What is the North East's best small business? Find out at the North East Business Awards

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the North East economy, and the very best are in line to be recognised at the North East Business Awards.

The Small Business Award is always one of the most eagerly anticipated at the event, which has heats in Tyneside and Northumberland; Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside; and Teesside, before finals held in April.

The Small Business Award is open to companies that normally employ no more than 75 full-time staff and which have a proven record of success.

Judges will pay particular attention to managerial and financial performance, potential for growth, evidence of commitment and imagination, and what differentiates the company from its competitors.

The award, won last year by Newcastle recruitment firm Coleman James, is sponsored by Newcastle City Council and North East Business and Innovation Centre.

Andrew McKay from Coleman James wins the Small Business Award, sponsored by Gateshead College (Newcastle Chronicle)

Coun Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle is a city of bright sparks and big ideas. Small businesses across Newcastle are at the heart of our community and an essential part of the city’s economy. Newcastle City Council is committed to doing everything it can to support the success of all our small businesses.

“There are over 7,500 small businesses in Newcastle that we estimate employ over 40,000 people, and those numbers are growing year on year. So it is increasingly important that we continue to champion local businesses. We will work with our employers, universities, the North East LEP and other partners to increase the rate of innovation, entrepreneurialism and business growth, which are key to long-term success, increased competitiveness and higher wages”.

North East BIC chief executive Paul McEldon said: “Over the last 25 years we have accommodated more than 800 businesses and supported over 4,000 individuals, delivering business support programmes to aspiring and growing entrepreneurs.

“These awards give local companies the opportunity to put their businesses in the spotlight and gain the recognition they deserve for their pioneering work and the great impact they are making.

“We have seen first hand the opportunities these business awards can bring. They can be a great asset for any firm, from building the brand to attracting new customers. The external recognition is a great boost not only to the business owner but their employees too.

“We feel the Small Business Award not only celebrates the outstanding achievements and innovative culture on offer in our region today, but provides an excellent platform to showcase the very best of small businesses, across a diverse range of sectors.”

The North East Business Awards will mark their 20th anniversary next year, with two new categories – the apprenticeships, training and skills award, and the high growth and ambition award – being introduced.

There are also awards for small businesses, innovation, digital technology, newcomers, heart of the community, manufacturing, and services.

The Northumberland and Tyneside Awards will take place at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on February 27 followed by the Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside Awards on March 12 at Ramside Hall. The Teesside finals take place at Middlesbrough College on March 26 followed by the Grand Final at Hardwick Hall on April 30.

More details are available at www.nebusinessawards.co.uk.