BEST NEW BUSINESS
Sponsored by Tees Valley Combined Authority
WINNER : HOGG GLOBAL LOGISTICS
Hogg Global Logistics MD Lyndsay Hogg was “ ecstatic ” when the Hartlepoolbased firm scooped the Best New Business gong .
“ Given that we were up against Wander Films and Bentley ’ s Coffee Shop , two amazing companies , I honestly didn ’ t think we stood a chance ,” admitted single mum Lyndsay .
In business since September 2019 , Hogg ’ s family team of Lyndsay and fellow directors , parents Helen and Graham Hogg , has already turned over more than £ 250,000 and was named the best freight company of 2020 in the Prestige awards .
A caring firm , Hogg has also supported local businesses through the Covid pandemic with purchases and free help and advice in all areas of international trade .
“ We couldn ’ t hold back the tears when we won ,” said Lyndsay . “ It ’ s just the amazing recognition from other businesses that we have craved .
“ To be recognised for the work we do is so important , not just for us as a company but for the whole of the Tees Valley region .”
Lyndsay sees the awards as a huge shot in the arm for all women in business across the region .
“ I ’ m a huge girl power advocate ,” she said . “ The awards are so positive for women in Teesside and a great way of showing the next generation of girls that they can do anything – they can succeed in a so-called man ’ s world .”
TVCA chief executive Julie Gilhespie ( left ) presents Lyndsay Hogg with the Best New Business Award .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Wander Films
A video production / video marketing company based in Middlesbrough , Wander Films creates high impact , engaging video , helping businesses “ beat the scroll ” on social media .
With clients all over the UK , the team specialise in areas such as filmmaking , after-effects , graphic design , editing , social media and project management . In a short time , Wander has employed 10 people and directors Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner plan to create a team of 18 by the end of 2021 .
With 15 awards under their belts , including Micro Employer of the Year for taking on apprentices , they were finalists at the Institute of Directors ’ awards for equality and diversity . Wander has made a profit each year despite heavily investing in kit and in growing the team .
Bentley ’ s Coffee Shop
Bentley ’ s is a family-run business operating a chain of cafes across the North-East , Yorkshire and Lincolnshire . Partner Emily Bentley is a huge advocate of the Tees Valley , volunteering for many good causes .
Bentley ’ s started life in Coulby Newham , soon expanding to Middlesbrough Sports Village before securing the lease on coffee shops in multiple Debenhams stores .
Trading in incredibly difficult circumstances , Bentley ’ s employs 32 people and actively works with local suppliers , becoming part of the community . It was one of 100 businesses selected for Small Business Saturday and featured on the BBC News .
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
On behalf of Best New Business sponsor Tees Valley Combined Authority , mayor Ben Houchen said : “ We ’ re proud , once again , to have supported the Tees Businesswomen Awards and to have sponsored the Best New Business category .
“ The judging gets tougher and tougher every year and that ’ s testament to having such a strong cohort of female entrepreneurs and business leaders across Teesside , Darlington and Hartlepool . Congratulations must go out to all the category nominees .
“ We were delighted to award this year ’ s prize to Hogg Global Logistics , a firm which has been trading for little over a year . The ambition , resilience and determination shown by its leader , Lyndsay , to succeed in the face of many challenges really stood out . The company is going from strength to strength and has adapted well during the Covid pandemic , offering additional customer support and not being afraid to ask for support themselves . We ’ re sure they ’ ll have a great future .”