The 2026 Tyne and Wear Business Awards celebrate organisations and individuals responding thoughtfully to the needs of their customers, communities and industries. From accessible business support and essential household assistance to cyber resilience, hospitality and specialist retail, our winners demonstrate the breadth of enterprise found across the region. Their achievements reflect practical leadership, adaptability and a close understanding of the people they serve.
Our 2026 Tyne and Wear Business Award Winners
Bringing more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience into regional economic development, Paul Hughes of North East Combined Authority Growth Hub has been named Newcomer Business Leader of the Year in the Business Leader Awards. As a Growth Hub Connector, Paul helps businesses access funding, digital adoption support, innovation programmes and strategic advice, while his mentoring work supports founders at different stages of their development. His ability to translate first-hand commercial experience into approachable, relevant guidance makes his contribution particularly valuable to the region’s business community.
Addressing furniture poverty with a model built around dignity, affordability and reuse earned Community Transport the title of Social Impact Initiative of the Year in the Community and Social Impact Awards. Through its Furniture Poverty and Household Support Initiative, the charity works with local authorities, housing providers and community organisations to help households obtain essential furniture, appliances and white goods. Flexible payment options, targeted support for families experiencing bed poverty and opportunities for people facing barriers to employment extend the initiative’s impact well beyond the items it provides.
Accessible protection for smaller organisations is central to the work of Net-Defence, winner of Cybersecurity Company of the Year in the Cybersecurity and Resilience Awards. Its Business Resilience as a Service model brings infrastructure support, Cyber Essentials certification and security monitoring together within a flexible subscription service. Alongside strong growth, the Gateshead-based company has invested in practical educational events that help regional businesses understand cyber threats, supply-chain vulnerabilities and changing risks such as AI-driven fraud.
More than a decade of successful trading has established The Botanist Newcastle as a prominent part of the city’s hospitality landscape, earning it Hospitality Business of the Year in the Hospitality Awards. Its rooftop setting, distinctive food and drinks offering and programme of live entertainment are supported by an operation employing nearly 100 people. Continued investment in staff development, venue quality and the guest experience has allowed the business to retain its identity while adapting to changing expectations in a competitive city-centre market.
Built from personal savings and a clear understanding of an underserved community, Afro-Naija Supermart Ltd has secured Small Business of the Year in the Small Business Awards. Since opening in Sunderland in 2024, the shop has expanded its product range in direct response to customer requests, providing African and Caribbean ingredients that can be difficult to find locally. Its growth, creation of flexible employment and practical support for students and new arrivals demonstrate how an independent retailer can become a trusted and welcoming part of its community.
Combining scientific knowledge, product development and a strong connection with her customers, Sara Mitchell of Sparkling Scents by SEJM Ltd has been recognised as Businesswoman of the Year in the Women in Business Awards. Sara has developed tanning wands designed to prevent product transfer onto hands and nails, while building an audience of almost 100,000 followers on TikTok and expanding through ecommerce and vending machines. Her willingness to identify practical industry problems and create original solutions has supported the continued growth and visibility of her brand.
Traditional pub hospitality remains at the heart of Longship in Hebburn, another recipient of Hospitality Business of the Year in the Hospitality Awards. Combining classic pub food and a well-stocked bar with live sports, quiz nights and poker events, the venue offers a relaxed setting designed for a broad local audience. Accessible facilities, free Wi-Fi, a dog-friendly policy and a welcoming beer garden contribute to its position as a convenient and inclusive community pub.
Celebrating Enterprise Across Tyne and Wear
This year’s winners demonstrate how closely business achievement can be connected to local needs. Across the region, organisations are helping founders navigate growth, supporting households through financial hardship, improving access to cyber protection and creating spaces where customers feel understood and welcome.
There is also a clear emphasis on practical improvement. Whether developing a new service model, responding directly to customer requests, investing in employees or removing barriers to essential support, these winners have achieved recognition through consistent and relevant work. Their success reflects a Tyne and Wear business community shaped by experience, resilience and a strong sense of place.
Business Awards UK congratulates all our 2026 Tyne and Wear winners. Their achievements represent the varied ways that businesses, charities and individual leaders can contribute to a confident, connected and sustainable regional economy.
