Businesses in North Tyneside are about to be recognised for the resilience and diversification they showed which helped them survive and revive during the pandemic.

The annual business awards hosted by North Tyneside Business Forum recognises the achievements of the best businesses in the borough but in February’s presentation evening there will be special accolades for those that overcame the difficulties created by COVID.

Chair of North Tyneside Business Forum, Karen Goldfinch said:

“The last 20 months have been very difficult for a lot of businesses; many have completely changed their business model to continue trading despite the challenges that have come their way.  There has also been a lot of new businesses start up, some doing incredibly well as they develop their new venture with passion and enthusiasm, it’s been inspirational to see the determination to succeed we have in our area.  We as a Forum believe that these businesses should be recognised for their tenacity and perseverance and for the way that they have continued to serve their customers and maintain their staff.”

Applicants can enter any of the four categories, and all category winners are automatically entered for the overall North Tyneside Business of the Year Award. Category winners receive a certificate, prize and trophy as well as substantial recognition and publicity. The ceremony will take place on Thursday 3rd February 2022 in line with Public Health guidance. Tickets will be limited to finalists and sponsors only; more information will be issued in due course.

The categories are:

• Can Do – a business which has shown resilience throughout the pandemic
• Diversification – a business which has diversified their product / service offering to keep their business afloat during the pandemic
• New Business – a business which has started since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and has grown despite challenges.
• Heart of the Business – nominated by the business for a member of staff which keeps the business going and has overcome their own challenges

In addition to the four categories, the public will nominate and vote for the Heart of the Community Award which recognises the way that businesses support their local community. Previous winners have supported local initiatives and causes, employed local people, provided excellent customer service and basically went the extra mile to be at the heart of their local community.

Last year’s winner of the Heart of the Community Award was H&S Convenience Store in Wallsend for the way they helped their customers through the worst of the pandemic.

Hassan Khan from H&S Convenience Store said: “We are very community based and look after the people around us. During the lock down we made food parcels and shared them to anyone that needed them. It was great to be nominated by our customers for the award and I’d ask people to look at the businesses that have personally helped them and nominate them too.”

Applications can be made at www.northtynesidebusinessawards.co.uk