North East HR&D Awards shortlist revealed

Returning for its 18^th year, the event will once again shine a spotlight on the stars of the region’s HR and learning and development community.

And following 2025’s out-of-this-world space-themed spectacle – which drew record attendance – the stage is set for another unforgettable evening.

Scores of nominations for the 2026 ceremony, which will be held at The Fed, in Gateshead, were carefully reviewed by North East Work and Talent (NEWT) advisory board members alongside Steven Hugill, editor-in-chief at event partner NET, with judges praising numerous examples of outstanding practice.

Elouise Leonard-Cross and Sarah Carnegie, joint chairs of NEWT, which reflects a cross-section of expertise and experience in people management from organisations across the region, say: “We’re delighted to reveal this year’s finalists.

“The standard of entries was incredibly high, and we were really pleased to see a wider range of businesses and organisations from across the region showcasing their brilliant work.

“The North East is full of opportunity, and these awards reflect the outstanding efforts of those making a difference to people’s working lives.

“Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations, and a big thank you to our brilliant category and wider event partners.”

Award category partners include Believe Housing, Castle Peak Group, Esh Group, Hill Dickinson, Jackson Hogg, Motivait, Northumbrian Water Group, NPH Group, Recovery4Life and TDR Training.

Motivait is also the event’s digital engagement partner, with Community Foundation North East the evening’s programme partner.  

The finalists are: 

Excellence in People & Technology, in partnership with Motivait

NCFE 

Newcastle International Airport 

Ringtons

Excellence in SME People Practices, in partnership with Recovery4Life

Bazaar Group 

Clifford James 

One Utility Bill

Excellence through Positive Impact, in partnership with Castle Peak Group

Darlington Building Society 

Northumbria University 

Pearson Engineering

Excellence in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, in partnership with Northumbrian Water Group

Castle Peak Group

Darlington Building Society 

South Tyneside Council

Excellence in Health & Wellbeing, in partnership with NPH Group

CF Fertilisers UK Ltd

J Barbour & Sons Ltd 

Visualsoft Ltd

Excellence in Reward & Benefits

Darlington Building Society 

Husqvarna UK Ltd 

Percy Hedley Foundation

Excellence in Talent Attraction & Employer Brand, in partnership with Jackson Hogg

The Inn Collection Group 

Northumbrian Water Group 

Commercial Maintenance Services UK Ltd

Excellence in Leadership Development, in partnership with Hill Dickinson

Home Group 

Karbon Homes 

Senstronics Ltd

Excellence in Supporting Armed Forces Talent, in partnership with Esh Group

Dräger

Kier Construction 

Northumbrian Water Group

Excellence in Organisational & People Development, in partnership with Believe Housing

The Inn Collection Group 

One Utility Bill 

Stadler Rail Service UK

Excellence in Apprenticeships, in partnership with TDR Training

Esh Group 

KAEFER UK&I 

Pearson Engineering

HR&D Team of the Year

Aspire Technology Solutions

ConocoPhillips 

Newcastle International Airport

 

For further information about the 2026 North East HR&D Awards, please contact: 

Lesley Hampson – [email protected] 

Dawn Owens – [email protected]