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 2025.
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.
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 one global parenting organisation.
Jonny and Antonia 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 month’s 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.
Sam founded Talentheads in 2020 to transform recruitment for growing businesses. By embedding strategic, in-house hiring solutions, Talentheads has saved businesses over £1.4M, placed 600+ people locally, and upskilled 1,700+ managers- proving recruitment can drive lasting impact for teams, businesses, and communities.
Nicki was one of the founding Directors at UMi in 2007, when they embarked on an adventure to transform how easy it was for businesses to access the best information, advice and finance. Since then, UMi has helped over 675,000 businesses to do more and go further, unlocking more than £1bn in funding and enabling businesses to win contracts worth in excess of £200m.
Founded by Nicola, The Wonderful Wig Company provides expert wig fitting, styling, and support for those experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, or other conditions. Combining compassion with professionalism, The Wonderful Wig Company offers high-quality wigs and personalised care to help every client feel confident, comfortable, and truly themselves again.
Richard is the Executive Chairman of Dyer, a national award winning, global engineering partner established in 1977. Supplying complex fabricated and machined components to Rail, Defence and Energy, Dyer is guided by its ‘Smarter Stronger Together’ principles. Following a multi million pound investment, it has grown into one of the North East’s most respected SMEs.
Ammar founded the AmmarM Group to drive inclusive enterprise, investment, and innovation. With a track record of supporting over 15,000 SMEs, Ammar’s pioneering initiatives—like ISS Airview and #InclusionByDefault—are shaping global trade corridors, levelling up regions, and unlocking opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs and communities.
Tania is Managing Director of Steel Benders UK and a champion of regional growth, skills and innovation. With a background in engineering and business development, she is a passionate advocate for women in industry and plays a key role in connecting education, enterprise and opportunity across the North East.
Founded by Kate, Cooper-Fay Harris is a boutique global consultancy and investment firm that partners with businesses and investors to optimise outcomes, operations and profits. With a focus on strategic acquisitions, value optimisation and seamless exits, they offer tailored solutions across sectors, ensuring businesses not only survive but thrive in today's dynamic market.
Arnab co-founded Kromek in 2003 and has transformed it into a company with over 150 employees across the UK and US. Under his leadership, the company has developed a world-class portfolio of patented technologies and products, serving customers in more than 50 countries. He led the company’s IPO in London AiM and executed two key US acquisitions and high value licensing deals. Under his leadership Kromek has cemented an important role in global defence, national security, and medical imaging markets.
Lee founded Fairstone in 2008 and has led its growth from start-up to one of the UK’s largest Chartered financial planning firms. Through bold vision, strategic innovation and a pioneering acquisition model, he’s scaled the business sustainably while maintaining a strong people-first culture. Under his leadership, Fairstone has achieved outstanding client and adviser retention, completed multiple investment rounds and delivered exceptional growth, positioning Lee as a standout entrepreneur driving real impact in a highly competitive sector.
Mark joined Ryder in 1988, became a director in 1995, and helped grow the 26 person firm into a 300+ strong, multidisciplinary practice. Now an Employee Ownership Trust, Ryder is one of the UK’s leading architectural firms, built on a collaborative, team based structure and a sustainable, people focused model.
Brinsley founded RE:GEN Group to enhance the lives of local people through safe, sustainable social housing regeneration. The company strives on challenging industry norms, delivering high-quality capital investment works, retrofit, and new build. It’s currently the fastest-growing NE company and runs a dedicated skills academy to nurture new talent.
