national categories, recognising organisations with the potential to progress to the British Chambers of Commerce awards later this year, including:

• People and Work Business of the Year, sponsored by Northumbrian Water – Global Procurement Group, Osbit Ltd and RS Industrial Services
• Digital and Technology Business of the Year, sponsored by NECRC – Alt Labs, Care Messenger Holdings Ltd and razorblue Group Ltd
• Green Innovation Business of the Year, sponsored by PD Ports – Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, Esh Group and SPARK Robotics
• International Trade Business of the Year, sponsored by Walker Filtration – Metec Cathodic Protection Ltd, NCFE and William Hackett
• Start Up and Grow Business of the Year, sponsored by Sage – North East Escapes, Skylark Asset Finance and SPELK

The overall Chamber Business of the Year, sponsored by Square One Law, will be selected from the winners as the most exceptional business in the region.

Ashley Carney, North East Chamber of Commerce events and awards manager, who leads the awards programme, said: “Once again, we’ve seen a fantastic response from businesses across the North East. 

“The quality of entries has been incredibly high, reflecting the strength, innovation and resilience of our business community.

“These awards are about recognising success, celebrating ambition and shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations making a real difference to our region.”

The final will take place on June 18 at The Glasshouse ICM, celebrating the region’s business talent and ambition.

Further information is available here.

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