The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has announced the winners of the 2025 NEAA Awards, recognising outstanding contributions in the sector.
The awards ceremony, which took place at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, showcased the region’s commitment to shaping the future of the automotive industry and investing in young people through STEM education.
Over £18,000 was raised on the night, bringing the total donations since the awards’ inception in 2018 to £94,000. These funds will support schools including Wardley Primary School, Coatham Primary School, Epinay School, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Washington Academy, Albany Village Primary School and Portobello Primary School. In addition, STEM projects such as Primary Engineer and the Nissan Skills Foundation will also benefit from the donations.
The NEAA is the leading business network for the automotive sector in the North East of England, with over 280 member companies. It supports the growth and competitiveness of regional businesses by fostering collaboration, driving innovation and promoting skills development within the industry.
A key feature of the evening was the inaugural Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, which was presented to Antonia-Lee Walker, ElringKlinger GB Ltd, recognising her passion for engineering, along with her leadership and commitment to advancing gender equality in the automotive industry.
2025 NEAA Awards Winners:
· Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award (sponsored by Gateshead College): Ethan Constable, Unipres UK
· Graduate Award (sponsored by Jabil): Liam Wilson, Marelli
· Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award (sponsored by Marelli): Antonia-Lee Walker, ElringKlinger GB Ltd
· Innovation Award (sponsored by Newcastle University): Multinational: Port of Tyne SME: Preston Technical
· Digital Transformation Award (sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services): Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (Highly Commended: Port of Tyne)
· Environmental and Sustainability Award (sponsored by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK): Multinational: Port of Tyne SME: SMS Technology
· Employer of the Year Award (sponsored by Education Partnership North East): Marelli (Highly Commended: Magna Exteriors Sunderland)
· SME of the Year Award (sponsored by North East Institute of Technology): AR Power
· Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Sunderland City Council): Paul Blanchard, managing director at Komatsu UK
The event was hosted by Charlie Charlton, journalist and skills advocate, who emphasised the importance of corporate social responsibility and the positive impact of the automotive sector on local communities.
The event also featured speakers including Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Jim Davison, national membership director at Make UK and Phil Witcherley, director of economic growth and innovation at the North East Combined Authority.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said: “This year’s awards have once again highlighted the exceptional talent and innovation within our region’s automotive sector. The winners are leading the way in pushing boundaries, embracing digital transformation and prioritising sustainability.
“Meanwhile, the fact we are very close to raising £100,000 for STEM education in our local schools, is an achievement everyone connected to the NEAA should be very proud of.”
Antonia-Lee Walker, ElringKlinger GB Ltd and winner of the Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, said: “Ten years ago, when I first joined ElringKlinger, a publicity piece was produced on myself and the main quote was ‘Breaking the Mould for Women in Engineering.’ The strong message about disrupting restrictive patterns and doing things a different way, has always stuck with me and driven me forward. Having had a passion for engineering from such a young age, I am delighted to be recognised for this award as it is about just that – women leading the way in this sector and shining the light behind them for other women to follow.”