Award boosts new AAA Caring Caretaker boss Alison

A County Durham businesswoman has topped a successful year with an award and promotion to lead her family’s business.

Alison Stephenson was recently named rising star at the North East Business Women of the Year Awards, for her commitment to promoting disability in the workplace.

The honour came just weeks after the 39-year-old, who is deaf, took over as managing director of AAA Caring Caretaker, the cleaning company founded by her father Richard H Tucker, in 2015.

Alison said: “To be recognised on such a prestigious stage, and honoured by my peers in the rising star category, is a real highlight of my career.

“The fact it’s coincided with my step up to managing director makes it all the more special.”

The accolade also comes as Alison guides AAA Caring Caretaker through the next phase of its growth, which includes relocating to new premises on Bowburn North Industrial Estate.

She said: “This is a very exciting time for both the business and I.

“The move to Bowburn will enable me to successfully take us through the next stage of the journey.”

AAA works with the likes of the NHS, PD Ports, Hartlepool Marina, Esh Housing and the Ministry of Defence.

It employs more than 40 people, including 17 ex-armed forces personnel, nine of which have unseen disabilities.

Richard added: “Our business has grown significantly over the past seven years, and even during the COVID-19 pandemic we managed to diversify and move into new markets.

“But now I feel the time is right to take a back seat and put the business in the very talented and capable hands of Alison, who is ambitious and full of ideas to help AAA continue on this upwards trajectory.”