2024 Entrepreneurial Awards

Get ready to raise your glass to the entrepreneurs who are rewriting the rules — the trailblazers, pioneers and innovators of the North East.

Since 2004, our Entrepreneurial Awards have recognised, celebrated and illuminated the North East's best business talent with finalists representing every stage of the business lifecycle from One to Watch to Lifetime Achievement.

Now in our 20th year, we have introduced four new award categories to recognise entrepreneurs in our region who are admired by their peers.

The winners will be announced at our celebratory gala dinner on Friday 27th September which is open to everyone in the North East business community. It's an evening packed with celebration, leaving you with memories as unforgettable as the North East's entrepreneurial spirit itself!

Meet the Finalists

One to Watch (Supported by Scaleup North East)

An entrepreneur who is building a new business with the potential to positively impact our region.

• Hamish Adamson, Harlyn Solutions
• Ian Brown, Chestnut BioPolymers
• James Widmer, Advanced Electric Machines
• Natasha Boulding, Low Carbon Materials
• Dr Olusola Idowu, Hexis Lab

Impact (Supported by UMi)

An entrepreneur behind a resilient and inclusive business which is making a sustained contribution to making the North East a better place.

• Bethany Ainsley, OptiMe
• Charlotte Windebank, FIRST
• Kari Owers, O.agency
• Simon Briton and Neil Henry, Grace House North East

Scale-up (Supported by White Digital)

An entrepreneur behind a high growth business which is having a positive economic impact on our region, and has the potential to continue to benefit the North East.

• Charlotte Staerck, The Handbag Clinic
• Mark Edmondson, Inflo Group
• Victoria Lynch, Additional Lengths

Champion (Supported by Prima Cheese)

An entrepreneur who is a role model for entrepreneurship in our region.

• Ammar Mirza CBE, SME Centre of Excellence
• Charlie Hoult
• Steve Pugh, Roadmap MBA
• Steven Rawlingson, Samuel Knight International

Entrepreneur of the Year (Supported by Ward Hadaway)

Our category winners will be entered into the running for the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year. The judges will focus on their performance over the past 12 months to determine our ultimate winner.

Lifetime Achievement (Supported by North East Combined Authority)

A business leader who has shown huge commitment over a significant period of time and made a major impact to the regional economy.