Shining the light on individual leaders

Aug 25 2009 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

THE spotlight of the North East Business Executive of the Year Awards today turns on individuals who have made a major mark on the life of the region.

The Lifetime Achievement accolade goes annually to someone who is felt to have made a major contribution over a working lifetime, not only to a company, but also to the region’s broader interests.

Former ICI executive Sandy Anderson picked up the much coveted crown at last year’s event.

The chairman of Yarm-based bioethanol company Ensus and of the board of governors of Teesside University has played a key role in the regeneration of the area.

Scottish-born, he was mildly surprised at finding himself with a chemical engineering degree that saw him enter ICI as a graduate in 1965. After a spell in Bristol he returned to Teesside in 1975 and, save for a two-year spell in Clitheroe, has remained there ever since.

This year judges will be looking for another outstanding individual who has made their mark on the North-east.

The Lifetime Achievement title is just one of the awards to be made at this year’s honours.

The Business Executive of the Year Awards are run by the Evening Gazette and its sister paper, The Journal, in Newcastle.

Now in their 26th year, they seek out the leading lights in the business community in the Tees Valley, Tyneside and Northumberland, and Durham and Wearside.

Those declared the winners in these three areas will compete for the North East Business Executive of the Year 2009 title.

There will be a separate trophy for the North East Young Business Person of the Year who must be aged 30 or under on November 19. There is also a Non-Executive Director of the Year title.

The North East Business Executive of the Year Awards reward business excellence and candidates must head companies that publish their results.

The judges look for someone with an impressive track record of achievements in turnover, profitability, re-investment, job creation, sales growth and potential.

The companies can be any size and while the bottom line will not be the sole focus, they must stand out with their performance.

In exceptional circumstances, a company’s turnover or profit may not be very high.

But if the individual behind it has shown extraordinary talent in overcoming corporate adversity, it would be worthy of consideration.

The candidates should have demonstrated drive and dynamism in performance, be a fitting representative of business in the region and perhaps have contributed to some aspect of the region’s well-being already.

The awards have attracted the backing of major sponsors. Closing date for nominations is August 28.

Entries can be made online at nebusiness.co.uk/businessexec

Entry forms are also available from Kirsty Tarn, events manager on 0191 201 6072 or email kirsty.tarn@ncjmedia.co.uk

Send entries to North East Business Executive of the Year Awards, c/o Business Desk, Evening Gazette, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AZ, or email business@eveninggazette.co.uk - making sure you put North East Business Executive in the subject heading.