The best of North Tyneside‘s independent businesses have been recognised at a glittering awards ceremony, with companies from Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North Shields and Wallsend commended for their amazing work.
Now in their 26th year, the North Tyneside Business Awards were set up to celebrate the businesses that make the area such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. Organised by the North Tyneside Business Forum, the awards ceremony was held at the Village Hotel in Cobalt Park on Thursday November 16 and hosted by TV presenter Rachel Sweeney.
This year there were five awards up for grabs, with the winner of each also being automatically entered into the prestigious Business of the Year award. There was also a special Heart of the Community Award voted for by the public, with the shortlist consisting of three North Tyneside businesses who were singled out as having made an incredible impact in their local community.
Aly’s Bakery in Whitley Bay scooped the New Business Award, which opened its doors on Park View in May last year after being taken on by Allison Elgie – who had already worked in the shop, formerly known as Carter’s Bakery, for 20 years beforehand. Aly and the team had previously told ChronicleLive that they were “absolutely delighted” with their Business Awards nomination, with the popular bakery’s regular customers chuffed for the family too.
North Shields-based Collingwood Insurance Services Ltd won the Retail & Service Provider Award, having been honoured with multiple insurance choice awards and a 4.8 Trustpilot rating for their excellent customer service. And Insulcon Technical was handed the Technology Innovation award, with the technical insulation and passive fire protection specialists recognised for their work exporting their products from North Shields to more than 30 countries.
Insulcon Technical also won the prestigious North Tyneside Business of the Year Award 2023, with the judging panel applauding their “multifaceted approach to innovation, global influence, and commitment to promoting technological advancement in their industry”. Managing Director Chris Evans said: “This is unbelievable – we’re a global business but to be recognised locally is a great accolade. On behalf of of all our team and our customers we’re delighted. It is a massive honour.”
Elsewhere on the night, the Heart of the Business Award went to Jean Watts from Bright and Beautiful Housekeeping and Domestic Cleaning Services based in Rake Lane, who was praised as “consistently going above and beyond” for both her employees and customers. And the Action on Climate Change Award was picked up by Whitley Bay Big Local, who were recognised as doing their part for the environment by installing a highly insulated roof and solar panels.
Last but by no means least, the public voted for Tynemouth Decorators to win the Heart of the Community Award. The decorators have donated many hundreds of gallons of paint over the years to local charities and individuals in need, and they recently took part in hit BBC show DIY SOS.
Their latest project is supporting a school and community in Gambia with free paint, and back on home soil they are also working with young apprentices. Di Meo’s ice cream parlour in Whitley Bay and Fiona Surrey Marketing in Wallsend were also commended as finalists for this meaningful award following a year of outstanding community work.
Michael James, Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum, said: “This has been an amazing night showcasing the very best that businesses in North Tyneside can offer. We have an incredible pool of talent ranging from small businesses serving their local community to industry sector leaders delivering products across the world. As Chair, I am very proud at what I have seen tonight.”
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