About the Awards

Join us for the inaugural Scaleup North East Alumni Awards, a celebration of the ambitious businesses, founders and teams that are driving growth, innovation and resilience across the region.

Bringing together the North East’s scaleup community, this special event will recognise the achievements of businesses that have taken bold steps to grow, create jobs, develop innovative products and services, and make a lasting impact on the regional economy.

The awards are an opportunity to celebrate not only commercial success, but also the determination, leadership and teamwork that sit behind every growth journey.

As the first-ever Scaleup North East Alumni Awards, the event marks an important milestone for the programme and the hundreds of businesses it has supported over the last eight years.

Why the Awards Matter

The Scaleup North East Alumni Awards have been created to recognise and celebrate the businesses, founders and teams that have been part of the Scaleup North East journey.

The evening will bring together our alumni community to celebrate success, share inspiring stories and recognise the contribution these businesses continue to make to the North East economy.

Award Categories

Growth Story Award - Recognising a business that has demonstrated an impressive journey of growth and development.

Innovation Award - Celebrating a business that has embraced innovation to develop new products, services, processes or ways of working.

Rising Star Award - Recognising an emerging business or leader demonstrating strong potential and ambition for future growth.

Team Performance Award - Celebrating a team whose collaboration, commitment and performance have played a key role in business growth and success.

Social Impact Award - Recognising a business making a positive difference to its people, communities or the wider region.

Scaleup Resilience Award - Celebrating a business that has demonstrated determination, adaptability and resilience while navigating the challenges of growth.

Outstanding Scale Up - Recognising an outstanding Scaleup North East alumni business that demonstrates ambition, achievement and a significant contribution to the region.

Event Details

Date: Friday 16 October 2026
Time: 5pm–9pm
Venue: Tyne Bank, 375 Walker Road, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2AB

About Scaleup North East

Scaleup North East supports ambitious businesses through expert-led growth support, mentoring, workshops and peer-to-peer learning.

Over the last eight years, the programme has supported hundreds of ambitious businesses across the region to scale sustainably and confidently, while building a strong network of founders, investors, business leaders and partners committed to driving growth in the North East.

Shortlisted Businesses

Outstanding Scaleup

iPac

Rheal

Inflo

Growth Story Award

Inflo  

Jackson Hogg

Samuel Knight

Innovation Award

Rezon

Kinewell

iPac

Rising Star Award

Bon Bloemen

Merwave

Tiba Tempeh

Team Performance Award

EB Unlocked

NatWest Accelerator

NET

Impact Award

Simon Berry Optometrists

OddBalls

Better Health (Nursem)

Scaleup Resilience Award

Talentheads

PaddlePod

Pink Boutique

FAQs

Who can attend the Scaleup North East Alumni Awards?

The Scaleup North East Alumni Awards are open to businesses, founders, teams and supporters from across the North East business community. Whether you’ve been part of the Scaleup North East programme or simply want to join us in celebrating the region’s scaleup success stories, you’re welcome to attend. Tickets are now available on general sale.

Where are the awards taking place?

The Scaleup North East Alumni Awards will take place at:
Tyne Bank, 375 Walker Road, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2A

How can I purchase tickets?
To purchase tickets please click here