One of the North East’s most highly respected business leaders is backing the BUSINESSiQ Awards, saying there is ‘a buzz’ around the whole region.

Teesside icon Wilton Group - led by Bill Scott - is sponsoring the Export Champion Award at our big event on April 28 at Ramside Hall.

We now know the full list of shortlisted firms - so the build-up is well underway.

  • To get your tickets for the BUSINESSiQ Awards, CLICK HERE

Tickets are on sale NOW for what will be one of the biggest Northern Echo events - when the spotlight is turned on outstanding businesses and leaders like Wilton’s CEO.

Bill is constantly in demand from businesses seeking his advice and Government bodies wanting his insight. He is an Export Champion and works with the Department of International Trade, so his choice of category for our big night is no surprise.

He told us: “I’ve personally been an Export Champion for about five years and I value the role and the effort people and businesses put into role, so we were impressed that BUSINESSiQ had the foresight to raise the effectiveness of what Export Champions do. Exporting dramatically increases GDP so it’s important to raise the topic.

“Events like this are hugely important so that we are able to celebrate the amazing people and businesses whilst raising the profile within the North East.

The Northern Echo: Bill ScottBill Scott (Image: Newsquest)

“There is a definite buzz about what the future looks like. Yes, there are negative things going on regarding the rising cost of living, however, having successful, efficient businesses pushing through barriers is a sure way to speed up the reduction of inflation and thus reducing costs.”

As Bill told me when I last interviewed him, it’s all about the Wilton people for him.

“I’m still learning every day. We don’t have any hierarchy here to stop that. Yes, I’m the CEO but I’m just an employee of the company and I think that’s where a lot of people go wrong.

“They need to grasp that and understand that every person matters. It doesn’t matter what you do from the guys in the shop floor, the office, the account staff, the finance people, the planners, they’ve all got a job to do.


Read next:

“That’s your jigsaw and if they don’t do their job correctly, you can’t finish your jigsaw.”

With that sort of approach and a growing order book, Wilton is one of the region’s most valuable long-term assets.

“We’re looking to identify and recruit our next cohort of apprentices, negotiate long term projects which in turn will create long term sustainability, install 6 EV stations and supporting the local community with an array of various projects,” he explains.