The NE Community Champion Awards 2025 continue to gather momentum, with all eight award categories now fully sponsored by a diverse group of organisations ranging from global industry leaders to some of the North East’s most respected professional firms.
Launched by Northern Leaders Trust alongside joint main sponsor Association of Education Advisers (AoEA), the awards celebrate young people across the Newcastle area who demonstrate kindness, courage, leadership and commitment to their communities.
This year’s strong sponsor line-up reflects both the growing profile of the awards and the depth of support from organisations that are deeply invested in education and creating equal opportunity for all.
Among the sponsors are Ryder Architecture – a firm with a proud history of supporting and nurturing young people, founded on the belief that education is the cornerstone of meaningful community impact; BAM Construction and AtkinsRéalis – all are international businesses with a global footprint and a strong commitment to sustainability and investing in social value in the places where they operate.
They are joined by Develop North, a Northeast-based investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange and Brims, a Gateshead-based building contractor with a strong track record of working on education and community projects.
The sponsor group also includes Muckle LLP, one of the North’s leading law firms; The Education Network, a specialist recruitment consultancy embedded in schools across the region; and Hart Family Accountancy, a respected firm supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Shaun Porter, Director at The Education Network and sponsor of the Community Hero Award, said: “As an organisation that is heavily involved in schools and communities across the region, we see every day how dedication, kindness and leadership can change lives. Supporting the Community Champion Awards allows us to shine a light on those who go above And beyond to help others thrive.”
Tony Fitzgerald, Director North at BAM Construction and sponsor of the Eco Ambassador Award, added: “BAM is an industry-leading sustainable construction business and we care deeply about our impact on people and the planet. We all have a responsibility to care for our environment and the communities we work in, helping to build a more sustainable tomorrow.”
Michelle Percy, Chief Executive of Develop North and sponsor of the Special Recognition Award, said: “Events like this really help to shine a light on the very best of Northeast community spirit and youth development and typify everything that is truly great about this wonderful region, its history and its roots.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 12th February 2026 at the Vertu Motors Arena, home of the Newcastle Eagles, bringing together finalists, families, schools, sponsors and civic leaders for an evening of celebration.
With nominations already exceeding previous years, organisers say the response reflects both the strength of the young people being nominated and the appetite across the region to recognise them.
Nominations remain open until 31st January to anyone wishing to put forward a young person under 18 who attends a Newcastle school or college.
To nominate, visit www.northernleaderstrust.org. It takes just five minutes and could make a lasting difference to a young person.