EIGHT businesses from across the region have made it through to the finals of a national award held to recognise business success across the UK in the past 12 months.

The businesses, from North Tyneside to Teesside, have reached the finals of the British Chamber of Commerce Chamber Awards 2012.

The companies, 0800 Repair, Advanced Industrial Solutions, Canford Group, Chirton Engineering, Double Eleven, Greggs, Nifco UK Ltd and Simply Bows and Chair Covers will represent the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) in a number of categories at the awards evening to be held at the Guildhall in London on November 29.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham praised the finalists for their outstanding efforts during a tough 12 months: “To have eight very different companies from across our region in the final of the national Chamber Awards is a fantastic achievement.

“They have all individually demonstrated the strength and ability that our business community boasts and the success they have achieved in a diverse array of sectors is an indication of the positive contribution that the North East is making to the UK.”

All eight companies made it through to the finals after successfully winning their respective categories at the nebusiness Awards back in April.

The Chamber Awards were launched by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in 2004 to recognise and celebrate business excellence through the successes and achievements of its Accredited Chambers of Commerce and their members.

The North East has enjoyed a good level of success at the Chamber Awards in recent years, having picked up awards in two of the last three years.