Future leaders, growing SMEs and internationally recognised companies, are amongst some of the top talent to be recognised at the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) Awards 2023.
Held on Thursday 23 March at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, the evening will honour the brightest talent and outstanding achievements of companies shaping the North East automotive industry, while, at the same time, raising funds for a schools’ STEM project.
Paul Butler, chief executive of the NEAA, said: “We have a longstanding, world class automotive sector, here in the North East. We constantly see the arrival of new, innovative companies, the dynamic growth of established firms and with all of this the investment in top quality staff, especially young people, who are going to drive the sector forward in the years to come. The awards provide the opportunity to fly the flag for the region and, just as importantly, to remind ourselves, how far we have come as a sector and that we have turned potential into a powerful reality.”
Initiated in 2018 to support future generations within the sector, build sector attractiveness and to recognise talent, the awards are supported by some of the region’s most dynamic, forward-looking and successful automotive companies that, to date, have donated over £47,000 towards future talent within the industry.
Professor Matt Boyle OBE, chairman, NEAA, will welcome guests, followed by main event sponsor, Sunderland City Council.
Guests will be asked to make any level of donation to the automotive charity, Ben, which works with individuals and companies in the automotive sector to navigate life’s challenges, helping them make positive, lasting changes to their lives.
Shortlisted
Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, sponsored by Gateshead College
Nominees – Eden McGlen Unipres, Lily Turner – Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Molly Craggs – Envision AESC UK
Graduate Award, sponsored by Marelli
Elena Westerman – Envision AESC UK, Nathaniel Cutler – Komatsu UK, Owen Outterside – Komatsu UK
Innovation and Technology Award, sponsored by Newcastle University
Large/Multinational – Komatsu UK, Marelli, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
SME – Fuzzy Logic Studio, The Algorithm People, Vic Young
Sustainability Award, sponsored by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
Large/Multinational – Adient Seating, Marelli, Port of Tyne
SME – Aspire Technology Solutions, Vic Young
Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Invest South Tyneside
Adient Seating, Cummins, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Marelli
SME Company of the Year Award, sponsored by North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT)
Ford Engineering, Smart Manufacturing Solutions, Tomlinson Hall & Co.
Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Sunderland City Council
To be announced on the night.
Event sponsors also include Smart Manufacturing Solutions and SMS Technology, as drinks reception sponsor.
The company winners will receive a cheque which they will then donate to a STEM engagement programme or local school in support of an automotive or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related project, which helps to raise awareness of the importance of STEM and the attractiveness of a career within the automotive sector.
Paul Butler, added: “The evening will not only celebrate current talent and achievement but, also, raise a glass to the future of our industry. The company donations that are made to local schools that support automotive or STEM related projects are hugely important and highlights the investment and support that those within the industry are making for younger generations.
“The region is home to a world class automotive sector and it continues to be one of the most productive manufacturing sectors in Europe. As such, the opportunities for younger generations are vast and we must continue to work together to attract them whilst they are at school and making career choices.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the events main sponsor, Sunderland City Council, and all other sponsors and supporters. They make it possible for us all to celebrate the success of outstanding individuals and companies and highlight the ambition of the North East automotive sector, both regionally and internationally.”
Picture caption: Previous graduate winners Eve Davison and Jane Langton