Title helps firms stand out from the crowd
Apr 22 2008 By Andrew Hebden, The Journal
AS a newcomer to the area, attending the sub-regional finals of the North East Business Awards was a great way to get a taste for the breadth of businesses we have in this region.
It is quite exciting to know that there is such innovation going on out there – and it only inspired me to find out more about the North East business community.
I was not alone in being surprised at the variety of success stories which have been highlighted by these awards. One guest at the Northumberland and Tyneside final said he too was staggered by just how varied the shortlists were – and he was born here!
Some business awards can become tired affairs at which the same old names feature year after year. In contrast, our awards attract a huge number of new entrants every time, making it an even greater achievement for those who have picked up the top accolades on more than one occasion.
They are the biggest business awards of their kind and we are rightly proud of that fact.
And those firms which have made it through to the grand final on May 1 have extra special reason to be proud. Winning these awards is a top accolade which genuinely makes a firm stand out from the crowd.
There are some great success stories. The names include some of the biggest organisations in the region which employ thousands of people and are at the cutting edge of business and commerce in the UK and beyond. And there are some fantastic niche players – often employing just a handful of staff – but doing exciting and innovative things right here in the North East.
It’s been a tough year with the Northern Rock story never far from the front pages of the national newspapers. Rarely has it been more important for this region to shout about its success stories and I hope that
Congratulations to all of the winners from the three sub-regional finals – and roll on the big night at Hardwick Hall.
Andrew Hebden is Assistant Editor (Business) at The Journal
