Parade of success at North East HR&D Awards

They’re making all the right moves!

The stars of the North East’s HR and learning and development world have been honoured at a fun-filled carnival-themed event.

An audience of 450 packed into The Fed, in Gateshead, for the 2026 North East HR&D Awards.

And on an evening featuring samba rhythms, revelry and recognition across 12 hotly-contested accolades, Newcastle International Airport secured the HR&D team of the year title, in partnership with Womble Bond Dickinson.

Further award winners included:

·      Excellence in Reward & Benefits, in partnership with North East Work & Talent – Percy Hedley Foundation

·      Excellence in Supporting Armed Forces Talent, in partnership with Esh Group – Northumbrian Water

·      Excellence in Organisational & People Development, in partnership with Believe Housing – Stadler Rail Service UK

·      Excellence in Health & Wellbeing, in partnership with NPH Group – CF Fertilisers UK Ltd

·      Excellence in People & Technology, in partnership with Motivait – Ringtons

·      Excellence through Positive Impact, in partnership with Castle Peak Group – Northumbria University

·      Excellence in Talent Attraction & Employer Brand, in partnership with Jackson Hogg – The Inn Collection Group        

·      Excellence in SME People Practices, in partnership with Recovery4Life – Clifford James

·      Excellence in Leadership Development, in partnership with Hill Dickinson – Senstronics Ltd

·      Excellence in Apprenticeships, in partnership with TDR Training Ltd – KAEFER UK&I

·      Excellence in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, in partnership with Northumbrian Water – Darlington Building Society

Awards were judged by members of the North East Work & Talent advisory board, which reflects a cross-section of expertise and experience from regional organisations.

The annual spectacle – co-hosted by Kirsten O'Brien and Kema Kay – was once again delivered alongside Bdaily publisher NET, whose house of brands also includes N magazine and the NET 250 ceremony.

Steven Hugill, NET editor-in-chief, who delivered the North East HR&D Awards’ introductory speech, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of this wonderful ceremony again and to celebrate the incredible work carried out by individuals and organisations across the North East’s HR and learning and development landscape.

“The vibrant carnival atmosphere provided a fitting backdrop to an evening showcasing some of the very best talent and innovation in the sector.”

Elouise Leonard-Cross and Sarah Carnegie, North East Work & Talent advisory board joint chairs, added: “The breadth of talent and achievement across the North East’s HR and learning and development profession continues to impress.

“This event was another powerful reminder of our region’s exceptional people and organisations, which are shaping the future of work and talent.

“We are proud to have collaborated once again with NET, and we look forward to the 2027 ceremony.”

The evening – which featured festivities including a giant paperchain challenge and a samba or salsa dance game – raised funds for event partner Community Foundation North East’s North East Women and Girls Fund.

Award category partners included Believe Housing, Castle Peak Group, Esh Group, Hill Dickinson, Jackson Hogg, Motivait, North East Work & Talent, Northumbrian Water, NPH Group, Recovery4Life, TDR Training and Womble Bond Dickinson.

Motivait was the evening’s digital engagement partner, with its North East HR&D Awards platform helping people make connections and share views throughout the evening.

Shrewd HR was the night’s photobooth partner, with film partner Square One Law assessing the ever-evolving dynamics of human relationships and technology in the workplace.

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