The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has unveiled the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2025 NEAA Awards, showcasing the region’s most outstanding individuals and businesses within the automotive sector.
Taking place on Thursday 27 March 2025 at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham, it will celebrate those driving innovation, sustainability and progress within the industry.
Central to this year’s event is the NEAA’s ongoing commitment to supporting STEM education and nurturing the next generation of talent. Since its inception, the NEAA Awards has raised over £76,000 to fund STEM initiatives in schools, linking the automotive industry with young people and inspiring them to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. Winners from this year’s shortlist will further contribute to these STEM efforts, strengthening the connection between the sector and education.
The shortlist recognises exceptional contributions across several categories, including the Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, Graduate Award, Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, Innovation Award, Digital Transformation Award, Environmental and Sustainability Award, Employer of the Year Award, SME of the Year Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award.
The Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, sponsored by Marelli, is a new category for 2025. It recognises women who have made a significant impact at any stage of their careers, particularly those demonstrating leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing gender equality in the automotive sector. The award aims to celebrate individuals who inspire others and contribute to increasing female representation in the industry.
Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East, will deliver the keynote address.
Kim, said: “Car making is part of the North East’s industrial heritage and the sector will play a vital role in our region’s future. I’m delighted to support the NEAA Awards, celebrating the skill, talent and pride of our workers and businesses.”
Charlie Charlton, journalist and skills advocate, will return as host.
Charlie, said: “It’s rare to have an awards show where the big cheques go to the schools nurturing future talent for the industry. It is encouraging and uplifting to see proper corporate social responsibility in action.”
The 2025 shortlist:-
Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award (sponsored by Gateshead College)
• Ethan Constables, Unipres UK • Eve Kennedy, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK • Abbiemay Wilkinson, Marelli
Graduate Award (sponsored by Jabil)
• Chris Fitzpatrick, Faltec Europe • Liam Wilson, Marelli • Kiera Yilmaz, Magna Exteriors Sunderland
Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award (sponsored by Marelli)
• Claire Jones, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK • Antonia-Lee Walker, ElringKlinger GB Ltd • Marion Milsom, Springfield NE
Innovation Award (sponsored by Newcastle University)
• Large/Multi-National: Jabil, MADE NE, Port of Tyne • SME: IPS Newcastle, Preston Technical, Springfield NE Ltd
Digital Transformation Award (sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services)
• Jabil, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Port of Tyne
Environmental and Sustainability Award (sponsored by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK)
• Large/Multi-National: Marelli, Port of Tyne • SME: Smart Manufacturing Solutions Technology Ltd (SMS Tech), Sustainable Business Services
Employer of the Year Award (sponsored by Education Partnership North East)
• AESC UK, Magna Exteriors Sunderland, Marelli
SME of the Year Award (sponsored by North East Institute of Technology)
• AR Power, Smart Manufacturing Solutions Technology Ltd (SMS Tech), Springfield NE Ltd
Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Sunderland City Council)
• Announced on the evening
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said: “The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations in the automotive sector while highlighting the importance of investing in STEM education. This year’s shortlist showcases innovation and excellence and I look forward to celebrating these contributions with our members and partners.”
Tickets for the awards ceremony are still available. For more information and to secure your place, visit the NEAA website at: https://northeastautomotivealliance.com/events/neaa-annual-awards-2025/