The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is approaching its 2026 Annual Awards dinner with the milestone achievement of £100,000 in donations for STEM subjects at schools throughout the region.
The awards were launched in 2016 and, alongside them, NEAA members have generously donated funds to support education projects.
The highly anticipated evening shines a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals driving innovation, growth and excellence across the automotive industry – from dynamic SMEs and future leaders, to globally recognised organisations.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our award-winning businesses, the NEAA annual awards continue to make a lasting impact on STEM education across the region. Since the event’s inception, an incredible £94,000 has been donated to support STEM initiatives – and in 2026, we’re proud to announce we’ll surpass the £100,000 milestone.
“The donations have supported over 20 schools, some of which have been funded several times, and we have supported many Primary Engineer Programmes as well as the Nissan Skills Foundation and Bring It On.”
Schools that have received funding include Bill Quay School, Harton Academy, Wardley Primary School, Epinay Business and Enterprise School, Coatham Primary School, Portobello Primary School and Eaglescliffe School and Sixth Form College.
The annual awards recognise achievements in sustainability, innovation, business success and equality, diversity, and inclusion, while individual awards highlight outstanding contributions to industry development.
The full list of Awards are the Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, sponsored by Gateshead College, Graduate Award, Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, sponsored by Marelli, Innovation Award, sponsored by Newcastle University, Sustainability Award, sponsored by Nissan, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Employer Award, sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services, SME of the Year Award, sponsored by North East IOT and the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Sunderland City Council.
Meanwhile, a new category has been added this year. The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Employer Award, sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services, celebrates organisations that lead the way in creating truly inclusive workplaces.
Paul Butler added: “At a time when we are set to establish an NEAA working group dedicated to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, I am delighted we now have an awards category that directly addresses this increasingly critical area. We’re looking for companies that foster an environment where people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute fully. This includes prioritising employee development, wellbeing, and meaningful community engagement.
“To be considered, organisations must demonstrate excellence in leadership, employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility.”
To enter or attend the awards dinner, contact a member of the NEAA Team for an application pack or visit: https://northeastautomotivealliance.com/events/neaa-annual-awards-2026/
Members Individual: £130 +VAT. A table of 10: £1,300 +VAT
Non-Members Individual: £200 +VAT. A table of 10: £2,000 +VAT
For more information, contact Laura Gage at lgage@northeastautomotivealliance.com
