Since 2004, our annual awards have recognised, celebrated and illuminated the North East's best entrepreneurial talent with finalists representing every stage of the business lifecycle from One to Watch to Lifetime Achievement. Now, we’re delighted to unveil our finalists for 2024.
Alex and Ross founded Tiba Tempeh with a mission to create a healthier, more sustainable world with their naturally delicious and nutritious tempeh products. Now stocked in leading supermarkets across the UK, Spain and France, Tiba Tempeh is the UK’s fastest-growing meat-free brand in the UK.
Victoria is CEO of Probe Industries, a North East company pioneering patented odour elimination technology. Now scaling globally across sectors, Probe is securing major international orders and licensing deals with household names, putting regional innovation on the map. An MBA, exited founder and investor, she gives back through mentoring, STEM and start-up support.
Stewart founded Weardale Lithium in 2021 to become a pioneering developer of sustainable lithium extraction in the UK, utilising underground geothermal waters in Weardale, County Durham. Weardale Lithium were the first company to produce lithium carbonate from groundwaters in the North East and are currently delivering the UK's largest, permitted lithium brine extraction facility. We are sustainably resourcing tomorrow.
Kayleigh founded Mamma Social Co. to combat loneliness in motherhood through real-life connection. Now a 60,000-strong community, the Mamma Social Co partners with brands to deliver meaningful experiences, events, and support for parents, ensuring and maintaining that the real work will always be free. Kayleigh’s lived experience drives the mission forward and is driving the business to be the number 1 global parenting organisation.
Jonny and Antonia Philp founded Nursem after Antonia, an NHS Paediatric nurse, suffered contact dermatitis from the relentless hand washing on the hospital wards. She couldn’t find a solution that treated the problem, so they set about sourcing their own formula which is now their award-winning Caring Hand Cream. Nursem gives back to nurses through its Nursem Promise, for every product sold a months’ worth of hand cream is donated to a healthcare worker.
Chris co-founded Tanglewood Games in 2017. The studio specialises in Unreal Engine development, delivering expert engineering across global PC and console titles including Hogwarts Legacy, Sea of Thieves, and Quidditch Champions. Their commitment to quality earned them Unreal Engine Gold Service Partner status in 2025.
