BUSINESSiQ has always been proud to fly the flag for businesses across the North East, from boardroom to shopfloor, at offices, factories and labs around the region.

The business brand of The Northern Echo has championed the people and organisations that are redefining this remarkable place and putting it at the top of the list for investors and job creators, and with campaigns like Level Up, we have provided volume to the voices of hundreds of businesses.

Now we are taking that support to another level with the first BUSINESSiQ awards - an amazing night of celebration and spotlights.

Save the date in your diary - the awards will be at Ramside Hall on Friday 28th April 2023. The hall will be the venue for a black tie Champagne reception with a three-course meal, entertainment, guest speakers and awards for those who have gone above and beyond to make the North East the amazing place it is.

Across every category, we want to recognise the leaders bold enough to make the big decisions, their partners who build collaborations to support our future, the products and visions that are taking us forward at such a rate and the staff who make it all happen.

This is where you can play your part - by telling us about the people and businesses that have most impressed you.

Whether they are the largest multinational employer or the smallest start-up, or whether it is the leader who inspires or the innovator who is changing the sector, let us know what they are doing and why they deserve to be in the spotlight.
Our wonderful North East doesn’t easily divide into  zones - so there are no heats to keep track of with the BUSINESSiQ awards.
Just one whole region working together to secure new investments and bring jobs to people who want to build their careers here.
That means a single night (on a Friday so there is the chance of a lie-in....) of celebration, in luxurious surroundings with a quality meal and the chance to network like never before.
BUSINESSiQ’s time has come. We have grown as our region has grown and we want to mark that by giving you one of the best business nights of the year.

Our categories for the night will reward every sector:

Training and Skills Award 

With so many developments and investments in the region, having the right skills at the right time is vital. Which individuals or organisations are making the difference here and helping the region be ready for growth? 

 

Innovation Award 

We want to recognise the new ideas, processes, hardware or software that is set to change our lives. Who has done something no one has managed before to strengthen a sector and enhance a market? 

The Northern Echo: Our venue is Ramside HallOur venue is Ramside Hall (Image: Newsquest)

 

New Business of the Year 

You need courage and vision to launch a new business. Who has all that and  is impressing as they take the first few steps on the road to growth and job creation? 

 

Creative Business of the Year 

From digital pioneers to film-makers, designers and architects, we’re looking for that creative spark that is lighting up the region. Who’s creating change in the North East? 

 

Export Champion Award 

Having global clients means products and services of the highest quality. Who is flying the flag for the region by taking their goods around the world and attracting attention and investment? 

 

Diversity and Inclusion Award 

There has to be opportunity for all – that’s what this region was built on. So who has impressed you with their strategies and policies, but also with their passion for fairness and determination to deliver equality everywhere? 

 

Employee Health and Wellbeing Award 

Our most vital assets need looking after, nurturing and supporting. In such challenging times, who is making sure staff from the boardroom to the shopfloor are coping and are part of an understanding workplace family? 

 

Community Impact Award 

As well as investing in its own business, our great companies support the communities they are a part of. We need to find those who play a key role in your town, village or city and go above and beyond to help out. 

The Northern Echo: Our host for the night, Alfie JoeyOur host for the night, Alfie Joey (Image: Press release)

 

Net Zero Award 

The North East is the new energy capital of the UK, driven by the need to cut back on emissions and help get the whole country to Net Zero. We are looking for the companies and individuals who are leading that mission and setting the pace as the world watches. 

 

CLICK HERE or scan the code below to nominate someone.

The Northern Echo: Scan this QR code to get your entry detailsScan this QR code to get your entry details (Image: Newsquest)

Business of the Year 

There are so many to choose from, the businesses that we all respect and follow. They will be successful, but also principled, pioneering and superbly led. Who does it better than anyone else? 

 

Inspirational Leader of the Year 

Chosen by BUSINESSiQ, this person will be a champion of champions. This remarkable leader will proudly speak for our region and be the one others look up to and turn to for advice and inspiration. 

  • For details of how you can be part of the awards as a sponsor, drop a line to ryan.fenwick@localiq.co.uk