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2026 Entrepreneurial Awards

Get ready to raise a glass to the people building businesses across the North East.

Since 2004, the North East Entrepreneurial Awards have recognised the entrepreneurs behind some of the region’s most impressive companies. From people rewriting the rules to those who’ve spent decades building something that lasts, these awards aren't about hype; they honour real North East businesses, real journeys, and the people behind them.

This year’s winners will be announced at our Gala Dinner at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Thursday, 19th November.

Open to the whole North East business community, it’s a chance to come together, celebrate properly, and take a moment to recognise what’s been achieved across the region.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Representing every stage of the business lifecycle, if you know a business or founder doing something worth recognising, now’s the time to recommend them:

• Scaling Pipeline Index - an entrepreneur building a business with real momentum and clear potential.

• Entrepreneurial Excellence - an entrepreneur leading a well-run, resilient business that is consistently delivering and contributing positively to the North East.

• Caroline Theobald Award - an entrepreneur who gives their time and experience generously to support others, and plays a meaningful role in strengthening entrepreneurship across the region.

• Entrepreneur of the Year - an entrepreneur who has led a business through a period of significant growth and is building something of real scale.

• Lifetime Achievement - an entrepreneur and business leader who has spent years building, contributing, and giving back to the North East.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Nominate Now

Awards Party


Join us as we celebrate our finalists and reveal our winners for 2026

And everyone's invited. Don't miss out and book your ticket today.



After Party


The celebrations continue at our official after-party!

Our Awards after-party is one you won’t want to miss.  Starting when the awards close, from 10:30pm until late, winners, finalists, guests, families, and friends will join us for cocktails and a few toasts, soundtracked by a top DJ.


When and Where

Taking place on Thursday 19th November, at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, the evening will begin at 6pm with a drinks reception, with guests seated for a three course dinner at 6.45pm.


Dress Code

The dress code for this event is 'smart evening wear' which could include but is not exclusive to, a tuxedo, three piece suit, evening dresses, jumpsuit, trouser suit, or kilt.

Save your seat

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Criteria

Criteria

Event Details

Event Details

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