The annual North East Automotive (NEAA) Awards is confirmed for Thursday, March 27, at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, with The Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness as the keynote speaker.
The NEAA is encouraging members to submit entries for the categories by the extended closing date of Friday, 14th February 2025.
This year’s ceremony will celebrate the ongoing efforts of the automotive industry to create career opportunities, improve sector appeal and develop a skilled workforce. It will also focus on inspiring the next generation of talent shaping the sector’s future.
Charlie Charlton, the national journalist and skills advocate, will return as host for the evening. Over 300 guests are expected to attend, bringing together key industry leaders to celebrate outstanding contributions to the sector.
The 2025 awards will introduce a new category: Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, sponsored by Marelli, one of the world’s leading global independent suppliers in the automotive sector. It will recognise women who have made a significant impact within the automotive sector at any stage of their careers, particularly those who have demonstrated leadership and innovation while advancing gender equality within the industry. Candidates will be evaluated based on their achievements, contributions to their organisation and their role as advocates for women in automotive. The award aims to highlight individuals who motivate others and contribute to increasing female representation in the sector.
Award sponsor, Marelli, highlighted in their latest Sustainability Report, “As an Engineering-based industry that has traditionally been male dominated, we know we are not going to change our business overnight, yet we are fully committed to building a culture in which women can succeed and thrive.”
Since its inception, the NEAA Annual Awards has raised over £76,000 to support STEM education and the development of future talent in the automotive industry, supported by its sponsors and partners The awards will recognise excellence in several categories, supported by distinguished sponsors:
Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, sponsored by Gateshead College; Graduate Award, sponsored by Jabil; Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, sponsored by Marelli; Innovation Award, sponsored by Newcastle University; Digital Transformation Award, sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services; Environmental and Sustainability Award, sponsored by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK; Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Education Partnership North East; SME of the Year Award, sponsored by North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT); Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Sunderland City Council.
A drinks reception is sponsored by longtime supporters, Smart Manufacturing Solutions and SMS Technology and an awards brochure is sponsored by B2B marketing agency, Horizon Works. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, along with wine for each table. The dress code for the evening is black tie and formal evening wear. Members and non-members are invited to secure their place at the event. Ticket prices:
· Members: Individual: £130 +VAT. Table of 10: £1,300 +VAT
· Non-Members: Individual: £200 +VAT. Table of 10: £2,000 +VAT
Paul Butler, CEO, NEAA, said: “The awards play a crucial role in recognising the achievements and ongoing efforts of individuals and organisations within the region’s automotive sector.
“It is very timely that our keynote speaker, Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East, who we know is hugely passionate about skills and the automotive sector is with us as we introduce, for the first time, the Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, highlighting our commitment to promoting diversity and leadership across all levels of the industry. It is important that we continue to support and celebrate the next generation of talent, ensuring that the sector remains innovative, dynamic and inclusive.
“The night, as always, will be a true celebration of the resilience within our sector and will be a real highlight of the year. Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters for making the awards possible. I look forward to celebrating the collective talent within our sector on the night.”
For more information and to submit entries, please visit: NEAA Annual Awards 2025.