2026
GROWTH GIANTS
SeAH and Unity hailed as region’ s fastest-growers at 2026 VelociTees celebration
A TEES BUSINESS EVENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZETS
Some of the Tees region’ s bestperforming firms in terms of turnover and job creation have been recognised at the fourth 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.
The team behind the £ 900m monopile factory at Teesworks, SeAH Wind UK, triumphed in the Job Creation – SME category, having created 73 new jobs and grown to 97 staff over a 12-month period.
And Unity Network Technologies triumphed in the Turnover – Small Business category after the IT firm’ s annual turnover leapt from £ 135,000 to £ 1.7m.
And when all the totals were totted up, SeAH and Unity had performed the best in their respective sections, meaning they both emerged as double award winners, taking the Overall crowns for Job Creation and Turnover respectively.
Eight awards were handed out – three in each category, plus the two overall prizes. Other category winners were GLC Projects, Cavendish Northern, Applied Integration and Elite Energy Eco.
Andrew Rowe, Teesside office managing partner of Azets, said the range and quality of those shortlisted proved the breadth of business talent on Teesside.
Rapid risers – VelociTees 2026 category winners representing( from left): Unity Network Technologies, Elite Energy Eco, Applied Integration, Cavendish Northern, SeAH Wind and GLC Projects.
He said:“ It never fails to surprise me the range of amazing businesses we have here on Teesside. In the toughest market conditions we have seen for some time, the drive and innovation that these businesses have shown is nothing short of remarkable. They ensure that, as a region, we are punching well above our weight.” The event was co-hosted by Dave
“ IT NEVER FAILS TO SURPRISE ME THE RANGE OF AMAZING BUSINESSES WE HAVE HERE ON TEESSIDE.”
Allan and Martin Walker, directors of VelociTees organiser Tees Business.
Dave told attendees:“ These are companies growing despite the climate – creating jobs, increasing turnover and proving that Teesside businesses don’ t just survive tough times … they get on with it and make things happen.”
126 | Tees Business