Opencast is a fast-growing digital consultancy which has developed into a major force in the UK’s technology landscape, particularly within the public sector. It has grown to a team of nearly 500 employees, operating from its Newcastle base with regional hubs in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Specialising in software, digital & technical delivery and other services, Opencast has delivered projects for some major Government departments. The company’s revenue has grown significantly and it closed its last financial year with a turnover of £49.9m, a 66% increase in revenue over the two-year period. Over the next 12 months, it aims to deliver large-scale public-sector digital transformations while maintaining its pace of hiring.

Kara Healthcare operates 10 purpose-built care homes, employs over 500 staff and supports more than 350 residents. Its journey began when it bought a failing care home for just £1 and turned it around. The company has one of the sector’s lowest staff turnover rates and avoids the use of agency staff. It strives to improve lives through its ‘Care with Pride’ philosophy, an ethos that cultivates an environment where residents thrive and staff are empowered. Over the next 12 months, Kara Healthcare will expand its footprint across the North East, opening new care homes and creating 150 local jobs.

Elite Energy operates in the UK’s retrofit and renewable energy sector, evolving from a local plumbing business into a national leader in sustainable upgrades. In two years, revenue has risen from £1m to £15m, built on solid commercial foundations, forward-thinking leadership, and clear market insight. Positioned in the retrofit sector, the company supports UK households in adopting renewable technologies through Government schemes and private innovation. Elite has combined organic growth with diversification, enabling national expansion and the recruitment of experienced professionals across strategy, operations, and delivery. Over the next 12 months, it aims to build on momentum through organic growth and strategic acquisition.

TT2 Ltd was established in 2007 as the operator of the Tyne Tunnel. The company aims to give back to the region it serves. Its corporate social responsibility programme, including the Tyne Tunnels Community Fund, is designed not just to contribute to the North East, but to create lasting value. Over the last three years the company has donated more than £300,000 to charities and good causes and it has shown its environmental commitments by reducing the tunnels’ carbon emissions by 90% and installing on-site EV charging points for team members. It also contributed 307 hours of volunteering across 18 projects. It is now planning to install roof-mounted solar panels and is offering more work experience placements to inspire young people.

Active Families was established in 2017 with the aim of tackling the health and social inequalities facing the North East, particularly in deprived communities. It has seen significant growth over the last year, including the establishment of two dedicated wellbeing hubs and projects working alongside NHS partners. It also believes in reducing its environmental impact, having all-electric company vehicles and working to reduce its carbon footprint wherever possible. As well as expanding its work in Sunderland, South Shields and Gateshead, it hopes to expand into Newcastle.

B A Joinery is a bespoke joinery manufacturer based in Billingham. The company believes that its purpose extends beyond the production of timber products with a belief that it can be a force for good. Its business model is underpinned by ethical, sustainable and socially conscious practices that it believes are fundamental to commercial success. B A also aims to support the communities in which it operates, working with schools and colleges to train and inspire young people, as well as having charity partnerships in the local area. Over the next 12 months it is planning to expand its solar panel infrastructure to reduce its carbon footprint and wants to improve recycling rates.

Osbit is an offshore engineering company that designs and builds bespoke equipment for the offshore energy sector. Based in Riding Mill, Northumberland, it also has a production and service facility at the Port of Blyth. The company’s engineering heritage, combined with the North East’s world class ports and proximity to the North Sea, has seen it play a key role in the growing offshore wind sector. The company’s new production facility will support the build and delivery of a range of products essential for the development of offshore wind farms, as well as supporting the growth of the next generation of engineers through Osbit’s STEM outreach programme. The facility has been built with sustainability in mind, combining energy efficiency with work to reduce the company’s waste.

