The North East Automotive Alliance has unveiled the shortlist for its 2026 Annual Awards, recognising the businesses and individuals driving progress across the region’s automotive industry
The black-tie ceremony will take place on Friday, 27 March 2026, at the Ramside Hall Hotel and is hosted by journalist and skills advocate Charlie Charlton.
The awards honour achievement in apprenticeship and graduate development, sustainability, innovation, equality and business growth.
Beyond recognising commercial success, the event continues to deliver long-term regional impact. Since its launch in 2018, the awards have generated significant funding to support STEM outreach across North East schools and in 2026, total contributions will surpass the £100,000 milestone. The initiative plays a key role in connecting industry with education, helping to inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
This year’s finalists reflect a sector focused firmly on the future, investing in people, embedding sustainable practices and strengthening inclusive workplaces while remaining globally competitive.
2026 Awards Shortlist
Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, sponsored by Gateshead College
· Jamie Coates, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
· Daniel Gray, Magna Exteriors Sunderland
· Faye Moody, Magna Exteriors Sunderland
Graduate Award, sponsored by MADE NE
· Eve Kennedy, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
· Luke Marinan, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
· Matthew Swan, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, sponsored by Marelli
· Alice Charity, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
· Maria Dimova, Komatsu UK
· Maissae Drissennek, Magna Exteriors Sunderland
Sustainability Award – Multinational, sponsored by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
· Chemetall Ltd
· Marelli Automotive Systems UK Ltd
· Nifco UK
Sustainability Award – SME, sponsored by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
· Edwards Commercial Cleaning Ltd
· Olympus Power Ltd
· Springfield NE Ltd
Innovation Award – Multinational, sponsored by Newcastle University
· Chemetall Ltd (Viant Product)
· Chemetall Ltd (TechCool Product)
· Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (Charge Yard)
Innovation Award – SME, sponsored by Newcastle University
· SMS Technology Ltd
· Tbox Tech
· Turntide Technologies
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Employer Award, sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services
· Gateshead College
· Lear Corporation
· Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
SME of the Year Award, sponsored by North East Institute of Technology
· Advantex
· Jenks & Cattell Engineering Ltd
· SMS Technology Ltd
· Springfield NE Ltd
Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Sunderland City Council
· To be announced on the evening
Paul Butler, chief executive, North East Automotive Alliance, said: ““The NEAA Awards continue to showcase the best of our region’s automotive sector, and this year’s shortlist reflects the depth of talent, innovation and commitment we see across the network. From sustainability and innovation to skills, inclusion and leadership, these organisations and individuals are setting the benchmark for excellence and helping shape a competitive, future-ready automotive cluster here in the North East. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards dinner at the end of March.”
Winners will be announced at the awards dinner and tickets are available via the NEAA website.