Ex-Tory leader set for awards

Oct 7 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

SHADOW Foreign Secretary William Hague will address guests at the finals of the North East Business Executive of the Year 2008 this month.

The former Conservative party leader is guest speaker at the black tie dinner, marking the climax of the 25th year of the awards, which recognise the achievements of the finest executives in the region.

The awards, organised by the Evening Gazette and its sister paper, The Journal, are recognised by business leaders as the most prestigious individual accolades in the region.

Steve Brown, managing director of ncjMedia, said: “Of all the events that we run, the North East Business Executive of the Year has proved to be the most enduring.

“One of the great strengths of this event is the credibility and quality of the previous winners and I have no doubt that someone of equal standing will emerge for this year.

“As it is the 25th year, we are planning a really fantastic night. We are absolutely delighted that the Rt Hon William Hague MP has agreed to be our principal guest and keynote speaker.”

Hague is recognised as one of the best debaters by both sides of the House of Commons who draws on 19 years’ experience as MP for Richmond, North Yorkshire and his four as Tory leader.

He resigned following the party’s defeat in the 2001 election, but remained active on the backbenches.

His backing of David Cameron’s leadership campaign in 2005 saw him restored to a high profile front bench role as shadow foreign secretary, and he regularly stands in for Cameron at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Tickets are selling fast for the dinner at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel in Newcastle on October 30 when awards will be made to individuals demonstrating exceptional achievements in Tyneside and Northumberland, Durham and Wearside, and the Tees Valley.

One of the winners from the sub- regions will be picked for the overall title of North East Business Executive of the Year 2008.

Last year’s overall winner was John Clough, chief executive of Newcastle environmental support services company Eaga, which posted its results after its first full year as a listed company in September. Announcing profits up 22% to £38m, the company said revenues had increased by nearly a third to £639m.

This year there will also be a separate trophy for the North East Young Business Person of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award.