Central Doorset Manufacturing designs and manufactures bespoke and standard timber fire doors, doorsets and screens for commercial and residential use. Over the last six years it has grown from a staff of three and turnover of £500,000 to a team of more than 50 and revenues of almost £8.5m. That growth has been driven by an evolution from being a labour-only operation into a fully integrated service provider. The company is forecasting a further 15–20% rise in turnover over the next year, which is expected to create more employment opportunities and broaden its operational scope. It says its positive workplace culture has been central to its growth.

Coupland Leather produces handcrafted premium leather goods using traditional techniques and sustainably sourced British leather. The company exports to 28 countries and has collaborated with a number of heritage brands and independent retailers to cement its reputation for excellence. Significant growth over the last two years has been helped by the launch of Coupland Wholesale, a new division supplying bespoke leather goods to brands and businesses. Founder Stuart Coupland has been shortlisted for a number of awards and invited to speak at conferences on the future of manufacturing. He is also developing business coaching programmes for fellow leatherworkers and creative entrepreneurs to encourage others to keep alive the craft.

Muckle is a commercial law firm based in Newcastle that employs nearly 200 people. The company was the first law firm in the North East to achieve B Corp accreditation, recognising its commitment to its ESG strategy and to continuous improvement. It also holds Investors in People Platinum status while staff surveys have shown that its team overwhelmingly shares in values. Muckle has shown a long-term commitment to training and career progression, and prides itself on creating a working environment where everyone can fulfil their potential. This year, it entered the Social Mobility Employer Index to benchmark itself against eight areas of employer-led social mobility.

Port of Blyth is one of the largest trust ports in the UK, handling cargo across four terminals based around the River Blyth. It believes that its people are its most valuable asset and two years ago launched a new mission and values statement to help shape how employees interact with each other, with customers and with suppliers. It joined the North East Better Health at Work Award in 2023 and has developed a digital staff newsletter to ensure that its team are regularly updated on the company’s latest news. It is planning to expand on its offering to employees over the next two years, including a new electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme that offers discounts to staff and helps towards the port’s decarbonisation goals.

Barnard Castle firm William Smith Group 1832 is one of the largest specialist suppliers of vinyl films to the sign, graphics and building interiors industries. Over the last three years it has targeted a transformative shift that places employees at the forefront of its business. That strategy included the appointment of a people and culture manager and a move to an employee-centric model where staff feel valued and involved in key decisions. The company has also improved its learning and development programmes and has brought in employee benefits that include a holiday purchase scheme, a subsidised canteen and social events for staff and their families. This year it is investing in a new HR platform to best serve its teams.

Teesside firm CF Fertilisers UK Ltd is a leading producer of ammonium nitrate, supplying essential nitrogen to UK farmers. It has invested £30m in its Billingham site to secure a sustainable future. The company prioritises employee well-being through initiatives including flexible working, counselling, stress management workshops, and an Employee Assistance Programme. It fosters motivation via engagement surveys and community involvement. Over the next 12 months, CF plans to use feedback from its 2024 survey to shape action plans, roll out new health benefits through an occupational health department, and launch a rewards programme.

Mr Davidson started his career as an apprentice at the CA Parsons works when he was 18 and is now the CEO of Siemens Energy in the UK and Ireland. Since taking the role of CEO he has grown the business and secured investment of £2m in the Newcastle site, creating 65 jobs. On a national level he has been called to Number 10 as an advisor to Ed Milliband and Sir Keir Starmer on energy strategy and the path to net-zero. Recently he was elected to be a Renewable UK board member. He combines that role with a push for local jobs, a robust supply chain and for clear Governmental policy so that suppliers can invest in the UK.

When Mr Davidson was appointed general manager of Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, he faced the challenge of reviving an underperforming 100-year-old manufacturer. He has turned around a loss-making facility and led it towards its most successful ever year by getting the most of the talents within his team. A new focus on internal processes and improving staff morale helped the company win significant new projects and develop a new focus on innovation. By the end of 2025, the number of employees will have doubled and the factory will be operating seven days a week.

