Fifteen awards celebrating the best of Tees Valley
Eight categories spanning community, youth, business and beyond. Read what each award recognises, then put someone forward. Nominations close 2 October at 5pm.
Nominate nowCommunity Awards
For the people and organisations building stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods across Tees Valley.
Nominate in this category →Community Ambassador
Recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to their local community, acting as a positive role model and ambassador for social change through volunteering, advocacy and leadership.
For an individualCommunity Organisation
For a community-focused organisation promoting social inclusion and diverse representation within ethnic minority communities: voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises tackling inequalities and building stronger neighbourhoods.
For an organisationCommunity Champion
Honours a passionate individual from an ethnic minority background whose leadership, advocacy or community organising makes a significant impact, tackling local challenges and inspiring others.
For an individualYouth Awards
Celebrating young leaders championing inclusion among their peers.
Nominate in this category →Youth Impact Award
Celebrates young leaders who champion EDI among their peers and within their education setting, and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds who inspire others to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
For a young personPublic Sector Award
Recognising exemplary EDI leadership within public services.
Nominate in this category →Public Sector Award
For a public sector organisation or individual showing exemplary commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in Tees Valley: innovation, leadership and measurable impact, creating pathways for under-represented communities and transforming systems to eliminate discrimination.
For a public body or individualHealth Award
For those improving health outcomes across diverse communities.
Nominate in this category →Health Award
Recognises exceptional commitment and innovation in promoting health and wellbeing among diverse communities. Through community health initiatives or advocacy for equitable healthcare access, recipients have made significant strides in improving health outcomes and quality of life for BME individuals in the region.
For an individual or organisationEducation Award
Celebrating excellence in learning and personal development.
Nominate in this category →Education Award
For individuals, schools or organisations demonstrating excellence in promoting learning, fostering academic achievement and supporting the personal and professional development of BME individuals. Their dedication enriches lives and shapes futures.
For an individual, school or organisationAcademic Excellence Award
For a student demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, dedication and resilience in their studies. Recipients have shown exceptional commitment to learning while overcoming barriers, inspiring peers and setting a standard of excellence within their education setting.
For a studentBusiness Awards
From micro businesses to major employers: enterprise that drives inclusion and positive change.
Nominate in this category →Micro Business of the Year
Recognises a small, dynamic business owned or led by someone from an ethnic minority background, demonstrating innovation, sustainability and community engagement.
For a micro businessSME Business of the Year
Honours an SME owned or led by someone from an ethnic minority background, excelling in business performance, leadership and social responsibility, inspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
For a small or medium enterpriseBusiness Person of the Year
Recognises an exceptional business leader from an ethnic minority background driving success while making a positive impact on others in the region and fostering an inclusive business environment.
For an individualSocial Impact Business of the Year
Celebrates a large private sector organisation with outstanding commitment to EDI within its workforce, collaborating with ethnic minority communities for positive change.
For a large private sector organisationRestaurant & Takeaway of the Year
For an outstanding restaurant or takeaway owned or led by someone from an ethnic minority background: high-quality food, excellent service and strong business performance, bringing cultural richness to the region.
For a restaurant or takeawayWoman of the Year
Honouring leadership, resilience and empowerment.
Nominate in this category →Woman of the Year
Celebrates a remarkable woman who has made significant contributions to the Tees Valley community, demonstrating leadership, resilience and empowerment in her professional, personal or community endeavours, and creating opportunities for future generations.
For an individualLifetime Achievement
The highest honour of the night, for a lifetime of service.
Nominate in this category →Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to an exemplary individual who has made a lasting and significant impact on the Tees Valley community over their lifetime: positive leadership, dedication and service ensuring diverse communities are represented across civic, business and public life.
For an individualDon’t let the choice stop you nominating
Pick the closest fit and tell us the story. Our judging panel reads every nomination in full, and if your nominee suits another category better, we will move them, no harm done.
Found the right category?
Nominations close 2 October at 5pm. It takes ten minutes to change someone’s year.
