Fastest 50: Our North East businesses continue to rise

THE Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards return in 2025 to celebrate the region's most dynamic and successful businesses.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

Damien Charlton, of Ward Hadaway, with Bill Scott, of Wilton Engineering

Taking place on October 17 at Baltic, the annual event, held in partnership with The Journal, celebrates the companies driving economic growth and showcasing the best of the region's business community.

Damien Charlton, head of commercial at Ward Hadaway, oversees the Fastest 50, now in its 27th year of recognising the North East's fastest-growing businesses, objectively compiled from Companies House data.

Damien said: "Every year the region's business community looks forward to the Fastest 50 event and the stories of success that emerge and inspire. Entrepreneurs never stand still, and over the past 27 years, it has been fascinating to watch those changes take shape, ultimately powering the next generation of business growth.

"Today, generative AI, automation, advanced digital tools, emerging technologies, ESG, sustainable practice and the green economy are just a handful of the changes that businesses have seen over the past decade. How they adopt and harness these trends to fuel future growth is fascinating to witness, and I'm looking forward to hearing how entrepreneurs and leaders in the region are adapting and thriving."