Double triumph for North East businesses

Two North East businesses are celebrating a national awards double after impressing judges with their approaches to digital innovation and workforce development.

Care Messenger Holdings and Northumberland-based engineering specialist Osbit have been named winners at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Business Awards 2026, securing the Digital Revolution Award and Future of Work Award, respectively.

Both businesses are members of the North East Chamber of Commerce, with their national success following recognition at regional level.

Care Messenger Holdings received its award for Chatta TV, a platform designed to help older and vulnerable people stay connected with family members and care providers through their televisions, without requiring smartphones, tablets or apps.

Paul Slaughter, chief executive of Care Messenger Holdings, said: “We are proud to receive the Digital Revolution Award. 

“Chatta TV was created to ensure older and vulnerable people are not left behind by digital change. 

“This recognition reflects years of development, testing and partnership working, but this isn’t the end of the story; we plan to take simple, inclusive communication to more families and care settings.”

Pictured, from left to right, are Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce; Wayne Muter, creative solutions director of Care Messenger Holdings; and Paul Slaughter, chief executive of Care Messenger Holdings

Meanwhile, Osbit, which develops specialist engineering solutions for the offshore energy sector, was recognised for its commitment to developing talent and creating skilled employment opportunities.

Since launching its apprenticeship programme, the company has welcomed 11 apprentices, all of whom have progressed into permanent roles.

It also hosts between ten and 20 university placement students annually, providing experience on live engineering projects and opportunities to progress into graduate employment.

Osbit’s workforce development initiatives include its LearnEx knowledge-sharing platform and regular TechTalks, which encourage employees to exchange expertise and develop their skills.

Its commitment extends into schools, colleges and universities, with 75 employee STEM ambassadors dedicating 458 hours to outreach activities across 64 events last year, reaching more than 5800 young people.

The recognition comes as Osbit continues expanding its engineering capabilities at the Port of Blyth, where development of its build and test facilities is expected to create further skilled jobs.

Nigel Ward, managing director of Osbit, added: “We are delighted to receive the Future of Work Award. 

“Our people are central to Osbit’s success, our team have worked hard to create an environment where individuals can learn quickly, take responsibility and contribute ideas. 

“This award belongs to our whole team and reinforces our commitment to developing engineering talent and creating rewarding careers in the North East.”

The double success highlights the contribution of North East businesses to technological innovation, workforce development and the region's growing engineering sector.

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “To see two of our members recognised as national winners for the second year running is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the talent, innovation and ambition we have here in the North East.

“Care Messenger Holdings and Osbit are very different businesses, but both demonstrate what can be achieved through investing in people, embracing new ideas and finding practical solutions to real challenges.

“We’re incredibly proud to see their achievements recognised nationally and congratulate both teams on this well-deserved success.”

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