Robotics firm Wootzano takes top prize at North East Business Awards

The awards, in their 24th year, celebrated the best of the region's businesses

Robotics firm Wootzano has been named North East Business of the Year after taking the top prize at the 2024 North East Business Awards.

The company, which recently moved from its initial base at NETPark in County Durham to Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside, beat County Durham solar power firm Power Roll and Teesside IT agency razorblue to the top accolade.

Wootzano was founded in 2018 but has quickly developed world leading expertise in its field that has helped it win multi-million pound orders from around the world. Judges praised its cutting-edge technology and global ambitions.

Other winners at the event which aims to celebrate the best of North East business included Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, Noggin HQ and Big Bite.

There was also an outstanding contribution award for former North East LEP chief executive Helen Golightly, who was praised for her leadership skills and her contribution to securing a devolution deal for the North East.

The event at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield was opened by Journal editor Graeme Whitfield, who said: “For the past few years I have sat on the judging panel for these awards and, as such, I read every one of the entries.

“Every year this process reminds me how much talent and energy there is in this region, and what brilliant businesses we have.

“At the start of this year we said that 2024 was a crucial period for the North East, with two mayoral elections and a General Election that gave people the chance to set a new direction for this region, and with the whole of the North East covered by devolution for the first time. Those elections came back with some pretty definitive verdicts, and whatever you think about this year’s election results, we now have two mayors and a Government who say that economic growth is their priority.

“At this point we can only take them at their word but we will certainly be looking for signs that those promises can be delivered in this month’s Budget and beyond. Certainly, if our elected politicians need some pointers about how to develop our economy, the companies on our shortlists are a good place to start.”

Hundreds of businesses entered this year’s event, with winners from three parts of the region – Tyneside and Northumberland; County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside; and Teesside – competing in each category.

The event was hosted by North East-born Kirsten O’Brien.