ENTREPRENEUR Darren Williams has proved the judges of the region’s biggest awards for a business executive know their stuff.
Last year he was named Young Business Person of the Year 2010 in the North East Business Executive of the Year Awards - one of 11 trophies he has picked up since launching his hair-extension retail company six years ago.
And his Seaham-based business Harland Corporation has continued to grow by selling more than 4,000 products a month out to customers and salons around the world.
He says he wants to become the Amazon of the hair business and he has established a strong foundation with supply deals from the US to China and big names like Debenhams in the UK.
His company employs a dozen people, turns over around £1m and is always extending its 2,000-strong product range as well as extending its reach into ever-bigger markets.
He honed his hunger for business success and his expertise in online retailing on a rave music website and organising speed dating events before launching the business.
And he is now seen as a popular role model for young entrepreneurs across the North-east with his blend of boundless enthusiasm and astute business sense.
Williams, who runs the business with partner Angela Place, was just one of the successful executives whose achievements were celebrated at last year’s awards.
These prestigious and closely-watched awards – which are run by the Evening Gazette and The Journal – honour achievements of the region’s top business people.
The last few years have been some of the most challenging to face business for generations, and we are looking for the executives who have shown true leadership qualities by inspiring their organisations to overcome the economic challenges and help lead the region out of recession.
The awards are split into sub-regional heats – Teesside, Tyneside and Northumberland and Durham and Wearside. The overall winner will be chosen from the top executives who progress through to the grand final.
In addition to the top award, there are trophies for the North East Young Business Person of the Year, who must be aged 30 or under, 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, and a Lifetime Achievement award.
