STANDOUT ACHIEVEMENT
SPONSORED BY RECOGNITION PR
AWARDS 2023
FINALIST
SASS MEDIA
Southern Asset Management founder Steve Southern , left , with Graham Robb , senior partner of Recognition PR , category sponsor of the Standout Achievement award .
WINNER
STEVE SOUTHERN
A double winner at the 2023 Best New Tees Business Awards says he couldn ’ t have done it without support from people when he was at his lowest ebb .
Steve Southern , of structural testing firm Southern Asset Management ( SAM ), talks freely about the mental health struggles he suffered during a previous role .
His passion and determination to start over saw him launch SAM – and within its first year of operations , it had a turnover of half a million pounds .
But Steve admits it could have been a very different story had it not been for the support from family and friends .
And thanks to his dedication and perseverance , he bagged two titles at the Best New Tees Business Awards – the Best New Services Business title and the Standout Achievement award .
Receiving his awards , Steve took the chance to thank his supporters and urged anyone facing similar demons not to face them alone .
He said : “ If you ’ ve got issues , no matter what your dark times are , talk to people , seek advice . Seek help and don ’ t bottle it up – you can ’ t do it on your own .
“ Family ’ s massive to me . Close friends and family – just to keep you going when the dark days are there . And they know that what you ’ re doing , you ’ re passionate about .”
Steve ’ s Stockton-based business , which specialises in structural and integrity testing for lighting columns , has seen rapid expansion , with major local and national clients .”
“ I keep things right for the customers at the right price , with good delivery and good service ,” he says .
But his candid assessment of where he was mentally – “ mental health problems , suicidal , breakdowns ” – to where he is now is both thoughtprovoking and inspiring .
SASS media – launched just over a year ago by company directors Sarah Walker and Sarah Dale – offers a wide range of PR and media services , including journalism , public relations , communications and copywriting .
Passionate Teessiders , the two Sarahs have earned a wealth of returning clients thanks to their warmth , strong work ethic and loyalty . SASS media has successfully achieved media coverage for clients across a range of platforms – TV , radio , websites , magazines and newspapers – and aims to continue on this current exciting growth trajectory and expand its workforce with even more talent .
FINALIST
2812 STUDIO
2812 Studio creates captivating narratives through photography , videography and production for a variety of clients – all while pushing the creative boundaries .
With a portfolio that reflects its growth in contracts – from local businesses to significant brands – it is making dynamic progress . This is echoed through its expansion of the 2812 team , consistent delivery of high-quality content and an ever-expanding network through events and co-working opportunities .
Looking ahead , 2812 Studio ’ s aim is to diversify , expand markets and nurture emerging talent while maintaining its commitment to creative excellence and client satisfaction .
SPONSOR MESSAGE
Recognition PR MD Graham Robb said : “ As a long-established PR business with its roots firmly bedded in the Tees region , I was incredibly proud for Resolution PR to support the Best New Tees Business Awards . The entries were of an excellent standard , which meant shortlisting was a real challenge . But congratulations to Southern Asset Management as worthy winners for their achievements in the early days of business .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 65