This year’s awards categories are listed below along with the primary judging criteria:

New Business Award

A business that has made an impactful start since January 2025*

Criteria:

*Must be trading at least 6 months by 14^th September 2026

Sponsored by Tyne Metropolitan College

Heart of the Business Award

Commending a member of staff who has proven to be a real asset to the business

Criteria:

Sponsored by The Banks Group

Recognising businesses in the retail and service sectors that excel in delivering exceptional customer experience

Criteria:

Goes above and beyond to create exceptional customer experiences that drive business success and customer loyalty
Promotes creative and effective strategies that enhance the overall experience
Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in service quality

Recognising any steps, big or small, that a business is taking to be more sustainable or reduce its environmental impact.

Criteria:

Shows actions the business is taking to be more environmentally friendly – from reducing waste or energy use to switching to greener products.
Encourages staff or customers to think about sustainability.
Demonstrates a commitment to making a positive difference, whether through small everyday changes or longer-term goals.

Sponsored by Action On Climate Change

Celebrating businesses that embrace technologies and drive innovation in their industries.

Criteria: