THE CATEGORIES FOR THE NORTH EAST BUSINESSLIVE AWARDS

Small Business of the Year: To celebrate a small business which combines commercial success with other elements of the awards, such as customer service, social impact, innovation and developing talent. Innovation Award: Celebrating inventive thinking, product or system development and creativity in business.

Best Place to Work Award: Recognising a business with a focus on developing talent through training, apprenticeships, work experience, diversity and inclusion, career progression and opening opportunities to all.

Growth Award: To recognise a growing medium-sized business which has taken tangible steps to increase its scale and impact.

Global Britain Award: Recognising a business which is trading with the world in a successful, innovative way, showing how firms large or small can play their part in Global Britain. Rising Star Award: For a person aged 25 or under in business, either as an owner, employee or apprentice, who is having a positive impact beyond their age and experience. They may be demonstrating success, have overcome adversity to achieve or using their success to help others.

Business Person of the Year: For a business owner or leader who has had a major impact on their firm’s success, which may also be delivering benefits to other people, such as employees or the community.

Made in Britain Award: This award

will recognise excellence in manufacturing and production in this country.

Environmental and Sustainability Award: Highlighting a business making a difference to the environment at a local, national or global level, either through its products and services or its way of working.

Unsung Hero Award: Highlighting the impact of a staff or team member who may not ordinarily receive recognition, showing business success is not just about management and leadership. They may have overcome adversity, such as serious illness or bereavement.

Business of the Year: For a business which has performed exceptionally, either in commercial terms, innovation, impact or customer service.

Outstanding Contribution Award: This award recognises an immense sustained contribution to business, society and the community across a number of years.