Turntide plots next move for chess tournament

A North East technology firm is making all the right moves as an employee-led chess tournament continues to grow.

Turntide Technologies welcomed 16 players from across the business to its Gateshead campus for the company’s second annual competition.

The tournament was organised by senior test automation engineer Dalil Benchebra, who competes in regional leagues alongside serving as secretary of Leam Lane Chess Club and sitting on the Northumberland Chess Association Executive Committee.

After a series of closely contested matches, Bradley Hopkins, who is working at Turntide on a fixed-term contract, emerged as champion and will be invited back to defend his title next year.

This year’s event also welcomed AFM Irina Briggs, chair of Leam Lane Chess Club and a nationally recognised player who has competed in the UK Blitz Championships.

Following the tournament, Bradley faced Irina in a best-of-three exhibition match, securing a 2-1 victory.

Organisers say the initiative goes beyond chess, providing colleagues with opportunities to connect outside their day-to-day roles and build relationships across the business.

The competition also taps into skills associated with the game, including strategic thinking, planning and problem-solving.

Dalil said: “What started as an idea between a handful of colleagues has quickly grown into something people genuinely look forward to each year. 

“It’s been fantastic to see employees from different teams and backgrounds taking part, whether they’re experienced players or simply keen to challenge themselves and learn something new.

“Chess encourages patience, strategic thinking and continuous learning, qualities that also underpin many aspects of engineering and innovation. 

“More importantly, though, it’s brought people together and created new connections across the business.

“We’ve also been fortunate to receive fantastic support from the local chess community. 

“Having Irina join us this year added something really special to the event and reflects the close links we’ve developed with clubs across the North East.

“Our ambition is to continue growing the tournament and, in the future, open it up beyond Turntide to players from across the region through a Turntide Invitational Chess Tournament, creating another opportunity to celebrate the game and strengthen our connection with the local chess community.”

Steve Hornyak, chief executive of Turntide Technologies, added: “One of the strengths of Turntide is the enthusiasm our people bring, not only to their work but to the wider culture of the business.

“This tournament is a great example of an employee-led initiative that has grown naturally because colleagues have embraced it. 

“It’s encouraged people from across the organisation to connect in new ways, while also strengthening our links with the local community through the North East chess scene.

“We’re incredibly proud of Dalil for turning his personal passion into something that benefits so many colleagues, and it’s exciting to see the competition continue to grow each year.”

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