Small Business Award
The Small Business Award recognises that companies do not have to be huge to make their mark. The award rewards the success of companies with fewer than 75 staff
WINNER TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND
Easibathe
Easibathe, of Dunston, manufactures, supplies and installs bathing and hoist equipment for people who face a daily challenge in moving around their homes. The firm has grown steadily from just six employees in 1993 to 53 today and prides itself on being a great ambassador for the North East economy.
WINNER DURHAM AND WEARSIDE
She’s Gott It!
This Durham-based marketing and events agency has successfully completed a wide range of projects, ranging from Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival for an audience of more than half a million, down to prestigious award dinners for 200 guests. The business was set up in 2002 by North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 Nickie Gott, has grown year on year for the past six years and is now looking to explore the UAE market.
WINNER TEES VALLEY
International Procurement (IPL)
IPL was formed five years ago as a one-person start-up in the spare bedroom of the current MD’s house. The supplier of valve and pump technologies is now based in a modernised warehouse/office complex on an 8,600sq ft site at Stockton’s Portrack Industrial Estate. The workforce has grown to five full-time staff and 2009 will see more jobs created. The firm has plans to manufacture components which at present are being outsourced from the North East area.
RUNNERS UP TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND
Raytec
Raytec is a fast growing, highly profitable, specialist manufacturer in the CCTV and intelligent transport systems markets. The Ashington company has enjoyed phenomenal sales growth in recent years and prides itself on its commitment to manufacturing in the UK.
Drummond Central
Impeccable customer service is at the heart of this communication firm’s success. It was formed five years ago with the intention of being a lifestyle business, but the Newcastle firm has constantly outperformed its own targets and now employs 10 members of staff.
RUNNERS UP DURHAM AND WEARSIDE
Esschem Europe Ltd
The Seaham firm designs and manufacturers chemical consumables used by a range of industries. As a result of continuing investment in machinery, it has expanded year after year, enabling it to add new and lucrative products to its already vast range. Its directors recently travelled to China with UK Trade and Investment to explore new opportunities, and are now expecting to gain a great deal of business in the years to come.
AA Flags Ltd
This Consett company markets its handmade flags mainly to trade, selling direct to hotels, builders, golf clubs, government organisations, and even to the Ministry of Defence.
RUNNERS UP TEES VALLEY
Hart Biologicals
The firm began trading in Hartlepool in 2003 as a manufacturer and supplier of specialised biological reagents for the monitoring of blood coagulation disorders, oral anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs in surgery, laboratory and clinic environments.
TechConsult UK
Established in 2006, the Wilton-based technical and engineering recruitment consultancy has accelerated revenues from £900,000 in 2007 to £2m last year and is on course to hit £4m by the end of 2009 and take on extra staff.
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