One to Watch recognises an entrepreneur who is building a business with exceptional potential, while also making a positive impact on the region. They embody the spirit of innovation and growth.
To be eligible for this award
• You must have a significant financial stake in a business, with its registered office in the North East
• Your main business must have been incorporated for a minimum of two years as of 1st January 2025
• You must be available for judging on Tuesday 8th July and to attend the awards dinner on Thursday 18th September at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Important information when applying
• Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 30th May. Applications may be submitted on behalf of the nominated entrepreneur but they must have the entrepreneurs' approval.
• Written applications should be submitted via our Microsoft Form. Each answer has a maximum word count of 400 words.
• If you would like to submit your application in any other form (ie video) please submit your application by using a file transfer service such as WeTransfer and send your files to info@entrepreneursforum.net. Your application must include your name, name of the business, email address and mobile number as well as answers to the following three questions:
1. What inspired you to start your business?
2. What makes your business unique?
3. What are your ambitions for the future of your business?
• You must also submit turnover, operating profit and headcount figures for 2023, 2024 and 2025 (forecast)
• All information will be treated as confidential and will only be used by the Entrepreneurs' Forum and the judging panel for the sole purpose of judging this award.
Judging criteria
• Potential for your business to positively impact our region
• Your own level of commitment to your organisation, purpose and vision
• Whether your business has identified novel concepts that challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas, new technologies or processes
• Can provide evidence of demonstrating courage, perseverance and resilience to overcome obstacles
• Can provide evidence of financial resilience (please note that shortlisted finalists will be asked to provide further evidence of financial performance)
Our Impact Award recognises an entrepreneur leading a resilient and inclusive business that is contributing to improvement of the North East by meeting one or more of the United Nations Sustainability Goals.
To be eligible for this award
• You must have a significant financial stake in a business which has its registered office in the North East
• Your main business must have been incorporated for a minimum of five years as of 1st January 2025
• You must be available for judging on Wednesday 9th July and to attend the awards dinner on Thursday 18th September at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Important information when applying
• Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 30th May. Applications may be submitted on behalf of the nominated entrepreneur but they must have the entrepreneurs' approval.
• Written applications should be submitted via our Microsoft Form. Each answer has a maximum word count of 400 words.
• If you would like to submit your application in any other form (ie video) please submit your application by using a file transfer service such as WeTransfer and send your files to info@entrepreneursforum.net. Your application must include your name, name of the business, email address and mobile number as well as answers to the following three questions:
1. What inspired you to start your business?
2. What makes your business unique?
3. What are your ambitions for the future of your business?
• You must also submit turnover, operating profit and headcount figures for 2023, 2024 and 2025 (forecast)
• All information will be treated as confidential and will only be used by the Entrepreneurs' Forum and the judging panel for the sole purpose of judging this award.
Judging criteria
• Has created a resilient and inclusive business (i.e. has adapted and thrived in the face of disruption and change)
• Can provide evidence of continued re-investment in their business over time
• Has made an impact in one or more of the following areas (as defined by the United Nations Sustainability Goals):
a. Provided an exceptional place to work
b. Fostered innovation in ways that improves their community
c. Ensured sustainable consumption and production patterns
d. Ensured healthy lives and proving well being for all
e. Put measures in place to reduce the impact of climate change
• Can provide evidence of financial resilience (please note that shortlisted finalists will be asked to provide further evidence of financial performance)
Our Entrepreneur of the Year award recognises an entrepreneur who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength in leading a high-growth business to exceptional success. This award recognises their innovation, teamwork and leadership, as well as their positive economic impact on our region.
To be eligible for this award
• You must have a significant financial stake in a business which has its registered office in the North East
• Your main business must have been incorporated for a minimum of five years as of 1st January 2025
• The business must have experienced a period of significant growth within the past three years (1st January 2022 to 31st December 2024) with the potential to scale further
• You must be available for judging on Thursday 10th July and to attend the awards dinner on Thursday 18th September at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Important information when applying
• Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 30th May. Applications may be submitted on behalf of the nominated entrepreneur but they must have the entrepreneurs' approval.
• Written applications should be submitted via our Microsoft Form. Each answer has a maximum word count of 400 words.
• If you would like to submit your application in any other form (ie video) please submit your application by using a file transfer service such as WeTransfer and send your files to info@entrepreneursforum.net. Your application must include your name, name of the business, email address and mobile number as well as answers to the following three questions:
1. What inspired you to start your business?
2. What makes your business unique?
3. What are your ambitions for the future of your business?
• You must also submit turnover, operating profit and headcount figures for 2023, 2024 and 2025 (forecast)
• All information will be treated as confidential and will only be used by the Entrepreneurs' Forum and the judging panel for the sole purpose of judging this award.
Judging criteria
• Has created a level of disruption within their own market and/or industry. We are looking for pioneers of innovative technologies or fresh approaches which have created new opportunities or gains in market share.
• Can provide evidence of significant and sustainable business growth over time, evidenced by increased turnover, employee numbers, investment in assets and/or profitability
• Has made a measurable impact on the North East economy by creating jobs, investing in attracting, developing and retaining a diverse mix of talent whilst also building a positive culture
Chosen by the Entrepreneurs' Forum board, the Caroline Theobald Award recognises an entrepreneur who serves as an exemplary role model for entrepreneurship, giving their time to inspire, mentor and support others.
To be eligible for this award
• You must have (or have had) a significant personal financial stake in a business which has its registered office in the North East
Important information when applying
• Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 30th May. Applications may be submitted on behalf of the nominated entrepreneur but they must have the entrepreneurs' approval.
• Written applications should be submitted via our Microsoft Form. Each answer has a maximum word count of 400 words.
• If you would like to submit your application in any other form (ie video) please submit your application by using a file transfer service such as WeTransfer and send your files to info@entrepreneursforum.net. Your application must include your name, name of the business, email address and mobile number as well as answers to the following questions:
1. What drives you to inspire and champion entrepreneurship across the North East (and if relevant, beyond?)
2. How has your own experiences as an entrepreneur shaped how you champion others?
• All information will be treated as confidential and will only be used by the Entrepreneurs' Forum and the judging panel for the sole purpose of judging this award.
Judging criteria
• Is a role model making a conscious effort to inspire and champion entrepreneurship across our region (and beyond) which could include being an influencer, speaking out for minority groups, inspiring young people or similar activities
• Can provide evidence of positively impacting other entrepreneurs in our region
• Has mentored others altruistically and is sought out to be a mentor for others
Chosen by the Entrepreneurs' Forum board, and kept a closely guarded secret until it is announced at our Entrepreneurial Awards dinner, our Lifetime Achievement award is presented to a business leader who has shown long-term dedication to the North East, making a major impact on the regional economy.
