Celebrating North East ambition at the BUSINESSiQ Awards 2026

On 22 April 2026, some of the North East’s most forward thinking businesses and leaders came together to celebrate success at the BUSINESSiQ Awards 2026, held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, overlooking the iconic Tyne Bridge.

The evening shone a spotlight on the ideas, innovation and people helping to power our regional economy forward. From fast growing SMEs to established organisations making a lasting impact, the awards recognised businesses that are creating opportunity, supporting their communities and investing in the future of the North East.

UMi Get Funding was proud to sponsor and attend this year’s BUSINESSiQ Awards.

As a businesses dedicated to making it easier for businesses to access the right finance and support, the event closely aligns with what UMi stand for - championing ambition, sharing great ideas and celebrating the people behind successful businesses.

Awards nights like this matter. They create space to pause, reflect and recognise the determination it takes to start, grow and sustain a business in today’s landscape. They also bring people together to connect, learn and celebrate what’s possible when expertise and collaboration come together.

A huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists recognised on the night.

Each award told a story of innovation, resilience and commitment, whether that was through investment in people, progress towards net zero, community impact or bold approaches to growth and change. The breadth of categories reflected the diversity and strength of our regional business community, and the judging panels clearly had no easy task choosing between so many impressive achievements.

Reaching the finalist stage alone is a significant accomplishment, and every business shortlisted should be incredibly proud of the progress they’re making and the contribution they’re delivering across the North East.

The event itself was a real credit to BUSINESSiQ and the team behind the awards.

From the venue and atmosphere to the stories shared on stage, the evening captured what makes the North East business community so special - an openness to share experiences, a willingness to support one another, and a collective drive to keep moving forward. The celebration brought together businesses of all sizes and sectors in a way that felt inclusive, energising and genuinely uplifting.

It was fantastic to see so many businesses gathered in one place, exchanging ideas and recognising progress, while also looking ahead to what comes next.

At UMi, we believe access to the right information, expertise and finance can make a real difference to businesses at every stage of their journey. Events like the BUSINESSiQ Awards reinforce just how much potential exists across our region and how important it is that businesses feel supported to take their next step with confidence.

We were delighted to be part of an evening that celebrates ambition, rewards hard work and puts people at the centre of business success.

Congratulations once again to all the winners and thank you to BusinessiQ for delivering such an outstanding event. We’re already looking forward to seeing how this year’s finalists and winners continue to grow, innovate and inspire in the months ahead.