FAQs

There is no charge to enter the North East Business Awards.

You may enter a maximum of three categories, but you must complete a separate submission for each and tailor your entry to suit the specific category.

Once you have submitted your entry you will receive an email confirming that we have received your nomination.

Entries can only be accepted from businesses whose base, or a substantial proportion of its business, is within the North East of England.

Information provided in the entry form will be viewed by the judging panel. Shortlisted finalists will have a short biography about them added to the awards website which will be based on the content of their submitted entry form. Therefore, if your entry contains confidential information that you do want to be shared please email the event manager with the details immediately.

Entries will close at 5pm on 31st May 2023. If entries are submitted after this deadline they may not be included in the judging packs.

All entrants will be notified by email or telephone within 7 days of the judging session, and the winners for each sub-region will be published online.

A distinguished panel of experts will meet to choose the winners. Each nomination is assessed by the panel against set criteria.

The awards take the format of three sub-regional heats with the winners of each category at each heat being announced on ChronicleLive, TeessideLive and BusinessLive and in the pages of The Journal and The Gazette. The winners of each sub-region then go head-to-head for the overall titles at the Grand Final in September. Entries are categorised into the three sub-regions based on the postcode of the business being put forward. Below is a summary of the postcode allocations (please note: if you are an agency entering on behalf of a client, you must submit the clients address in the application to ensure they fall into the correct regional heat):

Durham, Sunderland & South Tyneside: DH1, DH2, DH3, DH4, DH5, DH6, DH7, DH8, DH9, DH97, DH971PA, DL12, DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16, DL17, DL4, DL5, NE31, NE32, NE33, NE33, NE34, NE35, NE36, NE37, NE38, SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5, SR6, SR7, SR8, TS21, TS28, TS29

Teesside: DL1, DL10, DL11, DL2, DL3, DL6, DL7, DL8, DL9, TS1, TS10, TS11, TS12, TS13, TS14, TS15, TS16, TS17, TS18, TS19, TS2, TS20, TS22, TS23, TS24, TS25, TS26, TS27, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6, TS7, TS8, TS9, Y07, YO7

Northumberland & Tyneside: NE1, NE10, NE11, NE12, NE13, NE15, NE16, NE17, NE18, NE19, NE2, NE20, NE21, NE22, NE23, NE24, NE24 4RP, NE25, NE26, NE27, NE28, NE29, NE3, NE30, NE39, NE4, NE40, NE41, NE42, NE43, NE44, NE45, NE46, NE47, NE48, NE49, NE5, NE6, NE61, NE62, NE63, NE64, NE65, NE66, NE67, NE68, NE69, NE7, NE70, NE71, NE8, NE9, NE98, NE99, TD15

Winners for the sub-regional heats will be announced on ChronicleLive, TeessideLive and BusinessLive and in the pages of The Journal and The Gazette.

The winners from the sub-regional heats then go head-to-head with the overall North East titles announced on:

  • 26 September in the Grand Marquee, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield 

Please see approximate timings below. Confirmed timings will be sent out prior to the event date.

  • 18.30 Drinks Reception
  • 19.30 Dinner
  • 21.00 Awards Presentation
  • 23.00 Close
  • 00.00 Carriages

The dress code is black tie.

Please email the event manager who will send you details of any negotiated rates with local hotels.

We always try to accommodate special dietary requirements and request this information in advance of the awards event. You can do this via the website when booking your tickets/tables. Once logged into your account, you will see dietary requirements in the booking section under each guest’s personal details. If you need advice or help with this, or would like to discuss any specific details please contact the event manager. Please note that all special dietary requirements must be arranged in advance.

The marquee for the Grand Final is accessible however we would need to make advance arrangements with the hotel for vehicle access to the entrance of the marquee. Please tell the event manager your access needs and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Free parking is available on site at Hardwick Hall Hotel.

There will be a table plan on display in the drinks reception area when you arrive. Your company name and table number will be displayed on the plan. A member of the events team will be on hand to help you find your seat.

We are able to provide you with a partnership media pack which provides detailed information about the extensive benefits and opportunities available this year. For more information email tom.austin@reachplc.com

If you have queries relating to the categories, criteria, eligibility for entry, or anything relating to the content of your submission, please contact: