WINNER:
Sponsored and shortlisted by Moonrise 24hr Recruitment
BEST NEW BUSINESS
WINNER:
BEARTECH
The co-founder of thriving tech firm BearTech says diversity has been an integral part of its success.
In November 2023, married couple Rob and Ali Boville launched BearTech – a Middlesbrough-based independent tech company that delivers software, AI and digital solutions for clients locally and nationally.
And after picking up the Best New Business prize, Ali explained how the firm’ s values and culture remained allimportant.
She said:“ I’ ve been brought up with strong women and have two amazing daughters who are making their own way in the world, and I think it’ s fantastic to see.
“ But we’ re all about the values and the culture of the business. It’ s about making sure the people we bring into the organisation are the right fit.
“ And it’ s very much around diversity of thought. It’ s not just about the male and female split – it’ s about how people approach things differently, perhaps from different socio-economic backgrounds, because that brings a richness.
“ We have to make sure that if we do that, we’ re listening and bringing people on board who have that voice.”
Committed to creating meaningful opportunities for women in tech, BearTech sees neurodiversity and individuality as strengths, with 63 % of the team now from a DEI background.
And with its team of 23 expected to grow by at least 50 % in the next 12 months, Ali and Rob aren’ t resting on their laurels.
Ali said:“ We’ re two years old on November 14 and we’ re planning growth – massive growth.
“ When we set the business up, we had a corporate background and decided corporate wasn’ t right for us, so we decided to go it alone. It gives us the ability to spend quality time with our family and bring them along on the journey but hopefully to inspire them as well – if we can do it, so can you.
“ Now we’ re looking at expansion into new markets and different countries – that’ s where we want to go with it.”
Winner – Ali Boville, left, of BearTech, with sponsor Moonrise 24hr Recruitment’ s Sarah Harland.
FINALIST: FINALIST:
Spear-heads
Cheryl Spears and her female team of sales freelancers run Thornaby-based Spear-heads, which offers business sales support, LinkedIn sales training, networking, expo-style events and recently launched a recruitment agency arm.
Cheryl has shown grit and determination when developing the business as a mum to twin girls, one of whom has complex healthcare needs.
After launching in September 2023, Cheryl put the brakes on until March 2024 to care for her daughter. But as soon as she relaunched, she was at capacity within a week and soon took on six more women.
Cheryl creates a space where female talent is nurtured and prides herself on developing young people, who soon learn from her friendly yet straighttalking style.
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Rudby Hall Hotel
Rudby Hall is a luxury boutique hotel near Hutton Rudby whose hospitality services include accommodation, catering, private and corporate functions, events and holistic retreats.
Since launching in February 2025, it has already grown into a celebrated destination, earning a 4.9 / 5 guest experience rating and“ exceptional” status from independent travel platforms.
Beyond delivering outstanding stays, the hotel partners with local SMEs, champions women-led organisations through venue sponsorships and sustainable collaborations and opens its space for advertising campaigns and content creation.
And through its Friends of Rudby Hall initiative, it curates history, fosters community and sparks adventure – proving that hospitality can inspire far beyond its doors.
Sarah Harland, marketing and administration, Moonrise 24hr Recruitment: New businesses bring fresh energy, bold ideas and positive change to our communities and remind us that success is not just measured in growth and profit, but in the lives touched, barriers broken and opportunities created. As women in business, we’ re not just building companies, we’ re building futures, communities and pathways for others to rise alongside us. This award celebrates courage, vision and the remarkable women who are shaping tomorrow.
138 | Tees Business