North East Business Titans Panel selects final 50

Twelve of the region’s respected business figures came together to select the final 50 North East Business Titans: The Top 50 Business Leaders Shaping the Future of the North East.

The partnership between Bradley Hall, Barclays Corporate Banking, and Portfolio North reflects the organisations’ shared commitment to supporting business growth, innovation, and economic development in the region. The campaign reinforces the North East’s reputation as a hub of enterprise, resilience, and ambition, home to some of the UK’s most dynamic business leaders and emerging talent.

The initiative will identify and celebrate the Top 50 Leaders Shaping the Future of the region in a dedicated publication that tells the stories of the winners - revealed exclusively in the winter edition of Portfolio North.

Nominations opened earlier this year and attracted more than 200 entries across five award categories: SME Powerhouse, Mid-Market Mavericks, Legacy Builders, Business Breakthroughs, and Innovation Trailblazers.

The 2025 campaign also introduced a brand-new category, ‘The New Icons’, which celebrates the emerging figures already leaving a significant mark on the region’s business landscape. This addition ensures that the initiative honours both established success stories and the next generation of innovators and changemakers driving the North East forward.

Each submission underwent a rigorous evaluation process prior to the event, with the independent panel verifying not just turnover or presentation, but the tangible impact of each nominee’s work including how they conduct business, the difference they are making to the local economy, and their wider community influence.

The judging panel represented a broad spectrum of industries, company sizes, and expertise, capturing the diversity and energy that define the North East economy.

Nicki Clark, CEO and Co-Founder of UMi said; “It was a real privilege to join such an inspiring group of business leaders to help shine a light on the people who make the North East such a special place to do business. The judging process gave us the chance to look beyond the headlines and really understand the impact these leaders are having - not just in terms of growth, but in how they’re creating opportunities, supporting their people, and giving back to their communities. At UMi, we see every day how purpose-driven leadership can transform both businesses and regions, and the Titans initiative really captures that spirit.”

Cassie Moyse, Group Marketing Director at Bradley Hall and Founder of Portfolio North said; “It was important for us to have representatives who could relate to each of our categories, understand the challenges in that specific industry, the nature of the organisation and appreciate the progress and wins they had made.

“The dynamic in the room was fantastic, with a variety of opinions, experience and perspectives. There was exciting conversations and debate – with some great conclusions made. I am delighted with the final list and look forward to celebrating the region’s best leaders and unsung heroes.”

The 2025 Titans Panel included:

· Geoff Thompson, Chairman of South Shields FC and Energy Solicitors and founder of Utilitywise

· Eileen Ferguson, Co-Founder and driving force behind Ad Gefrin Museum and Distillery in Wooler

· Andrew Dawson, Managing Director of CASTLE, one of the North East’s leading construction firms

· Ian Robinson, CEO of Satcom Global and parent company Broadband Satellite Services

· Nicki Clark OBE, CEO and Co-Founder of UMi, a certified BCorp helping hundreds of thousands of UK businesses grow

· Jag Singh Rai, Director and Head of Corporate Banking – North East, Barclays Corporate Banking

· Alok Loomba, Senior Partner and Head of Real Estate at Sintons LLP

· Lesley Fairclough, Partner and Head of the Commercial Property Department at Ward Hadaway

· Richard Hogg, Founder and CEO of Jackson Hogg, a leading STEM talent solutions firm

· Rachel Wilson, Owner of Jobsons of Alnwick, a modern country lifestyle retailer

· Tom Shanks, Finance Director of Blueline Group, a family-run transport and property business

· Cassie Moyse, Group Marketing Director at Bradley Hall and Co-Founder of Portfolio North

Together, the panel carried out in-depth research and deliberation to select the business leaders driving meaningful change, inspiring growth, and setting new standards of excellence across the North East.

Speaking about the campaign, Cassie Moyse said: “This year’s list is an exciting mix of businesspeople who often fly under the radar. The competition isn’t based purely on turnover or a polished entry form — it’s grounded in evidence of real impact. We looked at how nominees conduct business, what difference they’re making to our local economy and communities, and the leadership they demonstrate every day.

“As a North East headquartered firm, it is important and exciting for us to acknowledge and celebrate the business leaders who are shaping the future of our region. We are delighted to be teaming up with Jag and Barclays Corporate Banking on this campaign – their commitment and passion for North East businesses aligns perfectly with ours.”

Jag Singh Rai, North East Corporate Director at Barclays Corporate Banking, added:
“The North East has always been a hub of business innovation and resilience, and we’re proud to sponsor an initiative that showcases the remarkable talent shaping our region’s future. At Barclays, we’re committed to supporting the growth of local businesses and fostering the next generation of leaders. The North East Business Titans is a fantastic platform to celebrate those making a real difference.”

As the campaign concludes, the final 50 Titans and The New Icons will be unveiled in the winter edition of Portfolio North, marking the culmination of a year-long journey celebrating innovation, leadership, and community spirit. Subscribers to the Bradley Hall newsletter will receive exclusive early access to the list before it is shared with the wider business community.

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