The North East Business Awards 2024 was a significant event, gathering over 300 attendees at Hardwick Hall to celebrate regional business excellence. Ten prestigious awards were distributed, spotlighting the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals.
Wootzano Ltd, a leading robotics firm, emerged as the grand winner, securing the title of North East Business of the Year. Their pioneering expertise and growing international presence highlight the region’s capacity for innovation and growth.
Wootzano Ltd Triumphs
Wootzano Ltd was honoured with the North East Business of the Year award. Initially located at NETPark in County Durham, the company has now expanded to Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside. Their innovation in robotics is recognised globally, as they secure multimillion-pound contracts.
Jesse Opoku, Wootzano’s COO, emphasised the importance of their expansion for local employment. He stated, “It’s not just about displacing people – it’s about really bringing jobs into the area, and good quality jobs.”
Muckle LLP: Best Place to Work
Muckle LLP celebrated winning the Best Place to Work Award for the second consecutive year. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to employee satisfaction and workplace culture.
Nic Feyden, HR director, highlighted the collaborative effort within the firm, aimed at continually improving the work environment. “We all care about our people, our clients and community,” Feyden noted.
Rising Star: David MacGregor
David MacGregor, the Rising Star awardee, joined Osbit during his university placement and now excels in designing offshore equipment.
MacGregor has travelled globally with Osbit, contributing to projects in Brazil, Singapore, and Greece. He appreciates the diverse opportunities within the North East engineering sector.
“There are incredibly talented people at Osbit who are delivering really first-of-its-kind equipment,” MacGregor said, reflecting on the team’s innovative spirit.
Innovative Start-up: Noggin HQ
Noggin HQ, founded by Evangeline Atkinson and Laura Mills, won the Start-up award. The company addresses challenges faced by individuals with limited credit histories when borrowing money.
The founders have invested substantial efforts into understanding customer experiences, aiming to reinvest in the North East.
Atkinson expressed enthusiasm about their progress, stating, “It’s going really well – and finally working with customers after coming up with the idea three years ago.”
Pacifica’s ESG Leadership
Pacifica claimed the Environmental, Social and Governance award, demonstrating leadership in sustainability.
CEO Kevin Brown discussed the firm’s commitment to reusability and reducing environmental impact. The internal Picca Club initiative involves staff in driving the company’s sustainability efforts.
“We should all make sure it can be put into re-use and get back into the economy,” Brown remarked, stressing the importance of sustainable business practices.
Social and Economic Impact
The awards showcased diverse achievements, emphasising the social and economic impact of regional businesses.
These companies and their leaders are not only driving economic growth but are also enhancing community and environmental well-being through progressive business strategies.
Conclusion of the Event
The North East Business Awards 2024 highlighted the region’s vibrant business landscape, with winners expressing pride and ambition for future growth.
The event reinforced the message that the North East is a hub of innovation and prosperity, inspiring local and international business communities.
The North East Business Awards 2024 celebrated the dynamism and success of its winners, underlining the significant contributions to regional and global markets. It was a testament to the area’s robust business environment and its forward-thinking leaders.
