Award shortlist contenders revealed

Oct 21 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

TODAY we can reveal the shortlist of candidates who have made it through to final judging in the race to be acknowledged as this year's most inspirational regional business leaders.

Now in its 26th year, the prestigious North East Business Executive of the Year for 2009 – run by The Journal in association with the Evening Gazette on Teesside – honour the most exceptional business people in the region.

The awards are the most coveted business titles for individuals in the North East and the dinner at which they will be presented is one of the highlights of the region’s business calendar.

The awards will seek to find the top executives from the three sub-regions of the North East – Tyneside and Northumberland, Durham and Wearside and the Tees Valley – from which is chosen the North East Business Executive of the Year 2009.

There will be a separate trophy for the North East Young Business Person of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award is also given.

And, for the second year, there is also an award for the Non-Executive Director of the Year, which aims to recognise the vital role non-executives can play in the development of companies of all sizes, whether private, public or charitable organisations.

The candidates will be considered by a judging panel chaired by Sir Fred Holliday, which this year includes One North East director of business and industry Ian Williams, Brewin Dolphin divisional director Vinay Bedi, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham, CBI North East regional director Sarah Green, Storeys SSP director John Irwin, Northern Recruitment Group chief executive Lorna Moran, Bank of England regional agent David Buffham, Trinity Mirror North East managing director David Simms, ncjMedia head of business and business development Andrew Hebden, North East business journalist Brian Nicholls, IHC Engineering Business managing director Dr Tony Trapp and Evening Gazette business editor Sue Scott.

The North East Business Executive of the Year Awards 2009 are being held on Thursday, November 19, at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park.

If you would like to book a table or find out more about the awards see www.nebusiness.co.uk/businessexec  or contact Kirsty Tarn on (0191) 201 6072 or by email at kirsty.tarn@ncjmedia.co.uk