Partner Article

Business stars take centre stage at awards celebration: North East Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

North East Chamber of Commerce
www.necc.co.uk 
LinkedIn: North East Chamber of Commerce

A number of North East organisations and individuals were honoured at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards. Held at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, the evening attracted hundreds of guests, with organisations celebrated for their successes across areas including community engagement, innovation, sustainability and international growth.

The North East’s business community has been celebrated at an awards ceremony.

A host of organisations and individuals were championed at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards.

Hosted at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, and supported by headline sponsor Bernicia, the event welcomed more than 350 guests to honour the businesses and people making a significant impact through community engagement, innovation, sustainability and international growth.

Awards were presented across 12 categories, with CrowdHouse Energy taking home the business of the year award, sponsored by Square One, and the small business of the year award (regional), sponsored by Intuit.

Judges praised Newcastle-based solar power provider CrowdHouse Energy for its strong growth and commercial success, as well as the business’ commitment to sustainability.

Richard Blackwell, co-founder and chief executive, said: “To receive both awards is overwhelming.

“We never expected this, and we are incredibly grateful to the judges and the wider business community for this recognition.

“You only achieve something like this because of the people around you.

“Our team, our customers, our partners and the support we have received across the North East have all played a huge part in our journey.

“Having experienced business in other parts of the country, the warmth, collaboration and willingness of people here to help each other succeed is something that stands out.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of that community and honoured to receive this recognition.”

The larger business of the year (regional) award went to Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa, which was recognised for its success amid sector adversity and its regional impact as a leading North East staycation destination.

Eldon Square was highly commended.

Other winners included:

Regional category winners:

AV Dawson – Community business of the year (Media Cultured, highly commended)
Andrew Broadbent (New College Durham) – Business leader of the year
Coffee Design – Customer excellence business of the year
Meg Hardiman (Community Foundation North East) – Rising star

National category winners:

Esh Group – Green innovation business of the year
William Hackett – International trade business of the year
North East Escapes – Start up and grow business of the year
Care Messenger Holdings – Digital and technology business of the year
Osbit Ltd – People and work business of the year
John Johnston, chief executive at North East social housing organisation Bernicia, said: “We are proud to sponsor the awards again and celebrate the outstanding businesses that make this region so special.

“The stories shared throughout the evening showed real passion, vision and courage.

“In challenging times, North East businesses continue to create jobs, support communities and create opportunities that help people and places take the next step, unlocking the full potential of the North East.”

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

The evening was hosted by North East advocate Charlie Charlton and featured live performances by Royal Beats and Northern Daughters by ISG, as well as students from Gateshead College.

The North East Chamber Business Awards were supported by category sponsors including Intuit, Newcastle College, Society Matters CIC, Big Purple Group, Lumo, Gateshead College, PD Ports, Walker Filtration, Sage, North East Cyber Resilience Centre, Northumbrian Water and Square One.

The Chamber’s next major event is the Inspiring Women in Business Awards, taking place on November 27, 2026 at Newcastle Civic Centre.

To learn more about the North East Chamber of Commerce and how its member-based services could support your organisation, visit the website at the top of this article.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by N Magazine .