Opencast

Opencast is a fast-growing digital consultancy which has developed into a major force in the UK’s technology landscape, particularly within the public sector. It has grown to a team of nearly 500 employees, operating from its Newcastle base with regional hubs in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Specialising in software, digital & technical delivery and other services, Opencast has delivered projects for some major Government departments. The company’s revenue has grown significantly and it closed its last financial year with a turnover of £49.9m, a 66% increase in revenue over the two-year period. Over the next 12 months, it aims to deliver large-scale public-sector digital transformations while maintaining its pace of hiring.

Active Families North East

Active Families was established in 2017 with the aim of tackling the health and social inequalities facing the North East, particularly in deprived communities. It has seen significant growth over the last year, including the establishment of two dedicated wellbeing hubs and projects working alongside NHS partners. It also believes in reducing its environmental impact, having all-electric company vehicles and working to reduce its carbon footprint wherever possible. As well as expanding its work in Sunderland, South Shields and Gateshead, it hopes to expand into Newcastle.

Osbit

Osbit is an offshore engineering company that designs and builds bespoke equipment for the offshore energy sector. Based in Riding Mill, Northumberland, it also has a production and service facility at the Port of Blyth. The company’s engineering heritage, combined with the North East’s world class ports and proximity to the North Sea, has seen it play a key role in the growing offshore wind sector. The company’s new production facility will support the build and delivery of a range of products essential for the development of offshore wind farms, as well as supporting the growth of the next generation of engineers through Osbit’s STEM outreach programme. The facility has been built with sustainability in mind, combining energy efficiency with work to reduce the company’s waste.

CF Fertilisers UK Ltd

Teesside firm CF Fertilisers UK Ltd is a leading producer of ammonium nitrate, supplying essential nitrogen to UK farmers. It has invested £30m in its Billingham site to secure a sustainable future. The company prioritises employee well-being through initiatives including flexible working, counselling, stress management workshops, and an Employee Assistance Programme. It fosters motivation via engagement surveys and community involvement. Over the next 12 months, CF plans to use feedback from its 2024 survey to shape action plans, roll out new health benefits through an occupational health department, and launch a rewards programme.

Darren Davidson - Vice President, Siemens Energy & Siemens Gamesa UK & Ireland

Mr Davidson started his career as an apprentice at the CA Parsons works when he was 18 and is now the CEO of Siemens Energy in the UK and Ireland. Since taking the role of CEO he has grown the business and secured investment of £2m in the Newcastle site, creating 65 jobs. On a national level he has been called to Number 10 as an advisor to Ed Milliband and Sir Keir Starmer on energy strategy and the path to net-zero. Recently he was elected to be a Renewable UK board member. He combines that role with a push for local jobs, a robust supply chain and for clear Governmental policy so that suppliers can invest in the UK.

COG Legal

Established in 2016, COG Legal is an independent, majority-women-owned business that has delivered hundreds of millions of savings for companies worldwide through legal spend management projects. The company’s legal technology and legal operations solutions combine AI-driven platforms with real expertise and personalised service. Its core services are used by some of the largest companies across the financial, insurance, automotive, and public sectors. Growth and investment in technology are top priorities over the next 12 months and the company plans to further invest in its AI-driven legal spend management platform to enhance the overall client experience.

The Digital Lighthouse

The Digital Lighthouse was founded in April 2024 by Tom Chandler and Leigh Gammons, building a strong reputation for delivering high quality digital marketing results. The company set out to challenge the traditional agency model by giving clients direct access to senior experts, focusing on strategic clarity, and aligning all activity with real business outcomes. That approach has helped it grow rapidly and establish a strong reputation across multiple industries. The company’s first year of operations saw it achieve Google Partner status and it has worked in partnership with Newcastle University to launch a graduate internship programme that aims to provide students with valuable industry experience.

Just Williams

Just Williams is a purpose-driven sales and marketing agency headquartered on Teesside, operating both nationally and internationally. The company specialises in elevating brand profiles, generating quality leads and fostering sustainable growth for clients across the engineering, construction, technology, and professional services sectors. A certified B Corporation, the company is committed to being a champion for small businesses through a strong local supply chain. Sister business, The Just Williams Sales Academy, has trained nearly 5,000 professionals to enhance their sales capabilities, build confidence, and drive measurable business results.

Luke Allan Holmes - Holdham Rail Solutions Group

At 22, Luke is chairman and majority owner of Holdham Rail Solutions Group, a fast-growing business operating Bishop Trains and Excursions By Rail. Despite his age, he shows strategic leadership, commercial foresight, and a passion for public service. His work has created jobs, expanded access to public transport, and boosted regional tourism, putting County Durham on the map for heritage and charter rail. He is now exploring expansion across the North East, aiming to build community-led transport hubs that improve social mobility in areas of high deprivation. His long-term goal is to become an independent Train Operator, owning rolling stock and offering direct services that connect underserved regions to opportunity.

Filtronic

Filtronic specialises in high‑performance RF, microwave and millimeter‑wave components and subsystems. The County Durham firm is expecting full year revenues to more than double thanks to the momentum gained from a partnership with rocket giant SpaceX. It also has contracts to supply Airbus and with defence contractor Leonardo. A healthy order book and new technological advances have given the firm confidence for its near term future. After signing its largest order to date, worth $32.5m, it is now focusing on broadening its customer base, completing key technology developments and relocating to a new manufacturing site at NETPark in Sedgefield.

Alan Ferguson OBE

A successful businessman in his own right, Alan dedicates significant time and energy to helping others succeed across the North East, championing the region and ensuring it shines at every opportunity. His passion for economic growth and regional success is shared by many, and his commitment is both visible and inspiring. Best known for his leadership in the transport sector as the latest generation to run his family business, his influence extends far beyond it. His work has spanned tourism, education and health, reflecting a deep commitment to wider community impact. Within his company, he has fostered a culture built on honesty, loyalty and hard work, earning the trust of major organisations that value long-standing partnerships with this respected firm. Beyond business, he has long served his home town of Blyth, an effort recognised with an OBE in 2015. More recently, he has collaborated with family members on an ambitious project bringing renewed attention and visitors to a remote part of Northumberland, creating a lasting economic and cultural legacy.