AWARDS
SPONSORED AND SHORTLISTED BY ACHIEVE PROFESSIONALS
FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
Winner – Tanglewood Games general manager Danni Pratt with Laura Iveson of Achieve Professionals.
WINNER
DANNI PRATT( TANGLEWOOD GAMES)
When Danni Pratt moved into the games industry, something clicked. Previous jobs in marketing and working for a magazine left her unfulfilled and looking for the right role.
But by channelling her passion for gaming, and using the skills gained from her other jobs, she’ s now general manager at Hartlepool’ s Tanglewood Games following three promotions in 14 months after only five years in the industry.
Danni told Tees Business:“ It means so much that the team put me forward for this.
“ I think I was two days post-surgery when I got a text to say I’ d been nominated, but I was on so many painkillers I was a bit out of it!
“ It was the nicest thing to hear, though. I think I started crying just to be nominated, so to win it means so much.
“ And to be a finalist with two other women makes it even more special. I would have been happy for any one of us to win, but I’ m very happy I did!”
Originally from Peterlee, Danni came to Teesside after studying at York University.
After those spells in marketing and at a bridal magazine, she realised she“ wasn’ t a huge fan”, so decided to look for something else.
She explained:“ I really liked games growing up but never thought I could work in them. But I managed to use the skills I’ d learned in my other roles to move into games and I’ ve never looked back.”
Founded in 2017, Tanglewood has worked on globally recognised games – but it’ s the team that means so much to Danni.
She said:“ Everyone is so supportive of each other. I’ ve won Future Leader, but you can’ t win that without having an amazing team around you, whether that’ s people who’ ve been my managers in the past or the current team that continuously supports me.
“ I have a team where we’ re always lifting each other up and that means so much. It’ s something I don’ t take for granted because I know that’ s not always the case everywhere.”
And as for the future? She smiled:“ Onwards and upwards, I hope! I love working at Tanglewood – I’ m general manager there, so I hope to continue to push the studio to new heights and expand. Apart from that, who knows? It’ s all very exciting.”
FINALIST
RHIANNA McHALE( GALLAGHER)
Rhianna joined Stockton-based Gallagher in 2023 fresh from school, with no prior work or insurance experience. Since then, she has achieved her Certificate in Insurance and is now preparing for her insurance law exam as she works towards her diploma.
Her dedication to learning and professional development is evident as she continues to grow in her role. But she has also made a remarkable impact in the area of Inclusion and Diversity( I & D) with her own initiative, Culture Connect, which aims to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity – a programme so successful that Gallagher is implementing it globally.
Rhianna’ s achievements reflect her drive, leadership and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.
FINALIST
SUNNIE LOVE( HR ALCHEMY)
A constant source of inspiration to everyone at HR Alchemy, Sunnie lifts the team through her positivity, openness and willingness to share her experiences, encouraging others to grow in confidence and capability.
Bringing energy, commitment and heart to everything she does, her supportive nature and desire to help mean she is often the person colleagues turn to, with her presence consistently raising team morale.
Sunnie is also regularly praised by clients for her professionalism, reliability and genuine care, going above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and build strong, trusted relationships. Her proactive approach and problem-solving mindset make a real difference to clients and colleagues alike.
SPONSOR’ S REFLECTIONS:
Lewis Clennell, group MD Achieve Professionals:“ As a business that has grown within the region, we’ re proud to sponsor the Future Leaders Award.
“ Recognising emerging talent and giving people the opportunity to be seen, celebrated and supported is incredibly important to us.
“ The Tees Valley is full of ambition and potential, and it’ s vital that we continue to champion the individuals and businesses shaping its future.”
136 | Tees Business