2025
THE FAST LANE
VelociTees awards ‘ a celebration , not a competition ’ as fastest-growing businesses hailed
A TEES BUSINESS EVENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZETS
Some of the Tees region ’ s bestperforming firms in turns of turnover and job creation have been recognised at the third annual VelociTees awards .
Unlike most awards ceremonies organised by Tees Business , the lunchtime event , held in Wynyard Hall ’ s plush Conservatory , wasn ’ t about competition .
Instead , it was facts and figures , expertly compiled by leading accountancy firm and VelociTees headline partner Azets using companies ’ latest filed accounts , that decided the winners .
It was , however , a celebration of the sheer diversity and talent the Tees Valley ’ s business scene can boast .
And it was an event to remember for two very contrasting companies who not only won their categories but also the overall prizes for their section .
Billingham-based Eastgate Engineering Services triumphed in the Job Creation – Small Business category , having created 20 new jobs and grown their team to 45 staff in just 12 months , while Middlesbrough ’ s audio-visual consultants ArtAV , whose annual turnover leapt from just under £ 1.4m to nearly £ 3.4m , won the Turnover – SME trophy .
And when all the totals were totted up , they ’ d performed the best in their respective sections , meaning they both emerged as double award winners .
Eight awards were handed out – three in each category , plus the two overall prizes .
And Andrew Rowe , Teesside office managing partner of Azets , said the range and quality of those shortlisted proved the breadth of business talent on Teesside .
He said : “ In previous years , some of our better-known ‘ superstar ’ businesses have won , but it ’ s great to see new businesses here today on the shortlist .
Feeling champion – the winners celebrate on stage .
“ We ’ ve got Teesside ’ s traditional strengths in engineering , logistics , the care sector and construction , but also in the likes of groundbreaking audio-visual , digital and AI , international recruitment and literacy training .
“ We hope that by showcasing these brilliant businesses this year , it will encourage those who may be a bit shy – a typical Teesside trait – to shout about their success and get involved in the future .”
The event was co-hosted by Dave Allan and Martin Walker , directors of VelociTees organiser Tees Business .
Dave told attendees : “ You ’ re shortlisted because you ’ ve achieved something spectacular .
“ But remember that the VelociTees is a public celebration of your success in a challenging economic climate .”
Venue – Wynyard Hall ’ s Conservatory .
Chat - co-host Martin Walker ( left ) on stage with Eastgate Engineering ’ s David Brennan .
140 | Tees Business