DEC 09TH, 2025 | WRITTEN BY: DAVE ALLAN 

Black-led businesses and entrepreneurs from across the region gathered at the Riverside Stadium for an event that highlighted the talent, innovation and community leadership driving the Tees Valley forward.

The Black Business & Tech Awards 2025 – Tees Valley returned for its second year, delivering a powerful evening of celebration and recognition, honouring outstanding individuals and organisations across a wide range of sectors, while also spotlighting the growing impact of black-led businesses in the local economy.

The awards featured a strong line-up of keynote speakers who each underscored the importance of representation, partnership and future investment, including:

– Chris Cooke, mayor of Middlesbrough, spoke about the town’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through new clubs, programmes and community activities.

– Dr Sola Idowu, founder of Hexis Labs and the Black and Minority Business Leaders’ Forum, shared insights on innovation and the need for diversity in biotechnology and STEM leadership.

– Michael Nicholas MBE, diversity & inclusion manager at Northumbrian Water Group, highlighted ongoing efforts to recruit from the Black community and ensure contractors reflect the diversity of the customers they serve.

– Tresor Bukasa, service manager for Refugee Support North East & the British Red Cross, delivered an inspiring account of his personal entrepreneurial journey.

– Babatope Lewis, one of Tees Valley’s leading serial entrepreneurs, offered practical advice to support business growth within the region.

– Satnam Singh, representing Cleveland Police, reinforced the force’s commitment to strengthening relationships with the black community ahead of a black community.

Selected highlights from this year’s winners include:

– Honorary Award – John Atkinson (MVDA) for his longstanding support of black businesses in the Tees Valley.

– Sports Personality of the Year – Armani Maxwell, Middlesbrough FC Women, for her excellence in sport and her positive influence in the community.

– Tech Start-Up of the Year – NippyBot, recognised for innovation and leadership in the region’s growing tech sector.

Kudakwashe Gumboreshumba Derera, founding director of Sticks and Stones Studios, the organisation behind the awards, reflected on the event’s success: “This year’s awards highlight the strength, ambition and creativity within the black business community of Tees Valley.

“We are proud to celebrate these achievements and even more excited about what lies ahead. The momentum is real – and this movement is only growing.”

Original article published by Tees Business HERE.