A leading North East businessman has been honoured for his long-standing service to the region’s automotive industry with a special outstanding contribution award.
Professor Matt Boyle, OBE, who has chaired the North East Automotive Alliance since 2010, received the accolade at the organisation’s annual awards dinner, which celebrates the talented businesses and individuals driving the region’s automotive supply chain.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said: "The announcement of the award was greeted by guests at the dinner, the vast majority of whom are more than aware of the contribution Matt has made not just to the NEAA but to the manufacturing sector across the UK, over many years.
"Matt’s award, alongside those presented to the Apprentice and Graduate of the Year and the Women Who Inspire in Automotive winners, drew enormous applause from guests.
"These moments are always highlights of the event, reflecting the deep respect the industry has for those who have dedicated a lifetime to automotive, while equally championing and encouraging those at the start of their careers.
"It speaks volumes about the culture of our supply chain and its strong commitment to inclusion."
Professor Boyle holds several other leadership roles, including director of electrification at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and chair of trustees at The Common Room of the Great North.
He was awarded an OBE for services to engineering and skills and was more recently elected as a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
In addition to celebrating individual achievements, this year’s NEAA awards dinner also marked a fundraising milestone, with more than £100,000 now raised to support STEM education in the North East.
A further £18,000 was donated at the 2026 event, taking the total to £112,000 since the launch of the awards in 2018.
Mr Butler said: "We are incredibly proud of what the NEAA awards continue to achieve, not only in recognising the outstanding talent and innovation within our sector but in supporting the future pipeline of skills.
"Surpassing £100,000 raised for STEM initiatives is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the generosity and commitment of our industry."
The STEM outreach work supported by the NEAA connects schools with industry professionals and helps young people explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the automotive sector.
Other winners on the night included Faye Moody of Magna Exteriors Sunderland, who took home the Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, and Eve Kennedy of Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, who was named Graduate of the Year.
Maissae Drissennek, also of Magna Exteriors Sunderland, received the Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, while Chemetall Ltd was recognised with the Innovation Award (Multinational) and SMS Technology with the Innovation Award (SME).
Marelli was named winner of the Sustainability Award (Multinational), and Edwards Commercial Cleaning received the SME Sustainability Award.
Gateshead College was honoured with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer Award.
Special recognition went to Lear Corporation and Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK for their efforts in promoting EDI within the workplace.
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The awards, sponsored by organisations including Sunderland City Council, Gateshead College, Nissan, and Newcastle University, continue to reinforce the collaboration and ambition of the North East’s automotive industry and its supply chain.
The NEAA annual awards not only highlight the individuals and companies driving growth in the sector but also reinforce the community’s commitment to skills, innovation, and future success.
Professor Boyle’s recognition is seen as a reflection of this collective spirit and the significant progress made by the region’s automotive leaders.
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