Merit Merrell Technology take top honours at nebusiness awards
Mar 20 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
The company was one of 10 which celebrated taking top prize in their category at the ceremony at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park, last night.
Hundreds of business executives packed the hotel ballroom to cheer on the winners who were introduced by writer, broadcaster, humorist and business guru Guy Browning.
All the winners in this first of three sub-regional finals will go through with those from Durham and Wearside and from Tees Valley to the grand regional final at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield on April 30.
The winner of the Durham and Wearside Company of the Year title was Walker Filtration of Washington. This family firm last week revealed plans to expand its 150-strong workforce by 26 as it works to almost double sales to £25m in the next few years.
The firm, which has a presence in the US, Australia and South Africa, is aiming for sales growth of 75% over the coming years, with the aim of increasing turnover from £14.2m in 2008 to £25m by summer 2011.
And last night’s finalists for the Tyneside and Northumberland Company of the Year Award also show strong promise.
United Carbon Office Systems has been providing businesses in the North East with an outstanding service for more than 20 years and . has consistently posted year-on-year growth.
Meanwhile Zytronic, which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market, has consistently won deals worldwide. Last year, 2008 the firm, which employs more than 200 staff and has a turnover of about £15m, announced the opening of a manufacturing company at its Blaydon base.
There were hundreds of entries again for the North East’s biggest and best business awards, which have this year been relaunched as the nebusiness awards with new awards categories and attracted even more interest as a result.
The Journal’s editor Brian Aitken said: "The current economic climate makes it more important than ever that we continue with awards ceremonies such as these.
"This year I was particularly pleased to see we have record entry levels, up 33% year-on-year, and record sponsorship levels.
That tells us a lot about the attitude, talent, spirit and enterprise that exists here in the North East of England."
To find out more about the awards and book a table for the dinners, log on to www.nebusinessawards.co.uk or contact Kirsty Tarn on (0191) 201-6072.
