The NET 250 returns to showcase the region’s elite

The NET 250 is back – and bigger and bolder than ever.

The North East’s premier celebration of business excellence will return next year to once again shine a spotlight on the region’s most dynamic and successful companies.

Showcasing the organisations driving financial growth while innovating in an exciting new era of devolution, NET 250 – compiled from Companies House accounts and business websites – will reveal the North East’s top 250 firms by turnover.

Those organisations – researched in partnership with Newcastle University Business School and verified by PwC – will be unveiled at an exclusive breakfast event on Thursday, May 14 at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, between 8.30am and 11.30am.

Launched last year at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, the showpiece ceremony celebrated the region’s software developers, builders, manufacturers, subsea operators, professional services firms, transport businesses, process sector companies, trade hubs and more that are delivering tomorrow’s successes today.

And the 2026 event will build on that, with a number of new and exciting award categories set to be unveiled to recognise more organisations from Northumberland to Teesside.

Steven Hugill, NET editor-in-chief and NET 250 ceremony host, says: “We’re delighted to be delivering the event once again.”

“Last year’s ceremony was a huge success, with incredible interest in the NET 250 list, and we’re very excited to be returning with a bigger and better programme.”

“As a multi-platform publisher deeply embedded in the North East, we have championed the region for years, celebrating its entrepreneurs and commercial success stories while casting an analytical eye across the legislative landscape to advocate further positive change.”

“NET 250 builds on that commitment.”

NET 250 offers a number of exclusive sponsorship opportunities to help your business gain visibility alongside the region’s top 250 organisations.

And by joining NET 250, you too can position your brand at the forefront of innovation, growth and success, reaching new audiences across NET’s flagship platforms.

Steven adds: “NET 250 will help your business grow across – and beyond – the North East.”

“Through extensive coverage across N magazine, its sister N website and our national daily business news platform Bdaily, NET 250 will showcase your organisation to new audiences across the UK.”

Dr Fiona Whitehurst, Newcastle University Business School’s associate dean for engagement and place, says it is thrilled to be working on NET 250 again.

She says: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with NET on NET 250, as it reflects our shared commitment to championing the North East’s business landscape.”

“Last year’s event was spectacular, and we were delighted our students, under close academic supervision, played an integral part in the research.”

“We have lined up an excellent team of students to succeed last year’s team, and we’re excited they will be researching some new categories for the 2026 event.”

Richard Podd, PwC North East market senior partner, adds: “It is an absolute pleasure to be working with NET and Newcastle University Business School again.”

“PwC are incredibly proud of our heritage in the region and the variety of businesses we have supported over the years.”

“This event is an opportunity for the whole business community to participate in and celebrate regional success stories, and put North East business on the map.”

For more information about NET 250 sponsorship packages, and to buy your ticket for the May breakfast event, contact NET event manager Dawn Owens at [email protected] or call 07789 666437.