Entrepreneurial Awards Unveils Finalists in its Milestone 20th Year

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has unveiled the finalists for its 2024 Entrepreneurial Awards.  

Now in its landmark 20th year, the Entrepreneurial Awards recognise, celebrate and illuminate the North East's best entrepreneurial talent with finalists spanning four categories: One to Watch, Impact, Scale-up and Champion.  

Each category winner will be considered for the title of Entrepreneur of the Year which, alongside the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award, will remain confidential until the awards ceremony on Friday 27th September.   

One to Watch finalists represent entrepreneurs who are building new businesses with the potential to positively impact our region, embodying the spirit of innovation and growth. This year’s finalists include Hamish Adamson (Harlyn Solutions), Ian Brown (Chestnut Bio), James Widmer (Advanced Electric Machines), Natasha Boulding (Low Carbon Materials) and Dr Olusola Idowu (Hexis Lab). 

Finalists in the Impact category are entrepreneurs driving resilient and inclusive businesses that are making a sustained contribution to improving the North East. They include Bethany Ainsley (OptiMe), Charlotte Windebank (FIRST), Kari Owers (O.agency) and Simon Briton and Neil Henry (Grace House North East). 

Scale-up finalists are entrepreneurs behind high-growth businesses that are having a positive economic impact on the North East. This year’s finalists include Charlotte Staerck (The Handbag Clinic), Mark Edmondson (Inflo Group) and Victoria Lynch (Additional Lengths). 

Finalists in the Champion category are entrepreneurs who serve as exemplary role models for entrepreneurship in our region, inspiring others with their achievements and contributions. This year, they include Ammar Mirza CBE (SME Centre of Excellence), Charlie Hoult (HyHubs / Opencast), Steve Pugh (Roadmap MBA) and Steven Rawlingson (Samuel Knight International). 

Speaking about the finalists, Elaine Stroud, CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “The North East continues to showcase incredible entrepreneurial talent and I’d like to extend my best wishes to all the finalists. 

“This year’s finalists have not only excelled in their respective categories but also serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the North East. Their accomplishments highlight the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape of our region. I look forward to celebrating their successes and recognising their achievements at our upcoming awards ceremony.” 

Since its inception in 2004 with John Hays of Hays Travel as the inaugural recipient, the Entrepreneurial Awards have celebrated over 60 of the region’s leading entrepreneurs, including Sara Davies of Crafter’s Companion, Sir Graham Wylie CBE of Sage and Alice Hall of Rowen Group. 

The 2024 Entrepreneurial Awards take place on Friday 27th September at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and are proudly supported by Ward Hadaway. Tickets are available to purchase online at www.entrepreneursforum.net/awards