THE best in business across the dale were celebrated at an awards evening in Barnard Castle.
It was a great night for all involved at the town’s TCR Hub which picked up two Teesdale Business Awards – for social responsibility and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Among others celebrating was Chris Howell and all at Howell Media. The firm won the award for best business and Chris’s daughter Issy was judged entrepreneur of the year.
Collecting the best business award, Mr Howell dedicated the accolade to his late father – “the original Mr Howell” – who died the week prior to the ceremony.
In all, 12 awards were handed out in an event organised by Enterprise House, which this week celebrates 25 years of helping business start-ups at its base on Harmire Enterprise Park.
It was the first time since Covid that the awards had been held in person, with the previous ceremony being held “virtually” .
Hosts were retired business advisor John Atkinson and businesswoman and voiceover artist Emma Hignett, who both agreed it was a joy to be back in front of a sell-out audience at The Witham, Barnard Castle.
Keynote speaker for the evening was Lord Barnard, who gave an overview of developments at Raby Estate.
Looking to the future, he said: “Barnard Castle and Teesdale are well- placed to take advantage of the upgrade in the A66, though proposals have been postponed until March next year, hopefully purely for technical reasons.
“It makes Barnard Castle a pivotal location not just for the North East and Yorkshire but also Cumbria and the North West region and even south west Scotland.
“A less London-centric view, particularly upgrading the east-west railway connection between the great northern cities, would also have knock-on benefits.”
He added: “Teesdale area has some great advantages. Being part of small communities has a big positive in that reputation is important in a way it might not be in a large city as standards and trust is high. And as we can see this evening there are some fantastic and diverse businesses and social enterprises.
“This is all the more impressive given that today businesses are having to navigate the cost of living and inflation issues.
“The fundamentals for business are strong in Teesdale – a great place to work with stunning countryside but most of all it is the people.
“You’ll all know many of those whose businesses have been put forward and it is that close knit community that makes this place special. Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to recognise them and the very real achievements of the Teesdale business community.”
The full list of award winners
Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Teesdale Renewables): Leon Blackburn, Mark Gibson Motor Services.
Entrepreneur of the Year (Tilly, Bailey & Irvine): Issy Roughan.
Social Responsibility (The Greenfields): TCR Hub.
Best Community Engagement (Raby Estates): Teesdale Day Clubs
Most Innovate Business (Howell Media): Blagraves.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GSK): TCR Hub.
Best Business Trading Outside Teesdale (Technimark): Tall Tales Mysteries.
Growth Business of the Year (Business Durham): Rocket Heritage and Archaeology.
Best Customer Focus (Towergate Insurance Brokers): Blossom Home Care.
Best Social Enterprise (Barnard Castle School): YMCA Teesdale.
Best New Business (Blossom Home Care): High Farm Holiday Park.
Best Business (Teesdale Cheesemakers): Howell Media.
