EF News
The man behind one of the UK’s most successful IT businesses has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.
Sir Graham Wylie CBE, founder of Sage Group, was among the business leaders honoured at this year’s Entrepreneurial Awards which was held on Friday 29th September at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.
The most prestigious award of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement award recognises those who have made a considerable commitment to business and the region over a significant period of time.
Sir Graham’s entrepreneurial journey started in 1981 with the launch of Sage Group which he grew into one of the region’s largest employers. At the time of Sir Graham’s exit in 2003, the firm hired over 10,000 people and had an estimated value of £3 billion.
After retiring from the firm, Sir Graham bought Close House in Northumberland – now one of the country’s top 100 gold resorts - and launched Technology Services Group (TSG), where he has been instrumental in its success as the only UK mid-market focused Microsoft partner with all seven of their accreditations.
Sir Graham was also recognised for his significant contribution to the region outside of business, raising millions of pounds for CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund) as its Patron and leading the efforts to bring the British Transplant Games to Newcastle and Gateshead.
In 2017, he set up his own charitable foundation, the Graham Wylie Foundation to support underprivileged or vulnerable young people in the North East of England.
For services to business and charity, Sir Graham was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2003 New Year Honours and was knighted in the 2020 New Year Honours.
Accepting the award, Sir Graham said, "It is a great honour to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. I started from very humble beginnings, worked hard, and have been very lucky to build successful businesses such as The Sage Group, Technology Services Group (TSG) and Close House Golf Club.
“I have lived and worked in Newcastle all my life - it really is one of the best regions in the country to start and build a new business and I am grateful to all the hardworking staff who have helped me along the way. If a coal miner's son from Whitley Bay can help to build the most successful IT business in the UK then I believe that anyone from the North East can do the same."
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement award, the 2023 Entrepreneurial Awards recognised the achievements of business leaders at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway, co-founders of Newcastle-based iamproperty, were jointly named 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year.
Founded in 2009, the business has grown rapidly to become the UK’s largest residential auctioneer, working with over 6,000 estate agency branches.
Jamie and Ben were credited with transforming the property industry with their Modern Method of Auction, an online platform which simplifies property auctions and makes them more accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Dale Smith, founder of Saltburn-based The SDDE Smith Group was named Scale-up Entrepreneur of the Year.
A family business representing 14 customer-facing brands, Dale founded The SDDE Smith Group in 2017 with just one holiday home. As of 2023, the business is on track to reach £30 million in revenue and hires over 300 employees.
The Emerging Talent Award was presented to Daniel Wade of Stockton-based Wade Construction Management Consultants.
Founded in 2018, Wade Construction provide consultancy and project management services, specialising in projects in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. In the last 12 months, the business has seen meteoric growth and now employs over 30 staff.
The Mentor of the Year award was presented to Alice Hall.
Having founded and scaled two successful businesses, including interior design company Rowen Homes, Alice was praised for the time and attention she gives those she mentors, and the invaluable knowledge she shares with her peers.
Elaine Stroud, CEO, Entrepreneurs’ Forum commented: “This year’s Entrepreneurial Awards nominations, finalists and winners demonstrate the depth of entrepreneurial talent that we have here in the North East. Our winners are great role models showcasing what can be achieved from humble beginnings in our region.
“On behalf of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum I would like to congratulate all of the winners and wish them every success as they continue on their journeys.”
Hosted by Jo Darby, founder of Voice in the Room, the 2023 Entrepreneurial Awards were supported by Week2Week Serviced Apartments, LDC, Ward Hadaway, Kinnery, RTC North, Malhotra Group and JMAC Group.
