Recognise the outstanding businesses and individuals revitalising our high streets — from Tees Valley to Northumberland. The Gala takes place in Darlington.
The NE High Street Heroes Awards is brought to you by First Connections — a trading group spearheaded by two passionate North East business leaders, connecting, celebrating and amplifying business across the region.
From free networking events and community initiatives to shining a spotlight on the heroes of our high streets — First Connections is on a mission to make the North East extraordinary.
We believe every high street hero deserves their moment. From independent retailers to community champions, we shine a light on those who make our region extraordinary.
Angel of the North
Durham
Teesside Steel Works
Darlington
NorthumberlandThe NE High Street Heroes Awards wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and regional partners.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or regional partner?
Ten prestigious categories celebrating the very best of North East high street life. Nominations are free and open to all.
Recognising independent and chain retailers who deliver exceptional products, service, and shopping experiences on our high streets.
Celebrating cafés, restaurants, and pubs that go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Honouring individuals or organisations making an extraordinary difference to their local community and high street.
Rewarding businesses using digital tools and technology to enhance their high street presence and customer experience.
Spotlighting businesses and individuals leading the way in sustainable practices on our high streets.
Celebrating businesses that consistently deliver outstanding customer experiences that keep people coming back.
Recognising new businesses or emerging talent that have made an impressive impact on their local high street.
Honouring businesses that invest in their people through training, wellbeing, and creating a great place to work.
Celebrating the independent businesses that are the backbone of our high streets — the ones who bring character, choice, and heart to our towns.
Recognising an entire high street that has shown outstanding community spirit, resilience, and collective effort to thrive.
Nominations are completely free and take less than two minutes. Every nomination makes a real difference to North East businesses and individuals.
Voting is open to everyone across the North East. Show your support for the people and businesses who make your community extraordinary.
Select the most fitting category for your nominee — or nominate across multiple categories.
Our process is inclusive, transparent and community-driven — every vote counts.
Think of a local business or individual who deserves recognition for what they bring to the North East.
Choose the most fitting award category from our 10 categories — you can nominate across multiple.
Fill in the form or email us with their name, business and why they deserve to win.
Our panel of regional experts shortlist the most outstanding nominees across all categories.
Winners are celebrated at our prestigious Gala Ceremony in Darlington — date to be confirmed.
Fill in the details below and we'll count your vote. Completely free and only takes a moment.
Want to partner, nominate, or learn more? We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're a business looking to get involved, a regional partner, a member of the press, or simply want to nominate your local hero — we're here for all of it.
Fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Covering Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland.
Durham City, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and the surrounding areas.
Extending north to cover market towns and high streets throughout Northumberland.
A regional recognition campaign celebrating the businesses, people, and organisations making a meaningful difference to North East high streets and town centres.
The North East High Street Heroes Awards is designed to shine a light on those creating vibrant, welcoming, and resilient local places — while encouraging stronger collaboration between businesses, communities, councils, BIDs, and regional partners.
These aren't just awards. They're a platform for positive change, community pride, and a stronger regional story.
Too often, mainstream media coverage focuses on decline, closures, and negative headlines. That creates an incomplete — and often misleading — picture of what is really happening at a local level.
"The future of the high street is not defined by multinational brands alone, but by the independent businesses, local employers, hospitality venues, community champions, and place-makers who keep town centres active and relevant."
The High Street Heroes Awards is designed to challenge that narrative — spotlighting the energy, innovation, resilience, and community value that exists across local high streets every day.
The awards are open to everyone contributing to North East high street life — from sole traders to community groups.
The shops and boutiques that give our high streets character, choice, and charm.
Cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars that create warmth, welcome, and community.
Individuals and organisations going above and beyond for their local area.
Businesses using creativity and technology to reimagine what a high street can be.
Local employers providing essential services and jobs in our town centres.
Councils, BIDs, and regional organisations investing in place and community.
For organisations looking to make a meaningful impact, the awards offer a powerful platform to connect with communities, businesses, and stakeholders across the region.
Align your brand with a positive, community-first regional initiative that people genuinely care about.
Increase brand visibility through a trusted local campaign with PR, media, and engagement reach.
Support local businesses in a visible and practical way that builds real goodwill with communities.
Build stronger relationships with communities, councils, BIDs, and regional stakeholders.
Be part of a growing programme with long-term sponsorship, engagement, and partnership potential.
Help champion a more balanced and optimistic story about the future of local high streets.
Within the wider North East growth strategy, the awards act as a community engagement and partnership vehicle. They help create local momentum, open doors to new relationships, and provide a strong platform for media coverage, business outreach, and regional storytelling.
In short, the North East High Street Heroes Awards is a celebration of local impact — and a practical campaign for driving awareness, engagement, and partnership across the region, while helping redefine how high streets are seen by the public, partners, and the media.
