Winner: HIYED
Aycliffe Business Make Your Mark Awards
INSPIRING FUTURES AWARD
Sponsored by
THE FINALISTS
Martin Walker of category sponsor Tees Business presented the Inspiring Futures Award to Tracy Fee, Chloe Howe and Alexandra Golightly from Hiyed.
Winner: HIYED
The smiles on their faces say it all …
Hiyed founder Tracy Fee had company as she collected the Inspiring Futures prize at the Make Your Mark Awards – and it proved exactly why her CIC was a deserving winner.
Tracy was joined on stage at Hardwick Hall by two young women who are thriving in the roles Hiyed helped secure for them.
Chloe Howe and Alexandra Golightly have both been helped into work by Hiyed, which was set up two and a half years ago to support people facing barriers into employment. And after picking up the inaugural Inspiring Futures award, customer service apprentice Chloe and team member Alexandra were quick to sing the praises of the service that’ s helped them, with a beaming Alexandra holding the trophy and saying:“ Tracy’ s the most wonderful boss ever!”
Hiyed edged out Husqvarna UK and South West Durham Training to win the award.
And Tracy, who said she was“ so proud” to win it, told the 250-strong audience:“ We love being part of Aycliffe Business Park, everyone’ s been so welcoming.
“ I didn’ t set the business up until I was in my 50s after an autism diagnosis so, hopefully, I’ m inspiring people by doing what we do.”
Chloe, said Tracy, came to Hiyed on work experience.“ She was very anxious but has come on amazingly and is now just about to finish her Level 2 apprenticeship.” Alexandra, she added, started in the office, cleaning, but now has three roles in the organisation.
Tracy said:“ I know there are recruitment companies and employment support but this is different. It’ s supported employment, it’ s very bespoke and it’ s quite intense – but it’ s real, one-to-one person-centred support for people facing whatever barriers they may have.
“ It might be someone who doesn’ t have work clothes, it might be they’ re struggling with public transport or they need someone to help them learn the ropes in work.
“ We meet that person, find out what they’ re interested in and try and find something for them. Then we will continue to work with them.”
And with around 450 people now helped by Hiyed, and close connections forged with four local colleges, it seems those employment barriers will continue to be chipped away at.
Tracy added:“ We have a 100 % success rate on our interns getting into work, so we’ re really proud of that.”
HUSQVARNA UK Husqvarna UK is dedicated to developing future leaders through structured training, mentoring and inclusive opportunities.
In 2025, the company launched comprehensive leadership programmes, strengthened mentoring support and embedded vital recognition practices to encourage continuous learning.
A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion fosters a safe, supportive environment. Furthermore, sustainability is woven into daily operations, featuring energy-efficient practices and waste reduction initiatives.
Backed by significant financial investment and senior leadership involvement, Husqvarna builds a highly skilled, motivated workforce equipped to drive innovation, deliver high-quality service and champion a sustainable and inclusive future.
SOUTH WEST DURHAM TRAINING Established in 1967, South West Durham Training( SWDT) is a premier training provider creating vital opportunities in engineering and, more recently, plumbing pathways.
Operated by a dedicated team of just 24 staff and part of the Bishop Auckland College Group, SWDT supports learners through inclusive, flexible apprenticeships and full-time programmes.
It provides comprehensive wrap-around support, including essential maths and English resits alongside dedicated careers guidance.
By forging strong partnerships with employers, particularly within Aycliffe Business Park, SWDT ensures industryrelevant training and a robust talent pipeline.
Through personalised support and high-quality teaching, SWDT continually transforms lives while driving regional business growth.
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