Company of the Year Award
The Company of the Year award rewards the business judged to have been the best of the best over the year. The title will go to a dynamic company which should be a model for firms across the region
WINNER TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND
Merit Merrell Technology
Wallsend pipe work specialist Merit employs 280 staff and turned over in excess of £50m during 2008, representing an impressive growth trend over the past six years in particular. The company has a diverse range of clients across various countries and industries and prides itself on its ability to work on unusual projects where innovative solutions are essential.
WINNER DURHAM AND WEARSIDE
Walker Filtration
Washington company Walker has come a long way since it was founded by husband and wife team Brian and Carol Walker back in 1983. Some 25 years later, it now boasts a staff of 150, a purpose built factory and a hugely successful international operation. With three Queens’ Awards for Exports to its name, Walker is truly a jewel in the crown of the North East’s manufacturing excellence.
WINNER TEES VALLEY
Tracerco
From a small scientific research team at ICI’s Billingham site in 1958, Tracerco has continued to expand its product range and geographical reach, responding to customers’ needs and market opportunities. The firm has 27 operational offices and employs around 300 people across the world. These service centres allow Tracerco to supply its technology globally, while retaining an expert local delivery and reputation for excellent customer service.
RUNNERS UP TEES VALLEY
Reflex Vehicle Solutions
The Stockton company is one of the UK’s fastest growing vehicle rental companies. When Reflex launched in December 2003, John Collins had four members of staff. It now employs more than 100 and has doubled the size of its head office. The company is on course to boost last year’s turnover of £16.1m to £25m this year.
NIFCO UK
This Stockton automotive parts supplier has transformed itself in recent years, working hard to turn operating losses into profits. The firm designs and manufactures plastic parts for the automotive industry and its client list includes Nissan, Ford, Toyota and Honda.
RUNNERS UP DURHAM AND WEARSIDE
Esschem
2008 was a significant year for the Seaham manufacturer of chemical products. The company, which has recently moved into a new factory, managed easily to beat the tough budgets set by its parent company. Now it has international expansion on its agenda.
UK independent Medical
Durham company UK Independent Medical may only be five years old, but it already has a formidable growth record. The firm uses a panel of some 6,000 medical experts to provide reports to personal injury solicitors across the country. Delivering exceptional customer service has been the key to its success and longevity in a volatile sector, and the company now plans to move to bigger premises to house its 70 staff.
RUNNERS UP TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND
United Carbon Office Systems
Electronic office equipment provider United has been giving businesses across the North East an outstanding service for more than 20 years. The Gateshead firm has consistently posted year-on-year growth and has demonstrated its flexibility in adapting to changing market conditions.
Zytronic
The Blaydon developer and manufacturer of touch-sensor products for use in electronic displays is listed on the Alternative Investment Market. During 2008, the firm, which employs more than 200 and has a turnover of around £15m, announced the opening of a dedicated manufacturing company.
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