North East Automotive Alliance Awards 2025 winners unveiled
The ceremony, hosted at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham, celebrated ‘remarkable’ contributions to the automotive sector and underscored ‘the region’s dedication to shaping the industry’s future’.
More than £18,000 was raised during the event, pushing the total donations since the awards began in 2018 to £94,000.
The funds will support schools such as Wardley Primary School, Coatham Primary School, Epinay School, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Washington Academy, Albany Village Primary School, and Portobello Primary School.
Furthermore, STEM initiatives like Primary Engineer and the Nissan Skills Foundation will also benefit from the donations.
The NEAA, a business network for the North East’s automotive sector with over 280 member companies, aims to bolster the growth and competitiveness of regional businesses by encouraging collaboration, innovation, and skill development.
The introduction of the Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award ‘stole the spotlight’, with Antonia-Lee Walker of ElringKlinger GB Ltd being recognised for her dedication to engineering and commitment to promoting gender equality in the automotive sector.
Antonia-Lee Walker, the recipient of the award, said: “Ten years ago, when I first joined ElringKlinger, a publicity piece was produced on myself and the main quote was ‘Breaking the mould for women in engineering.’ The strong message about disrupting restrictive patterns and doing things a different way, has always stuck with me and driven me forward.
“Having had a passion for engineering from such a young age, I am delighted to be recognised for this award as it is about just that – women leading the way in this sector and shining the light behind them for other women to follow.”
The 2025 award winners included Ethan Constable from Unipres UK for the Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, and Liam Wilson from Marelli for the Graduate Award.
The Innovation Award was bagged by Port of Tyne and Preston Technical, and Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK won the Digital Transformation Award.
Port of Tyne and SMS Technology secured the Environmental and Sustainability Award, while Marelli was named Employer of the Year.
AR Power was recognised as the SME of the Year, and Paul Blanchard, managing director of Komatsu UK, received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said: “This year’s awards have once again highlighted the exceptional talent and innovation within our region’s automotive sector.
“The winners are leading the way in pushing boundaries, embracing digital transformation and prioritising sustainability.
“Meanwhile, the fact we are very close to raising £100,000 for STEM education in our local schools, is an achievement everyone connected to the NEAA should be very proud of.” The evening was hosted by journalist and skills advocate Charlie Charlton, who highlighted the automotive sector’s positive influence on local communities and the importance of corporate social responsibility.
Speakers at the event included Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Jim Davison, national membership director at Make UK, and Phil Witcherley, director of economic growth and innovation at the North East Combined Authority.
