Some of the region’s leading businesses are backing this year’s BUSINESSiQ Awards.

After an amazing inaugural event last year, we are back at Ramside Hall on Thursday April 25 to applaud more people and organisations from across the North East who have invested in our region with jobs, innovation and game-changing technology.

The nominations for firms who deserve their place on the stage alongside our host Alfie Joey are already flowing in, but you can still help us shine a spotlight on the businesses who are making a difference and working together on a new business blueprint for the North East.

The businesses who are already working with us to present another amazing night of celebration and applause include Cummins, who are sponsoring our Innovation Award, and Tees Valley Combined Authority, who will present the Net Zero Award.

The full list of sponsors so far is:

New Business of the Year - razorblue

Creative Business of the Year - University of Sunderland

Export Champion Award - Wootzano

Diversity and Inclusion Award - Innovation SuperNetwork

Employee Health and Wellbeing Award - Circle Health Group

Innovation Award – Cummins

Net Zero Award - Tees Valley Combined Authority

The packed pre-awards reception at Ramside before our awards are handed out will be presented this year by Sunderland-based Creo Comms.

BUSINESSiQ Editor Mike Hughes said: "Last year was such a memorable night that we immediately started planning the 2024 event, and I'm so pleased businesses from across the North East have once again stepped up to be part of it all with us.

"There are also some great names coming in on the nominations, so it's all set for another great night with Alfie at Ramside Hall."

We’re adding new sponsors all the time, but there are still just a few opportunities left to work with us, so if you want to be among some of the region’s most effective networking at one of the biggest dates in the business calendar, drop a line to ryan.fenwick@localiq.co.uk