Business Of The Year Award and Green Award Winner 2025

The Chocolate Smiths

The Chocolate Smiths craft gourmet handmade chocolate bars using the finest ingredients

and a generous dose of creativity. Known for their unique flavour combinations and playful

approach, they bring joy and originality to every bite.

Working with an ethical chocolate supplier, Luker, and travelled to Colombia to see first hand their ethical practices and develop a bespoke blend of chocolate.
Creating a positive work environment and building a strong and skilled team who truly care about the work they do bringing real meaning and purpose to what The Chocolate Smiths do.
Building a worldwide online community.

Facebook: @thechocolatesmiths

Instagram: @thechocolatesmiths

New Business Award 2025

NUSA Studio

NUSA Studio is a contemporary, appointment-only studio specialising in luxury ear piercing, curated jewellery, and professional makeup artistry. The space offers a unique blend of clinical precision and high-end experience, ensuring every client feels both safe and beautifully styled.

Achieved rapid growth, opening part-time in November 2024 and quickly building a loyal client base, enabling full-time operation within 6months.
Set a new benchmark for safe, clinically led piercing, delivering hospital-grade standards in a luxury studio environment.
Secured exclusivity as the North East stockist of Crystal Heaven London, a leading luxury jewellery brand.

Instagram: @nusa.ncl

Technology Innovation Award Winner 2025

durhamlane

Durhamlane provides outsourced B2B sales teams powered by its unique “Selling at a Higher Level” methodology, helping businesses accelerate pipeline growth and revenue generation.

Nationally recognised as a leader in outsourced sales performance and innovation.
Developed a talent pathway enabling new entrants to rapidly grow sales careers within Durhamlane or client businesses.
Expanded globally with multilingual service delivery to support international growth.

Facebook: @durhamlaneltd

Instagram: @durhamlaneltd

Retail And Service Provider Award Winner 2025

Kore+

A modern, inclusive reformer Pilates and wellness studio offering expert-led classes and mindful movement to support health, confidence, and community connection across North Tyneside.

Grew from 40 to 86 active members between January 2024 and July 2025, reflecting strong local demand and engagement.
Invested over £30,000 in reformer equipment and rebranding to elevate the client experience.
Expanded its expert team with four skilled Pilates instructors to meet growing community needs.

Facebook: @koreplusstudio

Instagram: @koreplusstudios

Heart Of The Business Award Winner 2025

Tara Warren – BASH Academy

BASH Academy is one of the UK’s leading beauty and PMU training academies, built from Tara Lawson’s vision to empower women through skill, confidence, and independence.

Overcoming teen motherhood, domestic violence, and hardship, Tara built BASH from her spare room into a globally respected academy of excellence.
Tara has empowered hundreds of women to build thriving businesses, creating a community that fosters confidence and lasting growth.
Through mentoring and volunteer work, Tara supports women and young people facing adversity, leading with compassion and inspiring change.

“Tara’s resilience and heart have transformed lives, turning personal struggle into a platform for empowerment, education, and lasting change.”

Facebook: @BASHnewcastle

Instagram: @bash_academy_

Heart of the Community Award Award Winner 2025

Cheryl Tanner Menopause Fitness Coach

A passionate menopause fitness and nutrition coach based in North Tyneside, Cheryl Tanner provides invaluable support to women navigating midlife and menopause. With a holistic approach to health, she helps each woman achieve her personal potential through bespoke strength training, nutrition guidance, and mindfulness. Cheryl’s inclusive, empowering sessions focus on sustainable wellbeing and self-confidence, proving that strength and vitality have no age limit. She regularly collaborates with local organisations, from schools to wellness events, and supports charities and community causes across the region.

“Cheryl’s energy, compassion, and commitment to empowering women make her a true force for positive change, inspiring confidence, connection, and strength across the North Tyneside community.”

Facebook: @cheryltannerpt

Instagram: @menopause_fitnesscoach