AWARDS
POLE POSITION
2026
AZETS LEAD AGAIN ON VELOCITEES 2026 – CELEBRATING TEESSIDE’ S FASTEST-GROWING BUSINESSES
The region’ s fastest-growing companies are once again lining up on the starting grid for VelociTees 2026, the Tees Business event celebrating speed, growth and success – and leading the charge again is headline sponsor Azets.
The national accountancy and advisory firm has backed the event since its launch, championing the companies setting the pace across the Tees region.
As headline sponsor for a fourth consecutive year, Azets is helping to put the foot down on what promises to be the biggest and boldest VelociTees yet.
Now in its fourth year, VelociTees shines a light on the businesses driving the region’ s economic growth – firms that are scaling up, creating jobs and helping to shape a prosperous future for Teesside.
The awards are based on independently verified data and recognise fastest-growing companies in six different categories based on turnover and staff headcount.
Azets – which offers audit, tax, accounting and business advisory services across the UK – has supported VelociTees since its inception, helping to champion the companies making the biggest impact across the Tees Valley.
Andrew Rowe, Azets’ Teesside office managing partner, said the firm’ s ongoing involvement in VelociTees reflects its passion for celebrating local enterprise and ambition.
On your marks – Tees Business director Martin Walker( centre) and Azets colleagues Andrew Rowe and Jennifer Waters gear up for VelociTees 2026.
“ One of the reasons Azets were keen to be involved with the VelociTees awards originally was that we thought that the booming businesses here on Teesside deserved to be celebrated – not just the well-known powerhouses but hopefully some lesser-known hidden gems,” said Andrew.
“ In fact, one of the great joys of the last three years has been discovering some companies doing amazing things locally that have managed to fly under the radar.
“ Following the success of the event over the last three years, we are expecting it to attract even more businesses and to be even bigger and better.
“ While Teessiders are not normally the first to shout about their achievements, we hope this event will allow us to shine a light on the amazing companies and success stories we have here.”
Since its launch in 2023, VelociTees has showcased some of the region’ s most dynamic and ambitious firms.
Previous VelociTees winners have included games development specialist Double Eleven, care recruitment agency
Moonrise, security expert Vistech Services, recruitment firm Achieve Hospitality and long-established Wilton Engineering.
Each year, the event has attracted dozens of business leaders to celebrate the success of the Tees Valley’ s scale-up community, providing a rare platform for fast-growing companies to gain recognition and build new connections.
The 2026 event will again be held in the stunning Conservatory at Wynyard Hall, from noon-2pm on Thursday February 19.
Martin Walker, director and co-founder of the awards along with his business partner Dave Allan, said:“ Azets’ partnership underscores the shared mission of promoting Teesside’ s economic success.
“ We’ re thrilled to have Azets on board once again – and especially proud to see them step up as headline sponsor for VelociTees 2026.
“ From day one, Andrew and the Azets team have understood what VelociTees is all about: celebrating ambition, growth and the businesses that are helping to transform the Tees region.
“ Teesside is home to some incredible
154 | Tees Business