After months of preparation, tomorrow evening will see outstanding companies from around the region gathering together at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield for the annual North East Business Awards.
Designed to highlight the inspiring work being done by firms of varying sizes from throughout the North East, these awards epitomise what makes this region great.
Having witnessed them grow year on year and see the fantastic results at the recent events, it is with anticipation that I look forward to tomorrow’s regional final, when all 99 finalists will be vying for titles.
Awards of this standing can help raise the profile of all of the businesses involved, putting them on the radar of key decision makers who may be interested in particular products or services; and last year, the BIC had the honour of being crowned ‘Not for Profit’ business of the year, so I know firsthand how eagerly the finalists will be waiting for their categories to be called out.
It was a proud moment when we installed our award in our central atrium for all to see and the banter on social media in the hours that followed picking it up was marvellous but the reality of picking up the ‘Not for Profit’ title at the North East Business Awards has meant so much more as it has helped us to widen our networks and further showcase our commitment to the work we do on a regional basis to help sustain as well as start businesses.
A celebration of all that is great about the North East region, we were therefore delighted to be involved in this year’s programme which saw the BIC putting together a team of judges to review the Durham and Wearside Innovation entries.
We were honoured to participate in this process which does much to highlight what outstanding businesses we have here and I would like to offer all the shortlisted businesses our congratulations. For in whatremains a tough economic climate, we are continuing to showcase our competitive edge, and I believe that really is a cause for celebration.