Awards season has arrived across the Tees region, and this year feels different.
There is real momentum across Teesside; you can see it in the scale of the businesses growing here. You can see it in the quality of leadership teams, you can see it in the confidence with which regional brands now compete nationally!
For us, awards season is not just about recognition, it is about backing the ecosystem we are proud to be part of.
Why Does Awards Season Matter for Teesside Businesses?
Awards create visibility.
They spotlight the companies building jobs, driving innovation and pushing standards higher. They give founders and teams a platform, and they tell the wider business community that the North East is not waiting for opportunity, it is creating it.
When regional businesses gain recognition, the whole area benefits. Investors pay attention, talent looks closer to home, and confidence rises.
That is why we continue to support the major Teesside business awards year after year.
What Happened at Velocitees 2026?
Velocitees celebrates the Tees region Fast 15, the companies setting the pace for growth, scale and commercial performance. The event recognises businesses delivering sustained expansion and contributing to the region’s economic momentum.
This year, we were proud to support Velocitees 2026 as sponsors of the Turnover – Large Business category. Supporting categories like this matters because it highlights the organisations driving serious economic impact across Teesside.
We were also shortlisted in the Job Creation category.
That recognition reflects the growth of our team and the continued investment we are making in building talent, capability and opportunity within the region. Creating jobs and developing people has always been a core part of our long-term vision.
To stand alongside some of the fastest-growing businesses in the region was a strong moment for us. The companies recognised at Velocitees represent ambition, resilience and leadership, the qualities that continue to push the Tees business community forward.
Being involved both as a sponsor and finalist reinforces what we believe about growth: when businesses scale, the whole region benefits.
Why Are We Sponsoring the Tees Business Awards Again?
The Tees Business Awards remain one of the most respected events in the regional calendar. They celebrate businesses of every size across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to professional services to technology.
Last year, we were honoured to win Tees Business Small Business of the Year 2025.
That award marked a defining moment for us, it recognised not just revenue growth, but culture, leadership and long-term vision. It showed that a business built in Teesside can compete at the highest level.
This year, we return as sponsors.
We sponsor because we believe in backing the businesses around us. We sponsor because we understand how much work goes into building something meaningful. We sponsor because recognition matters.
When you support the platform, you strengthen the community.
Why Do the Tees Tech Awards Matter More Than Ever?
Technology continues to reshape how businesses operate, scale and compete. The Tees Tech Awards shine a light on the innovators and digital leaders driving that change locally.
We are proud to support the Tees Tech Awards again this year.
The North East tech ecosystem is growing rapidly, SaaS businesses (software as a service), software developers, digital agencies and technology-led manufacturers are emerging with national and international impact, recognising that progress fuels further growth.
Innovation deserves visibility.
What Does This Season Represent for Us?
This awards season reflects how far the region has come, and how far it can still go.
We built our business in Teesside, we hire here, we invest here, we support regional initiatives because we believe long-term success requires community strength.
Being shortlisted, sponsoring multiple awards, celebrating finalists and winners.
None of it happens by accident!
It happens because regional businesses are raising standards, it happens because ambition is increasing, it happens because leaders are choosing growth over comfort.
What Happens Next?
Over the coming weeks, we will celebrate the finalists and the winners. We will share the stories behind the numbers. We will highlight the businesses driving change across the region.
Awards season is not just about trophies.
- It is about momentum.
- It is about recognition.
- It is about reinforcing belief in what this region can produce.
Teesside is building something powerful.
And at Outrank we are proud to stand alongside the businesses making it happen.