The Voice of nebusiness
May 5 2010 by Andrew Hebden, The Journal
PEOPLE unfamiliar with the nebusiness awards are often surprised to learn that it is the largest event of its kind in the country.
The North East is, after all, the smallest region in England and it is not exactly famed for having a high concentration of businesses or, indeed, a particularly impressive record for entrepreneurship.
There’s plenty of evidence that this is beginning to change. And if you wanted proof that there is a vibrant business community in this region, then the place to be was Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield last Thursday night.
As usual, the vast marquee in the grounds of the hotel was packed with people for the biggest date in the North East business calendar.
We’ve written plenty about the awards over the past few months, so I don’t propose repeating too much of it here. Needless to say, we were delighted that attendances at the dinners were up on last year as was the number – and quality – of entries.
Instead, I wanted to reflect on my favourite moments from this year’s events – and there are two in particular that stand out.
The first was at the Durham and Wearside dinner when Wessington Cryogenics was announced as the winner of the company of the year award.
A clearly delighted Gill Southern, one of the directors of the family-run business, delivered an emotional but highly- articulate speech which really encapsulated what it means to people to win one of these awards.
This is a traditional and long-established manufacturing company that has been through some real challenges over recent years but has pulled through and is now flourishing. It was a truly worthy winner.
The other moment that stands out was last Thursday night when Sunderland-based firm Hair X-Tensions was announced as the winner of the internet and ICT award.
Darren Williams, who at 28 was our youngest winner of the night, could barely contain his excitement when his name was read out. And rightly so.
Darren has overcome plenty of challenges, including his hearing disability, in his life but is making a real name for himself as an entrepreneur.
The success of the online hair extensions business he set up with his fiancee Angela is a testament to the couple’s dedication, skill and enthusiasm.
The nebusiness awards rightly recognise some of the biggest and most successful firms in the region. But they’re also about giving people such as Darren their deserved moment in the spotlight too.
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