By Craig Huntingdon, Scaleup Partner at RTC North

Last week’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum Awards were a fantastic reminder of just how much entrepreneurial talent we have in the North East. For me, it was also a moment of real pride.

Four of the five businesses shortlisted for the ‘One to Watch’ award had all taken part in the Scaleup North East programme, and three of those are businesses I’ve had the privilege of supporting directly, including this year’s winner, the incredible Tiba Tempeh.

Having worked alongside these companies, I know the grit and determination it has taken for them to get here. None of them have had it easy. Each has faced big challenges, but what’s impressed me most is how they’ve responded, by innovating, investing in new products, and pushing into new markets rather than standing still.

Tiba Tempeh is a great example. Alex and Ross spotted an opportunity to bring tempeh, a high protein plant-based food, to the UK. They’ve built a brand from scratch, secured listings with almost every major retailer, and are also expanding internationally. Their success shows what’s possible when ambition meets resilience.

This is why I believe awards matter. It’s not just about trophies or headlines. Recognition gives entrepreneurs a platform, credibility, and most importantly, it inspires others. In difficult markets, seeing businesses achieve growth reminds us all that it can be done.

The evening also highlighted something I feel strongly about, the power of community. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum plays a vital role in bringing founders together, celebrating success, and creating a space where people can learn from each other’s highs and lows. Having judged the awards in the past, I know just how rigorous the process is, which makes the recognition even more meaningful.

At RTC North, we’re passionate about helping ambitious businesses unlock their potential because we know how important scaleups are to the regional economy. They create jobs, raise aspirations, and show what’s possible when people back themselves and go for growth. Supporting that journey is not just my role as a Scaleup Partner, it’s a privilege that I’m very grateful for.

If you’re a business looking to scale, or a policymaker who wants to see more companies like these thrive, we’d love to talk. Together, we can build on this momentum and create even more stories worth celebrating at future awards.

scaleupnortheast.co.uk