TEES TECH AWARDS 2026

SPONSORED BY MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE GROUP

Noah Benjjaoui received his trophy from Middlesbrough College Group’ s Gary Potts.

WINNER

He relocated from Morocco just three years ago – but already, Nawfal Benjjaoui is doing great things on the Tees tech scene.

The business and marketing manager for Tricore Technical Services, Nawfal – known as Noah – has been an integral part of the Stockton-based firm’ s growth into a £ 4.8m turnover business.

And with Teesside now his second home, he’ s also the proud holder of the Tees Tech Awards 2026 Rising Star title.

Noah, who self-funded his MSc in international business management at Sunderland University in 2023, joined Tricore soon after and before long, through personal drive and initiative, had transitioned seamlessly into a full-time leadership position.

And proudly holding his Rising Star trophy, he said he felt right at home both on Teesside and with Tricore.

He told Tees Business:“ Teesside is a dynamic, ever-evolving region, no matter what critics say. Numbers-wise, it’ s the second-largest tech hub outside London, which is a testament to its people.

“ When I came here, I felt the energy and ambition to make Teesside better, socially, with the team we have at Tricore.

“ When I’ ve been away at an event or a meeting, or even visiting home, when I come into Teesside, I feel like it’ s my second home. And the company – the people around me, the people I work with, day in, day out – made me feel so welcome.”

Fluent in four languages, Noah, 23, has been praised by Tricore MD Paul Bass for his“ ability to always search for efficiency, be there when needed, and take the initiative.” But Noah was keen to share the award with his Tricore colleagues. He said:“ It’ s an individual award but I wouldn’ t be here without the team. They’ re a bunch of people that if you want to try anything that would benefit the business and yourself, and you’ re ambitious about it, they give you the green light and it’ s something I really do appreciate.

“ Tech is something I’ ve been ambitious about since I was a child. It’ s also something we really implement at Tricore – if there is a solution that can be automated or put into a tech perspective and can be solved, and you have the initiative, they encourage you to do it.”

SPONSOR’ S MESSAGE

Gary Potts, Middlesbrough College Group vice principal for business, innovation and community partnerships, said:“ At Middlesbrough College, we’ re passionate about helping people grow and succeed.

“ Our sponsorship of the Rising Star Award demonstrates our commitment to recognising the outstanding new talent shaping the region’ s tech sector.“ Through our dedicated digital centre, MC Digital, and strong employer partnerships across the Tees Valley, we’ re proud to support and nurture the digital innovators of tomorrow.”

FINALISTS

KAYHAN KAJUMI( INTASITE)

Kayhan is a software developer apprentice at Intasite, a SaaS platform supporting safety, compliance and site access in high-hazard industries.

Since joining in August 2024, he has progressed from apprentice to trusted developer on a live platform accessed by thousands of users.

He has delivered new features directly into the product, including an AI-enabled induction content builder that has improved efficiency for clients and internal teams. He also supports front-line users, giving him a strong understanding of customer needs and helping him create practical solutions.

With his strong work ethic, curiosity and maturity, Kayhan represents the next generation of digital talent and has all the qualities of a future industry leader.

MICHAEL CREAN( ALT LABS)

Michael began his Alt Labs journey through a T-Level placement while studying at Middlesbrough College, later securing a full-time role typically reserved for university graduates. Alongside his studies, he audited The Stable programme, gaining exposure to high-growth startups in the Tees Valley.

Now an innovation coordinator, Michael stays at the forefront of technological change, completing courses on the practical applications of AI for early-stage startups. Aged just 19, he has already built an impressive network within the digital tech community.

Balancing two jobs and developing his own startups, Michael communicates confidently with founders at all levels and demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and growth.

140 | Tees Business