There seems to have been all-round applause for our BUSINESSiQ Awards at Ramside Hall last week.

It was a great evening with some amazing company, and everyone seemed in the right mood for a celebration - even before the event started, which later saw Business of the Year going to the Applebridge Family, and Ellen Thinnesen OBE, CEO of the Education Partnership North East being named Inspirational Leader of the Year.

In the foyer outside the Bishop Suite, hundreds of guests gathered - including a surprise guest appearance from Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.

As our photographs show, there was non-stop conversation and networking as people made the most of the chance to catch up.

  • Full report HERE and more photographs of the awards event itself tomorrow.