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Voting Now Open for 2026

Celebrate the
North East's
High Street
Heroes

Recognise the outstanding businesses and individuals revitalising our high streets — from Tees Valley to Northumberland. The Gala takes place in Darlington.

10
Award Categories
500+
Nominations Expected
70+
Towns & Cities
1
Gala Night, Darlington
First Connections team in Darlington
2026
About Us

A First Connections Initiative

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.

Andrew Bartlett
Co-Founder
Sam Binns
Co-Founder
Our Mission

Empowering North East Communities Through Recognition

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.

🏆 Regional Recognition ❤️ Community Pride 📈 Economic Boost 🤝 Stronger Partnerships 📰 Positive PR ⭐ Inspire Others
Our Sponsors & Partners

Proudly Supported By

The NE High Street Heroes Awards wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and regional partners.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Any business or individual operating on or contributing to a high street across the North East — from Tees Valley to Northumberland — can be nominated. Nominations are free and open to everyone.
A panel of regional experts reviews all nominations and shortlists the most outstanding entries across each category. Winners are celebrated at the Gala Night in Darlington.
The Gala Ceremony takes place in Darlington — the exact date is to be confirmed. Follow us and check back here for updates.
No — nominating is completely free. It takes less than two minutes and makes a real difference to North East businesses and individuals.
We'd love to hear from you! Reach out via the Contact page or email us at [email protected].
2026 Awards

Award Categories

Ten prestigious categories celebrating the very best of North East high street life. Nominations are free and open to all.

Category 01
🛍️

Retailer of the Year

Recognising independent and chain retailers who deliver exceptional products, service, and shopping experiences on our high streets.

Key Criteria
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Community engagement
  • Innovation in retail
Category 02
🍽️

Hospitality Hero

Celebrating cafés, restaurants, and pubs that go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Key Criteria
  • Quality of food, drink & service
  • Atmosphere and ambiance
  • Local sourcing and community spirit
Category 03
🏅

Community Champion

Honouring individuals or organisations making an extraordinary difference to their local community and high street.

Key Criteria
  • Positive community impact
  • Voluntary contributions
  • Inspiring leadership
Category 04
💻

Digital Innovator

Rewarding businesses using digital tools and technology to enhance their high street presence and customer experience.

Key Criteria
  • Creative use of technology
  • Online-offline integration
  • Customer engagement innovation
Category 05
🌿

Sustainability Leader

Spotlighting businesses and individuals leading the way in sustainable practices on our high streets.

Key Criteria
  • Environmental initiatives
  • Waste reduction efforts
  • Sustainable sourcing
Category 06

Customer Experience Excellence

Celebrating businesses that consistently deliver outstanding customer experiences that keep people coming back.

Key Criteria
  • Exceptional service standards
  • Customer feedback and reviews
  • Accessibility and inclusivity
Category 07
🚀

Rising Star

Recognising new businesses or emerging talent that have made an impressive impact on their local high street.

Key Criteria
  • Business growth trajectory
  • Community contribution
  • Innovation and fresh ideas
Category 08
👔

Employer of the Year

Honouring businesses that invest in their people through training, wellbeing, and creating a great place to work.

Key Criteria
  • Staff development programmes
  • Employee wellbeing initiatives
  • Inclusive workplace culture
Category 09
🏪

Independent Business of the Year

Celebrating the independent businesses that are the backbone of our high streets — the ones who bring character, choice, and heart to our towns.

Key Criteria
  • Unique offering and identity
  • Customer loyalty and reputation
  • Contribution to high street vibrancy
Category 10
🏆

High Street of the Year

Recognising an entire high street that has shown outstanding community spirit, resilience, and collective effort to thrive.

Key Criteria
  • Collaborative community initiatives
  • Diversity of businesses
  • Overall vibrancy and appeal
Ready?

Make Your Nomination Today

Nominations are completely free and take less than two minutes. Every nomination makes a real difference to North East businesses and individuals.

Vote For Your Hero

Cast Your Vote for 2026

Voting is open to everyone across the North East. Show your support for the people and businesses who make your community extraordinary.

Choose Your Category

Select the most fitting category for your nominee — or nominate across multiple categories.

How Voting Works

Our process is inclusive, transparent and community-driven — every vote counts.

1

Think of Your Hero

Think of a local business or individual who deserves recognition for what they bring to the North East.

2

Pick a Category

Choose the most fitting award category from our 10 categories — you can nominate across multiple.

3

Submit Your Vote

Fill in the form or email us with their name, business and why they deserve to win.

4

Expert Shortlisting

Our panel of regional experts shortlist the most outstanding nominees across all categories.

5

Gala Night, Darlington

Winners are celebrated at our prestigious Gala Ceremony in Darlington — date to be confirmed.

Submit Your Vote

Fill in the details below and we'll count your vote. Completely free and only takes a moment.

Get In Touch

Contact Us

Want to partner, nominate, or learn more? We'd love to hear from you.

Let's Talk

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.

📍
Gala Location
Darlington, County Durham
🗺️
Region Covered
Tees Valley to Northumberland — 70+ towns & cities
👥
Organisers
First Connections — Andrew Bartlett & Sam Binns

Quick Links

Send a Message

Fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Angel of the North at sunset

🏙️ Tees Valley

Covering Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland.

🏰 County Durham & Tyneside

Durham City, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and the surrounding areas.

🏘️ Northumberland

Extending north to cover market towns and high streets throughout Northumberland.