2024 Awards Highlights

Take a look below to see a showcase of 2024’s award winners.

Business Of The Year Award and New Business Awards Winner 2024

The Exchange 1856

The Exchange 1856, located in the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter, has been transformed into a world-class venue for entertainment, dining, business, and community.

Revitalised the stunning Grade II listed building with a remarkable seven-figure renovation, breathing new life into its once run-down interior.

Created an unmatched community asset, drawing world-renowned artists and recognised in The Times for contributing to North Shields’ rise as a property investment hotspot.

Welcomed over 50,000 visitors since reopening, solidifying its role as a vibrant cultural hub.

Facebook: @theexchangenorthshields

Instagram: @theexchange.1856

Technology Innovation Award Winner 2024

Wubbleyou

Wubbleyou empowers scaling businesses by transforming their expertise into high-value tech products, generating substantial new revenue streams.

Delivered over 150 innovative tech products to market, creating 6-7 figure revenue streams for clients across sectors.

Developed a range of free resources, including workshops and assessments, accessible to North East businesses, promoting tech product innovation.

Utilised cutting-edge digital tools, including AI, to solve complex problems and enhance productivity, supporting high-growth NE-based businesses.

Facebook: @Wubbleyou

Instagram: @wubbleyou

Retail And Service Provider Award Winner 2024

Direct Cars Taxis

A family-run 24/7 taxi provider committed to dependable, community-focused service with a fleet of 100 vehicles and a team that includes 10 office staff and 10 passenger assistants for school transport.

40 Years of Local Reliability: Renowned for outstanding service and long-standing reputation built over four decades.
Community Involvement: Actively supports North Tyneside with initiatives like free rides for those in need and donations to local charities.
Advanced Dispatch Technology: Uses intelligent dispatch systems for precise scheduling, ensuring prompt and adaptable service for all customers.

Facebook: @directcarstaxis

Instagram: @directcarstaxis

Action On Climate Change Award Winner 2024

Keel Row Books

Keel Row Bookshop is the North East’s leading destination for rare and second-hand books, specialising in first editions, signed copies, and collectible literary treasures.

In 2023, Keel Row moved to a low-carbon, energy-efficient premises in Whitley Bay, powered by 100% renewable electricity, enhanced insulation, and an air-source heat pump as part of a long-term carbon reduction strategy.

A proud member of ABA, ILAB, PBFA, and BA, Keel Row upholds the highest professional standards and collaborates closely with historical, cultural, and educational institutions across the North East.

The shop has reduced its shipping footprint by limiting online sales to high-value items, reusing packaging materials, and encouraging eco-friendly transport options among staff and customers

Facebook: @TheKeelRowBookshop

Instagram: @keelrowbooks

Heart Of The Business Award Winner 2024

Chelsea Jackson – Insulcon Technical

Insulcon Technical, a multi-million-pound business, excels in technical insulation systems, offering innovative solutions and leading the way in the industry. Notable achievements include exporting to over 30 countries and serving high-profile clients like BP and Shell.

Chelsea has advanced through various roles, continually supporting and mentoring shop floor staff while ensuring production targets are met smoothly and efficiently, making her a key figure in the business’s success.

Her proactive attitude is evident in her continuous professional development, having achieved certifications like Fire Warden, IOSH Managing Safely, and First Aider, even becoming the youngest department lead to complete a specialised managerial course.

Chelsea’s dedication extends beyond her primary role; she actively contributes to workplace safety and crisis management, demonstrating her deep understanding of the manufacturing process and commitment to excellence.

Facebook: @InsulconTechnical

Instagram: @insulcontechnical

Heart of the Community Award Award Winner 2024

North East Nipple Project

Founded by Megan Jones and Amanda Patterson, the Northeast Nipple Project is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping women rebuild confidence after breast cancer. With backgrounds in semi-permanent makeup and inspired by an areola tattooing course completed during lockdown, Megan and Amanda realised the need for accessible post-mastectomy areola tattoo services. They launched this initiative to offer free areola tattooing to women who have undergone breast reconstruction, aiming to support them in reclaiming their confidence.

“The Northeast Nipple Project promotes realistic areola tattooing for free, empowering women to feel whole again after surgery.”

Facebook: @TheNENProject

Instagram: @northeastnippleproject

Significant Contribution Award

Leica Biosystems

A business in our borough doing lifesaving work by developing targeted therapies to better treat cancer patients and improve patient outcomes.

Originally a spin out from Newcastle University, they are now employing over 300 people and expanding further creating another 33 jobs at an average salary of £38k per annum.

This year they have acquired a 35,000 sqft building, opened in July and invested around £10m to establish one of two R&D facilities at Balliol demonstrating the confidence and support from their parent company, US owned giant in life sciences, Danahar.

The Centre will be a hub for collaborative research with leading pharmaceutical and academic institutions from all over the world. Activity will focus on streamlining the development and commercialisation of diagnostic material and equipment, which will make a significant difference in a patient’s prognosis.