Around 400 people attended the hugely successful 2018 North East Entrepreneurial Awards at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead to celebrate the region's outstanding business success stories.
Entrepreneur’s Forum chairman James Robson MBE said: “This was a hugely successful celebration of people who have a passion, not only for business, but for the North East as well.
“We received extremely strong nominations in each of the categories which is very encouraging for the future of innovation and the creation of bold and successful businesses here in the North East.
“The awards were a showcase for their talent and accomplishments and provided an example to other entrepreneurs of what can be achieved. I hope their success stories will act as an encouragement to others.”
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Lianne Walker MBE, group managing director of Washington-based Walker Filtration, was named as Entrepreneur of the Year. Lianne took over the business, which designs and manufactures compressed air and filtration equipment, in 2005 and set about guiding it towards a more specialised and lucrative market.
The firm, founded eight years earlier by her father Brian in his garage, most recently recorded an annual turnover of £30m. Its success is based on a company ethos of combining technological know-how with problem solving and an ability to swiftly respond to ever-changing industry needs.
A takeover in March by Swedish firm Atlas Copco is expected to make Walker Filtration one of the world’s largest manufacturers of filtration products – presenting a great opportunity to further strengthen the position of manufacturing in the North East.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Pamela Petty was named Mentor of the Year after founding her own entrepreneur mentoring business, Entreprenising, in June 2016.
Pamela has a strong track record in North East industry, having previously worked as managing director for Ebac, founded by her father John Elliott. During her tenure the company diversified from its traditional dehumidifier business to begin manufacturing freezers and washing machines.
She was described by those entrepreneurs who have benefited from her business mentoring as having a “passion for UK manufacturing while she was further praised for being extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy.
EMERGING TALENT
Jordan McCabe, founder of Aztec Diamond Equestrian, was presented with the Emerging Talent award after turning a childhood passion for horse riding and clothing design into a successful and highly profitable business.
Jordan, who was a keen showjumper, launched her own clothing range for equestrians in 2014 after realising there was a gap in the market for clothing which was fashionable, technical and affordable. Designed, manufactured and sold from her County Durham base, Aztec Diamond Equestrian has become so popular in the UK that Jordan is now looking to launch the range in the United States.
SCALE-UP AWARD
Kevin Brown, managing director of Pacifica Group, won the Scale-Up Award. The support services firm provides extended warranties and after-sales support for domestic appliance repairs and in-house heating appliances.
Starting out with just four employees, Pacifica has grown to become one of the largest companies of its kind in the country, employing over 470 people and posting an increased turnover of £27.2m in 2017. Despite its phenomenal growth, the company is focused on increasing its market share and engaging more closely with manufacturers while offering customers exceptional standards of service.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Sunderland entrepreneur Paul Callaghan CBE was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The chairman and co-founder of global software and internet company, Leighton Group, was lauded for his vision and innovation in this fast-paced sector, as well as the huge commitment he has given throughout his career to championing and helping to drive the North East economy forward.
The five categories of the awards, held in partnership with the North East Growth Hub, were supported by Ward Hadaway, The Malhotra Group, NBS, IA Growth and Make It Sunderland. The North East Fund supported the networking and drinks reception. The evening was hosted by one of the world’s leading explorers, Benedict Allen.
The Entrepreneurs' Forum support more than 300 aspirational North East business owners in all sectors, helping to expand their networks, improve leadership skills, share experience, create new opportunities and grow their business. For more information call 0191 500 7780 or visit www.entrepreneursforum.net
