A NUMBER of member businesses of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) have been recognised for their success in the region, at a national awards ceremony.

In total seven NECC members were present for the national finals of the British Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Chamber Awards held at London’s Connaught Rooms at the end of November.

Sunderland-based Alex Smiles Ltd was recognised as the regional finalist in the category for the Sustainability Award, Advanced Industrial Solutions’ managing director Paul Stonebanks was named regional finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, BT South Tyneside was regional finalist for the Customer Service Excellence Award and North Tyneside-based Trade Training Associates was finalist in the Most Promising New Business Award.

In addition Stockton-based NIFCO UK Ltd was named the regional finalist for the Company of the Year Award, Kilfrost the regional finalist for the Achievement in International Business Award and Pearson-Harper for the Innovation Through Technology Award.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham said: As with recent years, the North East was represented by seven exceptional and very diverse businesses. All of the finalists have, in their own right, shone out during another very challenging year.

“I would like to congratulate each of them for their fantastic achievements in the last 12 months.”