Tees region ’ s fastest growing firms celebrated at third annual event

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Some of the Tees region ’ s bestperforming firms in terms of turnover and job creation have been recognised at the third annual VelociTees awards .

Unlike most awards ceremonies organised by Aycliffe Business sister publication Tees Business , the lunchtime event , held in Wynyard Hall ’ s plush conservatory , wasn ’ t about competition .

Instead , it was facts and figures , expertly compiled by leading accountancy firm and VelociTees headline partner Azets using companies ’ latest filed accounts , that decided the winners .

It was , however , a celebration of the sheer diversity and talent the Tees Valley ’ s business scene can boast .

And it was an event to remember for two very contrasting companies who not only won their categories , but also the overall prizes for their section .

Billingham-based Eastgate Engineering Services triumphed in the Job Creation – Small Business category , having created 20 new jobs and grown their team to 45 staff in just 12 months .

While Middlesbrough ’ s audio-visual consultants ArtAV , whose annual turnover leapt from just under £ 1.4m to nearly £ 3.4m , won the Turnover – SME trophy .

Aycliffe Business editor Martin Walker , one of the co-hosts of VelociTees 2025 , speaks to attendees .

And when all the totals were totted up , they ’ d performed the best in their respective sections , meaning they both emerged as double award winners .

Eight awards were handed out – three in each category , plus the two overall prizes .

And Andrew Rowe , Teesside office managing partner of Azets , said the range and quality of those shortlisted proved the breadth of business talent on Teesside .

He said : “ In previous years , some of our better-known ‘ superstar ’ businesses have won but it ’ s great to see new businesses here today on the shortlist .

“ We ’ ve got Teesside ’ s traditional strengths in engineering , logistics , the care sector and construction , but also in the likes of groundbreaking audio-visual , digital and AI , international recruitment and literacy training .

“ We hope that by showcasing these brilliant businesses this year , it will encourage those who may be a bit shy – a typical Teesside trait – to shout about their success and get involved in the future .”

The event was co-hosted by Dave Allan and Martin Walker , directors of VelociTees organisers Tees Business .

Martin told attendees : “ VelociTees is quite different to our other evening awards events , which are very much about opinions and judging .

“ The VelociTees are based on facts and figures from latest filed accounts , which are expertly analysed by our event partners Azets .”

And Martin told the finalists : “ Today ’ s event is an acknowledgement of your success , which you should all be proud of .

“ Celebrating the Tees region ’ s fastestgrowing companies not only honours your achievements – it motivates others to emulate you , and kick on with the next stage of their own growth .”

All the winners from the 2025 VelociTees , celebrating the Tees region ’ s fastest-growing businesses .

VELOCITEES 2025 WINNERS

Job Creation – Small Business

Sponsored by Moonrise 24-hour Recruitment

Winner : Eastgate Engineering – 20 jobs created ( 80 % growth )

Job Creation – SME Sponsored by UKSE

Winner : Razorblue Group – 64 jobs created ( 56 % growth )

Job Creation – Large Business

Aycliffe Business Issue 71 | Page 34

SUPER-FAST

GROWTH

Some of the Tees region ’ s bestperforming firms in terms of turnover and job creation have been recognised at the third annual VelociTees awards .