Artist Lucy Pittaway has turned her passion for art into a commercially successful business. The business has seven galleries, a destination outlet store and an online shop. Ms Pittaway has appeared on national media to promote the business and received nationwide attention for her pledge to create a woodland commemorating the Sycamore Gap tree. She is now working with a national healthcare organisation Elysium Healthcare to provide trees which will be planted to benefit people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties and create therapeutic green outdoor spaces. This will also see hundreds of trees planted at hospitals and care homes across the UK.

Air Purification Skroll was established by Colin Billiet and has developed new technology in the treatment of compressed air and gas. The company’s innovation offers significant performance gains in efficiency, durability, reduced size and weight, reliability and running costs. The company has launched a new technology into a traditional market, while driving the business to financial stability, using long-term relationships with local manufacturers and suppliers to build sales and expand its team. The company remains firmly rooted in the North East and is expanding to new facilities to grow its workforce and increase global exports.

Established in 2016, COG Legal is an independent, majority-women-owned business that has delivered hundreds of millions of savings for companies worldwide through legal spend management projects. The company’s legal technology and legal operations solutions combine AI-driven platforms with real expertise and personalised service. Its core services are used by some of the largest companies across the financial, insurance, automotive, and public sectors. Growth and investment in technology are top priorities over the next 12 months and the company plans to further invest in its AI-driven legal spend management platform to enhance the overall client experience.

Salesfire is a software-as-a-service company based in Middlesbrough that provides AI-powered customer journey optimisation technology to eCommerce retailers. It has rapidly developed over the past eight years into a comprehensive product suite offering shopper identification, personalisation and re-targeting functionalities. Salesfire AI has given smaller players in the eCommerce sector the chance to take on bigger businesses. It is aiming for £5m in revenue in the 18 months following its release and the company is working on expanding the depth of analytics it provides.

The Digital Lighthouse was founded in April 2024 by Tom Chandler and Leigh Gammons, building a strong reputation for delivering high quality digital marketing results. The company set out to challenge the traditional agency model by giving clients direct access to senior experts, focusing on strategic clarity, and aligning all activity with real business outcomes. That approach has helped it grow rapidly and establish a strong reputation across multiple industries. The company’s first year of operations saw it achieve Google Partner status and it has worked in partnership with Newcastle University to launch a graduate internship programme that aims to provide students with valuable industry experience.

SPELK Studio is a design-led furniture company based in Durham which creates small-batch wooden furniture inspired by British history, local materials and emotional connection to place. The business was founded with no industry contacts, external investment or safety net, and at a time of rising material costs, cautious consumer spending and a saturated interiors market. It aims to stand out not just for its furniture, but for the thought behind it, including a commitment to firm environmental values. The company aims to be imaginative, authentic, resourceful and brave. It is focussing on growth through expanding into homewares and interiors, growing brand visibility and building strategic partnerships.

The Resolved Group is a Teesside-based business dedicated to transforming lives through digital development, consultancy, career opportunities and innovative solutions that drive lasting change. The company works with organisations and digital agencies across the world to maintain and develop digital systems. It also has a charitable arm - Resolve Changing Lives - which uses tech to support the third-sector by developing tools which tackle issues like mental health, dementia and education. Having initially aimed for the business to be valued at £5m by the end of the decade, the group’s growth has now seen that prediction double. Turnover is forecast to increase by 500% over the next year and the company is expanding its team with 20 new hires.

LamasaTech is a market-leading specialist in digital signage displays, touch screens and kiosks. The Newcastle firm works with companies in a range of industries, including retail, education and government and public sector. The company’s small team has the agility to transform obstacles into opportunities and has secured significant contracts with the likes of Costa Coffee and Co-op Media Network. It has almost doubled turnover in the last year and has developed clear paths for career progression and professional development. It is now expanding its export business and is embracing the possibilities of AI to transform retail experiences.

