North East England Chamber of Commerce launches new business awards

The North East England Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) has launched several new business awards to recognise the fantastic work of companies in the region.

The programme of awards includes two main branches of prizes: the Chamber Business Awards to reward the achievements of North East firms, and the Chamber Inspiring Females Awards, which will celebrate the businesswomen in the Chamber’s membership.

Some of the categories included in the Chamber Business Awards will be Best Leader, Best Exporter, Best Use of Technology, Best Family Business, and Best E-Commerce.

And, the Chamber Inspiring Females Awards will feature prizes like Best Employer, Best Apprentice, Best Community/Corporate Social Responsibility, and Best Business Leader.

Lesley Moody, president of the Chamber, said: “We have brilliant organisations and individuals in our region and these awards were created to celebrate business diversity and success.

“They will help to promote everything great businesses do on a daily basis, to grow our economy.

“The honours will show clearly, real-life examples of a determination to succeed, no matter what occurs and how our region’s businesses always punch about their weight.

“I urge all our members to enter and share their fantastic stories.”

John Johnston, chief executive of awards sponsor Bernicia, added: “There’s lots of fantastic businesses across the region doing great things every day, helping the North East thrive.

“The Chamber Awards shine a light on these achievements and put North East businesses on a national stage, showcasing innovation, collaboration and our shared determination to help the region grow and prosper.”

Submissions for the awards close on the February 14, after which there will be heats for finalists in areas of the North East during April and May.

The final for the Inspiring Females Awards will take place on the May 21 at Newcastle Civic Centre, while the Chamber Business Awards will be on the June 25 at Wynyard Hall.

There’s also the opportunity for some Chamber Business Awards regional winners to go on to the national British Chambers of Commerce awards in London in November 2020.