Hundreds of people from the region’s best businesses were at the grand final of the North East Business Awards 2022 to see Cleveland Containers crowned North East Company of the Year 2022.
There were big celebrations from the £60m turnover shipping container company which pipped finalists Newcastle Building Society and eQuality Solutions to the coveted prize, sponsored by Newcastle University. Andrew Thompson, chief operating officer, said: “I’m just so delighted for the whole team - old and new. Some people have been with the company since it’s inception. I’m also delighted for Jane and Jonathan, the owners of Cleveland Containers who’ve just inspired everyone to achieve such greatness and it’s fantastic for them.
“We’re up to 70 people now having grown quite considerably over the last 12 months. We’re looking to probably double that in the next 12-18 months. We’ve got really ambitious growth plans, expanding into new sectors and creating a much larger depot network across the UK but all of it from our head office in Teesside, where we’re looking forward to creating a lot more jobs.”
Read more: Cleveland Containers secures investment from LDC to drive growth plans
Asked if the pandemic-related surge in demand for containers had benefited the business, Mr Thompson added: “There was huge demand during the Covid period but the growth was there well before that happened and that accelerated it further. Post-Covid the business has never been busier and we’ll have another record year this year. We’re bringing new products, new services and new talent into the business, as well as promoting from within. The future is really exciting.”
Among the eight other categories, the first winner to be announced on the night was Middlesbrough-based engineering firm Intelect, which secured the Apprenticeship, Training and Skills Award, sponsored by CIPD North East of England. Collecting the award, marketing and communications manager Lily Brothwood said: “It’s a culmination of 24 years of growing the business. All of our founding directors were apprentices and they recognise the value that trainees bring to the business.”
Gateshead-based waste management and haulage outfit GAP Group took home the High Growth and Ambition Award, sponsored by University of Sunderland. Company director Andy Laight-Wiltshire, said: “It’s been a great pleasure to be nominated and to come to the final - and it’s great to get this recognition for all the hard work that we’ve put in and the vision we share with the board, and supported by our staff who’ve trusted us to take that vision forward with new innovative ideas.”
This year’s Services Award, sponsored by BusinessLive, went to Great North Air Ambulance Service. Chief executive David Stockton was on hand to collect the award. He said: “There are a lot of people behind our team. And a lot of people gladly took us into their hearts. Everything we do is 100% funded by donations. It’s actually our 20th anniversary year so it’s a special time to win this award.”
Meanwhile luxury interiors firm Rowen Homes beat Stand and Dash Media Ltd to secure the Newcomer of the Year Award, sponsored by Acute Business Advisory. Managing director Andrew Hall said: “It’s a massive honour to win this award, and a testament to the amazing team we have here in the North East. There’s a lot of talent around and it’s a privilege to work with so many great people here.”
The Heart of the Community Award, sponsored by Sage, recognises organisations that exemplify the social and community spirit which is at the core of North East culture. This year’s winner was County Durham-based Just for Women CIC, which helps the emotional and physical well-being of women through peer-to-peer talking groups and free educational workshops.
Founder Linda Kirk collected the award and said: “We’ve got so many women that work alongside us and with us. We work in the community with people with many issues and for this to award to happen is fantastic.”
The Innovation and Technology Award, sponsored by Business Durham, went to PD Ports who beat AIS Survivex and Evidence Based Education to the title. Jan-Willem Rikkerink, IT director at the company, which is Middlesbrough-based but operates ports, shipping and logistics across the UK, said: “Innovation is absolutely critical to our business and we are thrilled to win this award.”
The hotly contested Manufacturing Award, sponsored by Nifco UK, was scooped by Billingham-based Made for Trade - a supplier of aluminium roof lanterns and bi-folding doors to the building industry. Finance director David Jones collected the award on behalf of the firm and said: “It’s a recognition of all the efforts to build the business in this industry. We’ve been investing in our people and our product to make it the best on the market.”
And this year’s Small Business category, sponsored by Newcastle City Council, was picked up by Gateshead-based brick merchant McGovern & Co Ltd, which beat Coote O’Grady and Lucid Technology Solutions. Andrew Pickersgill, managing director, said: “It means a lot to the team. I’ve unapologetically thrown challenges at them on a day-to-day basis and they embrace everything that is given to them. They really want to make homes better in the North East, and that’s what it’s all about for us. We’ve done everything possible to make our business sustainable for the team and for people across the North East. It’s a really proud moment and I’m absolutely delighted.”
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