MOST ORIGINAL NEW BUSINESS
SPONSORED BY HR ALCHEMY
FINALIST
ABI & ABI
Achieve Hospitality founder and MD Lewis Clennell received the award from Jo Davies , MD of category sponsor , Yarm-based HR Alchemy .
WINNER
ACHIEVE HOSPITALITY
Founded during Covid-19 , Achieve Hospitality , with a Middlesbrough head office , spotted a niche in the private household and ultra-high-net-worth market .
Through strong industry partnerships , numerous recommendations , glowing feedback and a team that delivers a personalised approach towards recruitment , Achieve Hospitality ’ s client base has grown extensively , becoming a top recruitment agency in the luxury sectors .
The Achieve team is led by founder and MD Lewis Clennell and co-founder and MD Molly Teasdale and supported by nine consultants operating across every time zone globally to support all of their clients .
“ We have very few clients here ( on Teesside ),” Lewis said , explaining the need for 24 / 7 coverage to accommodate their global clientele .
And he admitted people might not associate Teesside with the luxury sector – truly cementing Achieve Hospitality as an original firm in the Tees Valley area .
“ All our competition is outside of Teesside ,” he continued . “ The clients we ’ re working with are some of the biggest names and industries and to know we ’ re a small agency here in Teesside – we are so proud of that . We put Teesside on the map globally .”
And the plans to build upon the firm ’ s early success aren ’ t slowing any time soon .
Lewis added : “ Now we are growing – we ’ re a part of a recruitment group . We have Achieve Professionals that launched in October – that ’ s recruitment in legal and finance . And Achieve Hospitality will continue to grow around the globe .”
And Lewis suspects there could be another factor contributing to the firm ’ s ability to stand out and be successful .
He smiled : “ I think it ’ s the northern charm that wins people over !”
Abi & Abi is powerhouse duo Abigail McLean and Abigail Farrelly , who design and produce exquisite editorial costumes for creative collaborations and work with like-minded creatives to bring their visions to life through photography , film , print or runway projects .
Through hosting networking events across the North-East , centred around a fabulous runway show , Abi & Abi shines a light on local artists across all mediums via immersive events – collaborating with up-and-coming models , hair and make-up artists , designers , stylists and set designers .
FINALIST
BLEND
Trailblazing marketing consultancy Blend tailors bespoke marketing solutions for SMEs .
What sets Blend apart is its recognition of each business ’ s individuality , throwing away one-size-fits-all solutions . Firmly believing there is no universal marketing solution that suits every business , by hosting “ marketing discovery days ”, Blend sets about understanding clients ’ objectives and current marketing strategies , bridging gaps and seizing opportunities .
Launched in June 2022 , Middlesbroughbased Blend has seen rapid growth , managing a diverse portfolio , securing impressive recurring income and supporting local Teesside agencies .
SPONSOR MESSAGE
Jo Davies , MD , HR Alchemy , said : “ We were absolutely delighted to sponsor the Most Original New Business Award and it was a really tough category to judge given the challenges that contestants have faced to date . Huge congratulations to Achieve Hospitality who won - they stood out as a niche agency specialising in such an exciting sector , and their ongoing achievements are just incredible .”
64 | Tees Business