Fairgrieve Compression Moulding is one of the North East’s longest-established manufacturing businesses, and is enjoying its most successful period after 112 years in business. Famed for being the first UK company to compression mould Bakelite plastics in 1918, the Washington-based business is now creating new headlines by winning major new contracts and innovating with new product development. It has recently begun a recruitment drive which will see it double the size of its workforce by the end of this year. Fairgrieve has won a number of industry awards over the last few years and has invested in new equipment that allows it to stand out in existing and new markets.

Just Williams is a purpose-driven sales and marketing agency headquartered on Teesside, operating both nationally and internationally. The company specialises in elevating brand profiles, generating quality leads and fostering sustainable growth for clients across the engineering, construction, technology, and professional services sectors. A certified B Corporation, the company is committed to being a champion for small businesses through a strong local supply chain. Sister business, The Just Williams Sales Academy, has trained nearly 5,000 professionals to enhance their sales capabilities, build confidence, and drive measurable business results.

Jack joined Central Doorset as an apprentice straight from school, dedicating himself to mastering machinery and showing a keen eye for detail. He later took an opportunity to become a project manager, helping the firm increase output and showing his abilities in problem solving. He has built several strong client relationships, helping to foster repeat business and a positive reputation for the company. His employers highlighted his “willingness to step up in moments of uncertainty” and describe him as a “cornerstone of our business.” They also praised his wit and approachable manner, saying that he has contributed to a collaborative office culture.

At 22, Luke is chairman and majority owner of Holdham Rail Solutions Group, a fast-growing business operating Bishop Trains and Excursions By Rail. Despite his age, he shows strategic leadership, commercial foresight, and a passion for public service. His work has created jobs, expanded access to public transport, and boosted regional tourism, putting County Durham on the map for heritage and charter rail. He is now exploring expansion across the North East, aiming to build community-led transport hubs that improve social mobility in areas of high deprivation. His long-term goal is to become an independent Train Operator, owning rolling stock and offering direct services that connect underserved regions to opportunity.

Leon Newman has shown drive, growth, technical skill and client-focused professionalism on his journey from apprentice to certified IT technician. During his time at Lucid, he has shown an appetite for adding skills, and is said to lift the office with his enthusiasm. He has also gone from trainee to mentor, helping future apprentices navigate technical challenges. His employers say that he has shown “definite leadership material” and praise his ability to combine “good fun but with a level of professional maturity.” They are planning for him to take on increased responsibility in crucial areas of the company’s work.

Advantex delivers a range of IT services, aiming to provide “future-ready solutions that empower businesses to work smarter and safer”. The Gateshead-based company has achieved rapid and sustained growth in recent years, doubling turnover from £6m in 2022 to just under £12m by the year ending June 2024, and expanding its workforce from 50 to 70 employees. Advantex invests in its team and actively gives back to the community through the support of charities like Heel and Toe. Over the coming year, the company is looking to focus on sustainable growth, strategic innovation, and expanding its national footprint.

Filtronic specialises in high‑performance RF, microwave and millimeter‑wave components and subsystems. The County Durham firm is expecting full year revenues to more than double thanks to the momentum gained from a partnership with rocket giant SpaceX. It also has contracts to supply Airbus and with defence contractor Leonardo. A healthy order book and new technological advances have given the firm confidence for its near term future. After signing its largest order to date, worth $32.5m, it is now focusing on broadening its customer base, completing key technology developments and relocating to a new manufacturing site at NETPark in Sedgefield.

CF Fertilisers UK produces ammonium nitrate and ammonia solution from its Billingham base. It has restructured and invested over £30m to secure sustainable operations and mark 100 years of fertiliser production. With 170 permanent employees and 100 embedded contractors, the company prioritises well-being, inclusion, and community engagement. CF has a clear strategy for growth, including supporting the decarbonisation of UK industry and agriculture. It is committed to staff training, career development, and welfare. The company is also working with Tees Valley partners on plans for a low-carbon hydrogen network and carbon capture and storage facilities.