We're delighted to announce the finalists for our 2025 Entrepreneurial Awards - join us this September as we celebrate their success and reveal our winners!
Open to everyone in the North East business community, this year’s awards dinner takes place on Thursday 18th September at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead with official after-party at PILGRIM. It’s a night dedicated to shining a spotlight on the remarkable people building brilliant ventures right here in the region.
It’s an unforgettable evening packed with the North East’s most exciting and inspiring business leaders. At the heart of the event is our brilliant host Jo Darby, who swaps her heels for sparkly trainers as she dashes from table to table, mic in hand and cameraman in tow, capturing the real stories behind the success. The finalists will bring objects and photographs that sum up their entrepreneurial journeys, setting the scene for Jo’s uniquely fun interviews – expect surprises, authentic answers and plenty of personality. It’s fast-paced, full of energy and captures everything we love about our community.
Plus, for the very first time, our award celebrations will continue late into the night as PILGRIM opens their famous doors for our official after-party. From 10pm, winners, nominees, partners, guests and crew will join us for dancing and drinks as we celebrate the best the region has to offer – all sound-tracked by top DJs.
I always say this is one of my favourite nights of the year, not just because it’s fun (which it really is), but because it reminds us just how much talent, resilience and creativity we have across the region. From first-time founders to seasoned leaders, the stories we’ll hear are full of passion and purpose.
Before then, let me introduce you to the brilliant people you’ll be cheering for
Supported by UMi, One to Watch recognises those at the beginning of something big. This award will be presented to an entrepreneur who is building a business with exceptional potential, while also making a positive impact on the region. This year’s finalists are:
Alex and Ross Longton, Tiba Tempeh
Victoria Taylor, Probe Industries
Stewart Dickson, Weardale Lithium
Kayleigh Laverick, Mamma Social Co.
Jonny and Antonia Philip, Nursem
Chris Wood, Tanglewood Games
Our Impact Award was created to recognise entrepreneurs who are making business a force for good, leading resilient and inclusive companies that contribute to improvement of the North East by meeting one or more of the United Nations Sustainability Goals. This year’s finalists are:
Nicki Clark, UMi
Sam Spoors, Talentheads
Nicola Wood, The Wonderful Wig Company
Supported by Ward Hadaway, Entrepreneur of the Year recognises an entrepreneur who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength in leading a high-growth business to exceptional success. This award recognises their innovation, teamwork and leadership, as well as their positive economic impact on our region. Having previously been won by John Hays (Hays Travel), Phil Cronin (Tombola) and Lianne Walker MBE (Walker Filtration), this year’s finalists are:
Brinsley Sheridan, RE:GEN Group
Mark Thompson, Ryder Architecture
Lee Hartley, Fairstone Group
Dr Arnab Basu MBE, Kromek
Chosen by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum board, the Caroline Theobald Award honours those who serve as an exemplary role model for entrepreneurship, giving their time to inspire, mentor and support others. Supported by RTC North, this year’s finalists are:
Richard Bradley, Dyer Engineering
Tania Cooper MBE, Steel Benders
Ammar Mirza CBE, AmmarM Group
Kate Cooper-Fay, Cooper-Fay Harris
Also chosen by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum board, our most prestigious award – the Lifetime Achievement – recognises someone who’s made a long-lasting impact on the region and inspired a generation of business leaders. Our previous winners include Forum founders Sir Peter Vardy and Lorna Moran OBE, Sir John Hall and Dame Margaret Barbour.
Open to everyone in the North East business community, this is your invitation to raise a glass with us, make new connections, be inspired and help illuminate the brilliant entrepreneurs who are building the future of the region.
If you are someone who loves great company, good vibes and cheering on the North East’s brightest business stars, why not book your seat now?
I can’t wait to celebrate with you,
Elaine Stroud, CEO, Entrepreneurs’ Forum