Winner: TRACY FEE
Aycliffe Business Make Your Mark Awards
BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
THE FINALISTS
Hiyed founder Tracy Fee received the Businessperson of the Year award from Ebac chairman John Elliott MBE.
Winner: TRACY FEE
“
I was stunned to be even nominated and shortlisted – never in a million years did I think I’ d win it!”
That was the immediate reaction of a“ shocked” Tracy Fee – Businessperson of the Year in the Make Your Mark Awards 2026.
In 2023, soon after being diagnosed with autism, Tracy set up Hiyed – a community interest company that has since supported into employment more than 250 people facing barriers to work.
And as she proudly clutched her second award of the night – Hiyed earlier won the Inspiring Futures Award – she admitted:“ It’ s unbelievable – I can’ t stop shaking!”
Tracy received her trophy from the founder of category sponsor Ebac, John Elliott MBE.
And as Tracy reflected on her double win, having pipped Ian Nelson of NC Group and Aycliffe Engineering’ s Kathryn Altringham to win the award, she praised the business park community for making her and Hiyed feel so welcome.
She said:“ Everybody we meet on the park is so supportive and encouraging and that means a lot when you’ re a tiny little new business just starting out.
“ It’ s not natural for me to be networking and things like that, although I know it’ s important to do it – but these guys have just been so welcoming.
“ There’ ve been sleepless nights, struggles, worrying about paying the bills and the wages. You need that support of people around you to keep going and make you feel like it’ s worth doing – and it very much is worth doing.”
Hiyed still has its Bishop Auckland office but also recently moved into the Lifeline Community Hub in Aycliffe – home of Lifeline Community Action, whose chair, Pauline Chambers, earlier won the Role Model of the Year prize.
Tracy smiled:“ It’ s lovely in there with Pauline and the guys – and I’ m from Aycliffe, so that used to be Woolworths when I was growing up!
“ But moving into Aycliffe is a really big step for us. We’ re working with lots of partners and have just got some funding to go into more rural areas over in the Dales, because people find that really tricky – just to get into Aycliffe can be two buses a day and none after 5pm.”
IAN NELSON( NC GROUP) Ian Nelson, founder and leader of NC Group since 2017, is an exceptional visionary whose commitment to excellence has secured an Ofsted‘ Outstanding’ rating and national expansion.
By developing multifaceted training programmes that bridge critical engineering and manufacturing skills gaps, Ian has driven sustainable growth while maintaining rigorous operational standards.
Beyond his commercial success, he is a dedicated advocate for the Newton Aycliffe community, serving on the Aycliffe Business Park board and fostering vital employer partnerships.
Through his investment in future talent and regional economic growth, Ian’ s strategic leadership has created a lasting, transformative impact across the sector.
KATHRYN ALTRINGHAM( Aycliffe Engineering) Kathryn has demonstrated remarkable bravery and leadership in revitalising her family’ s long-standing local business.
Initially reluctant to take over, Kathryn reached out to her business community for support, gaining the confidence to tackle inherited challenges head-on.
Since early 2025, she has successfully steered the company from a loss-making position back to profitability, proactively collaborating with the Aycliffe Business Park board and utilising Durham Business grants and resources.
Her journey from personal struggle to strategic success makes her a respected, active participant in the community and a high-achieving leader.
PREVIOUS WINNERS 2025: CAROL GASKARTH( PIONEERING CARE PARTNERSHIP) 2024: ANDY REED( SENSTRONICS)
16 | Aycliffe Business