AWARDS
SPONSORED BY RAZORBLUE
TEES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
FINALIST ANALOX
A powerhouse quietly leading innovation in advanced gas monitoring and analysis, Stokesley-based Analox safeguards life across defence, space, beverage and critical industrial sectors.
It invests in training, STEM, apprenticeships, wellbeing and inclusion, nurturing talent and empowering individuals to innovate, excel and make a difference.
It is also deeply committed to the community – from STEM initiatives and school visits to supporting grassroots sports teams and local charities such as The Headlight Project.
But success is about more than technology or growth at Analox – it’ s about lives protected, communities strengthened and the people it inspires to achieve extraordinary things every day.
Winner – David Brennan, right, CEO of Eastgate Engineering, with CEO and founder of category sponsor razorblue, Dan Kitchen.
WINNER
EASTGATE ENGINEERING
The boss of the Tees Business of the Year says he’ s proud to be based in the“ powerhouse of the UK”.
Eastgate Engineering received the prestigious accolade, with CEO David Brennan and his team receiving a warm ovation from a 340-strong audience in Hardwick Hall’ s Coleman Suite.
And for David, winning the award was further proof he was right to set up a UK base on Teesside 11 years ago.
Eastgate began in Ireland in 2007 but has thrived on Teesside since setting up an office here in 2015.
And after landing the“ big one”, David was quick to heap praise on his Eastgate team – and Teesside in general.
David said:“ We’ re blown away to win this. The standard of the businesses in the final this year was absolutely outstanding, but that’ s a reflection of Teesside itself – it’ s such a booming place.
“ There’ s such a diverse number of industries, sectors and businesses that work here. It is the powerhouse of the UK and that’ s what drew us here in the first place.
“ From that very first meeting and open day we had with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, we saw the potential in Teesside – the energy behind it politically, within the community and in the businesses.
“ That’ s what makes Teesside the way it is, so hats off to everyone for doing what they do because they’ re flying the flag for the area in so many sectors – sustainable aviation fuel, offshore wind, battery energy storage, data centres, you name it.
“ They are punching way above their weight and showing the rest of Europe how to do it, and long may it last.”
Having recently moved from Billingham to a larger office on Thornaby’ s Teesdale Business Park, Eastgate is well set to continue expanding its UK and global operations.
David added:“ Much of the work we’ re looking at and are involved in is in the renewables, energy, security and offshore wind sectors.
“ We’ re so proud to work here and proud to be part of the business community.”
FINALIST LIONWELD KENNEDY
Middlesbrough-based Lionweld Kennedy combines excellent commercial performance with investment in people, innovation and sustainability.
In the past year, the firm has invested more than £ 4m in lean manufacturing and carbon reduction programmes and became a preferred specified supplier in new and emerging markets.
It has also achieved gold accredited membership of The 5 % Club’ s 2025 – 26 Employer Audit Scheme and, with apprentices making 15 % of the workforce, ranks in the UK’ s Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers.
The company has also advanced its longterm net zero ambition and developed innovative new products such as LionGrip fixing, which has proven three times stronger for high-vibration environments.
SPONSOR’ S REFLECTIONS:
razorblue CEO and founder, Dan Kitchen:“ At razorblue, we’ re passionate about supporting the businesses that drive innovation, growth and opportunity across Teesside and the wider region.
“ The Tees Business Awards celebrate that same spirit of ambition and resilience.
“ Championing local organisations, recognising their achievements and supporting a strong regional business community is something we’ re proud to be a part of.”
126 | Tees Business