Newcomer of the Year Award

Apr 17 2009 The Journal

This year introduces the Newcomer of the Year Award, which will celebrate the best young enterprises in the region and highlight the entrepreneurial talent that North East England possesses

WINNER DURHAM AND WEARSIDE

CDC Wealth Management Ltd

In only 26 months since the company was formed, Sunderland-based CDC Wealth Management has developed an impressive client base which extends all over the UK. This success has been delivered using the directors’ significant experience to deliver client-focused services, which it plans to expand upon during 2009.

WINNER TEES VALLEY

Global Transport Logistics

This Middlesbrough firm has helped attract international container freight to Teesport. Founder Gary Smith recognised a gap in the market for door-to-door supply chain management including freight, shipping and warehouse storage. A sister business was incorporated in Hong Kong and in addition to the freight forwarding operation, it is actively selling the concept of the Northern Gateway as an alternative solution for businesses in Asia exporting to the UK.

WINNER TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND

Palringo

Cramlington-based Palringo only celebrated its second anniversary in 2008, but it has already attracted plenty of attention from investors and customers alike with its innovative technology. The firm currently employs just 12 staff but it has eye-wateringly ambitious targets for its world-first vocal instant messaging technology.

RUNNERS UP DURHAM AND WEARSIDE

Castledene Group

Peterlee-based property development firm Castledene Group has been in business only since last August and has already secured a portfolio of 300 properties. The group has also managed to expand its operations in that small space of time and now boasts an investment arm as well as its own construction business.

The Durham Cow Cheese Company

With only nine months in the business, The Durham Cow Cheese Company has become one of the North East’s major suppliers of handmade soft blue-veined cheese.

RUNNERS UP TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND

Angelfysh

Lisa Foster’s two angelfysh companies, based in Walker Road, Newcastle, provide a website engine optimisation service and a broader website support service. She works with some of the best creative agencies around to ensure that clients large and small always get the best from their presence on the internet.

Aspire Technology Solutions

Based in South Tyneside, Aspire grew from two to 14 staff in its first year and now plans to double that number. The IT support services company prides itself on reversing the so-called brain drain from the region by employing staff locally to work mainly for corporate clients in London.

RUNNERS UP TEES VALLEY

Cornerstone Business Solutions

Less than a year old, this Thornaby communication solutions specialist already has its sights on both profit and staff growth. Based at Teesside Industrial Estate, it offers a one-stop shop for all business solutions and specialises in IT networks and support, telephony systems and support and mobile solutions.

Global Anodes UK

This two-year-old Billingham company offers a worldwide service supplying solutions to corrosion in the marine, offshore and industrial sectors and has already built up a worldwide customer base and plans to open a factory.