Impactful, economic CSR Award Partners
MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER
ONS figures show that the North East has the lowest business startup rates, and the lowest number of businesses per square mile in England. Last year, 82% of startups who entered stated they were not currently receiving any localised business support.
Which is where you come in. Partnerships are curated by project directors, working only with organisations that align to our purpose and shared vision for the North East economy:
Contact hello@startupawardsne.co.uk for more information on partner packages.
The Finals
The finals for each category (SkillUP, StartUP and ScaleUP) are split over the course of a day with each mini event opening up opportunities for you as partners to get involved based on your target audience, brand message and level of engagement.
BEF (Business Enterprise Fund)
“Start-ups are the future of the North East economy. They create jobs, bring new energy to our high streets, and drive innovation across our region. But starting a business here often comes with real challenges. From access to finance to limited networks, the barriers can hold good ideas back.
That’s why it’s so important we back local founders. When we invest in their potential, we’re investing in stronger communities, local pride and long-term growth.
The North East has always been known for its resilience, creativity and talent. By supporting start-ups, we are helping to build a more inclusive, diverse and vibrant economy for this region’s future.
We’re proud to sponsor the StartUp Awards North East 2025 because we believe in backing local businesses from day one. Start-ups are the future of our economy. They create jobs, drive innovation and bring fresh energy to our communities.
For us, this sponsorship is about more than visibility. It’s about showing up for the region we are here to serve. The Start Up Loans programme showed us just how much talent and ambition there is across the North East. We met incredible founders who have gone on to become valued customers and part of our community.
We are here to support local businesses to start, survive and thrive. Sponsoring the Startup Awards North East 2025 is our way of celebrating their success. It is also a way of standing alongside them as they build the future of our region.”
Square One Law
Square One Law was launched as a start-up in the recession of 2011 by a group of experienced partners, who saw an opportunity to break away from the traditional law firm model and create a disruptive, leaner, agile and more entrepreneurial business – so literally went back to square one. Our culture is all about teamwork, providing a high-quality service and building long-term relationships with our clients. They like the fact we give a commercial opinion, not a list of legal options and provide high impact solutions so we become involved in the discussions around their strategic direction and the initiation of their projects rather than just processing the legal outcomes.
British Business Bank
PNE
We create positive economic, environmental, and social change through enterprise. Our organisation is driven by a purpose: to create positive social and economic change through enterprise.
To do this we:
1. Support people to start a sustainable business
2. Support organisations to grow sustainably
3. Support partners to help businesses start, grow and thrive
Hays Travel
"It’s important to support North East startups to help new and emerging businesses become successful and profitable, while also creating employment opportunities for the future workforce. We are sponsoring the StartUP category to support the event and the charity’s work, providing sponsorship of a StartUP category and delivering a workshop presentation at the accelerator event to further empower and equip entrepreneurs on their business journey."
North East Chamber of Commerce
We believe start up support plays a vital role in helping new businesses establish strong foundations for long-term success.
We are delighted to sponsor the StartUP Impact award. Having recently launched our start-up and grow membership package we understand the importance of supporting and helping new businesses build solid foundations for long term success.
At the live finals Join Us
To meet the Award's incredible partners plus other leaders from the North East business ecosystem, get your ticket for the live finals 16th October 2025.