NEAA Annual Awards 2027
Event Date:
March 19, 2027
Event Time:
6:00 pm
Event Location:
Ramside Hall Hotel
Celebrating the people, businesses and ideas driving the North East automotive sector forward.
The NEAA Annual Awards 2027 are back, bringing the North East automotive community together for an unforgettable evening celebrating the talent, ambition, resilience and achievements that make our sector exceptional.
Taking place on Friday 19 March 2027 at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, the Awards will shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations making a real difference across the automotive industry. From rising talent and inspirational people to future-ready businesses, outstanding SMEs and individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the sector, this is our opportunity to recognise the very best of the North East automotive community.
Great things are happening every day across the North East automotive sector. Businesses are investing, innovating and adapting. People are developing new skills, solving problems and inspiring those around them. Teams are embracing change, strengthening competitiveness and preparing for the future. The NEAA Annual Awards give those achievements the platform they deserve.
Since the Awards launched in 2018, donations connected to the programme have supported future talent and STEM activity in schools across the North East and beyond. At the 2026 Awards alone, £18,000 was donated, taking the cumulative contribution to £112,000. Many of our 2027 winners will once again have the opportunity to direct an award donation towards an automotive or STEM project at a school of their choice, turning recognition for today’s achievements into inspiration for tomorrow’s talent.
Entries are opening soon. Could 2027 be your year?
Entry is free and open to eligible NEAA member companies and employees.
Download the award categories information I Download the category sponsorship information
People, Skills & Future Talent
Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award
Recognising an outstanding apprentice whose development, workplace contribution and positive ambassadorship demonstrate exceptional achievement and future potential.
Rising Talent Award | NEW
Celebrating an early-career professional who is already making their mark, delivering measurable workplace impact while demonstrating ambition, initiative and exceptional future potential.
Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award
Celebrating women who empower others, drive positive change and inspire the next generation of female talent across the automotive industry.
Unsung Hero Award | NEW
Recognising people who may not always be in the spotlight, but whose initiative, ingenuity, and practical problem-solving have delivered a measurable improvement to their organisation and/or the wider environment.
Business & Industry Excellence
Building for the Future Award | NEW
Celebrating organisations taking bold, practical action to become more innovative, resilient and future-ready through transformation, capability investment and measurable business impact.
People & Culture Excellence Award | NEW
Recognising organisations that put people at the heart of their success, creating inclusive cultures while investing in future talent, skills, development, engagement and retention.
SME Excellence Awards
Putting outstanding North East automotive SMEs in the spotlight. The Awards recognise high-performing businesses that demonstrate strong strategy, leadership, customer value, continuous improvement, carbon reduction, and digital capability. Two awards will be presented: Manufacturing SME of the Year and Service Provider SME of the Year
Special Recognition
Outstanding Contribution Award
One of the evening’s most prestigious honours, recognising an exceptional individual whose achievements, leadership, advocacy and dedication have made a significant and lasting impact on the North East automotive sector.
Key dates
Entries close: Monday 8 February 2027
Judging: Weeks commencing 15 and 22 February 2027
Finalists announced: Week commencing 1 March 2027
NEAA Annual Awards: Friday 19 March 2027
Venue: Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham
