Courage, conviction and comradery. Three words that reflect the past few weeks where I have been asked to judge two distinctly different competitions, but both of which left me inspired and thankful.
In a world that is beset with trial and tribulation, where all we hear about is how hard done by or how poor we are, the loss of critical services, and our North East region that is still constantly and consistently featured at the bottom of all enterprise and education league tables. Yet conversely all I see is how passionate, proud and productive young people and businesses have become.
Don’t get me wrong we have some significant challenges to contend with and some compelling research that highlights this. But all too often we seem to focus on the negatives rather than promoting the positives.
The first event I was asked to judge was the Law Awards at the Hilton. I was, once again astounded at the calibre of entrants and all of which made me think how much of an impact our professional services have made on our region, not just economically but socially. All of these successful legal firms and businesses employing hundreds of local people across the North of England. I must admit it was a hard job choosing between the entrants and for me all of them are worthy winners.
To see in-house solicitors be recognised from larger firms was refreshing, and to hear of how all of the legal teams had innovated and supported each other during Covid was a delight.
The second and even more impressive event was judging the emerging talent award with the Entrepreneurs Forum. Three had been shortlisted – Doxford Group in Northumberland, West Barn in Durham and Wander Films in Middlesbrough – from across the whole of our wonderful region.
Spending the day travelling with fellow Judges was a great experience as we got to properly get behind the scenes and see what makes these incredible entrepreneurs tick. These business leaders certainly put me to shame with their desire, direction and determination to succeed.
Each and every one of the finalists shared their inspirational story and tales of trials and tribulations. To say it was the hardest awards I have ever had to judge would be an understatement. I was overwhelmed and overjoyed with the immense talent we have in our region and the work of the Entrepreneurs Forum to showcase and platform these entrepreneurs is truly wonderful.
Being a judge is a very rewarding experience, although I imagine it is also a way for awarding organisations to say to me that I shouldn’t get any more awards…Which I am very happy with, as there are far more worthy people out there.
I am equally proud to be judging the Northern Asian Power-list and we also have our very own Annual Asian Business Connexions Awards on the 20th October. Which is still accepting entries. Why not come along and judge for yourself how great our talent is across the North East.
