Booming time for awards

Oct 17 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN awards ceremony highlighting the best businesses in Wansbeck has doubled in size in just two years.

Bedlington-born TV presenter Jane Middlemiss hosted last night’s second annual Wansbeck Business Awards, which were also addressed by Paul Robertson, editor of The Journal’s sister paper the Evening Chronicle, and sponsored again by Rio Tinto Alcan.

The number of awards categories increased from five to 10, ranging from the area’s best educational facility to Business of the Year, and the size of the venue for the black tie event was forced to expand.

“We could have increased the size even further.

“We’ve had to say no to people – we had to put a limit on it at 400,” said Ken Hastie, manager of the Wansbeck Business Forum, which organised the event.

The venue was the sports hall at Benet Biscop High School in Bedlington, which had a marquee erected inside. “It’s a fantastic event to show how successful businesses are in the Wansbeck area and to build on the success of last year,” said Mr Hastie.

“The Forum’s vision is to harness the energy of businesses in the district and enable them to play a role in the continued development of Wansbeck as place in which to live and work.

“This high profile awards ceremony builds local pride in the business community as well as showcasing what the district has to offer to the wider North East region.”

The Forum is funded with money from the local enterprise growth initiative (LEGI), a £16.6m, four-year scheme to lead regeneration via enterprise in the district.

Winners

Business of the Year – Synergy Healthcare

New Business – Twins UK

Young Entrepreneur of the year – Better View Landscapes

Employer – Conti Tech Beattie

Technology – AV North East

Enviro – Black Sheep Organics

Incubation The Solar Energy Centre

Corporate/Community Responsibility Award – Dinamic Ceramics

Exporter – Raytec

Educational – Hirst High School