by David Simms, Managing Director of ncjMedia Ltd

THERE is a good reason why the final of the North East Business Executive of the Year is one of the absolute highlights of the region's business calendar.

The cream of the North East business community past and present gather to celebrate individuals who have made this a great region in which to do business.

These are the individuals who not only led their own companies to new heights over the year and helped lift the North East economy but are fantastic role models for others in business.

And this year’s dinner, as ever at the Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel in Newcastle, was another event to cherish and a fitting climax to the awards organised by The Journal and the Evening Gazette.

There were cheers for all the winners, toasts for the past winners and despite the wintry weather outside a warm atmosphere of jubilant celebration.

The black-tie dinner was opened by David Simms, managing director of The Journal’s publisher ncjMedia.

He said: “Of all the events we run, the North East Business Executive of the Year has proved to be the most enduring. As ever, we have worked hard to find a worthy winner.

“One of the great things about this event is the credibility and quality of the previous winners and this year’s winner is of equal standing.”

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The task of chooding the winners

Here, chairman of the judging panel John Cuthbert gives his take on the 2010 North East Business Executive of the Year Awards:

“If anyone doubted the strength of business leadership in the region they should have been at the final of the North East Business Executive of the Year Awards. I and my colleagues on the panel, were faced with the unenviable, albeit very enjoyable, task of choosing regional winners and the overall winner.

“The quality and diversity of candidates was exceptional and each, in their own way, demonstrated what can be achieved with passion, commitment and an unshakable belief in what you are aiming to achieve.

“We had to make some difficult decisions.

“The North East Business Executive of the Year has often recognised individuals who go on to have an even greater impact, and I very much hope this year's winners will follow that precedent. Many congratulations to Stewart Smith on being named North East Business Executive of the Year 2010.

“The awards evening provided a great opportunity to celebrate what has been an absolutely outstanding business career with the recognition of Dr Herbert Loebl through the Lifetime Achievement Award and also of what has all the signs of being an equally successful future career with Darren Williams taking the Young Business Person of the Year Award.

“Success in almost all endeavours whether in business, the public sector or education can so often be traced back to the quality of leadership within the organisation. The ability that true leaders have to not only bring their own commitment and drive but also to inspire, support and encourage those they work with to demonstrate the same approach is the foundation on which sustainable achievement is built.

“I hope the examples of great leadership we saw in all categories will help reinforce that message.”