Our small wonders

Dec 1 2009 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

THE nebusiness awards 2009 will showcase the best businesses in the North-east.

And one of the most hotly contested categories in the Small Business Award.

This title celebrates those companies that form the heart of the region’s economy.

Without doubt these businesses are crucial to the growth and development of the North-east.

Last year Stockton engineering firm International Procurement took the Tees Valley Small Business crown at the nebusiness awards.

IPL supplies custom-built valves and pumps for some of the world’s biggest blue-chips

including BP, Total, ConocoPhillips, British Energy and Drax.

Since winning the title the firm has moved to an 8,300 sq ft site on Portrack Industrial Estate and announced ambitious expansion plans.

But its was Durham-based events company She’s Gott It! that took the overall North-east award last year.

The firm recently added to its trophy cabinet, being presented with the Regional Winner Award for Entrepreneur of the Year by the North East Chamber of Commerce.

But now the search is on for this year’s outstanding small firms.

The award is open to companies in the region that normally employ no more than 75 full-time staff and which have a proven record of success.

What has made the difference between success and failure for the company?

Judges will be looking for excellence in products or services, managerial and financial performance, potential for growth and evidence of commitment and imagination.