Employers and entrepreneurs were rewarded for their achievements at a ceremony held at Linden Hall, Longhorsley, near Morpeth.

The awards, organised by Northeast Press and the Berwick Advertiser, now in their second year, acknowledged a wide range of businesses at a black tie gala dinner.

This year, there was a bumper crop of entries, and the judges faced a difficult task in deciding the winners.

But it was a good year for Berwick, with awards for Marshall Leisure and General Mills.

Northeast Press managing director, Stuart Birkett, said: "When we were here last year, much of the talk was about the impending recession and what it was going to do to businesses in the county. Now we know.
"It's been tough, and sadly there have been casualties along the way, but it's clear from both the standard and the number of entries for these awards that business in Northumberland is in pretty good shape overall.

"During their visits, the judges saw many examples of businesses that are national and even international leaders in their field, firms that have completely transformed their fortunes, and individuals who have an obvious passion for what they do.

"It quickly became clear that selecting a winner in each category was going to be an extremely challenging undertaking.

"Everyone who has reached the shortlist should be very, very proud of their achievements."

NSBL was the overall sponsor of the awards. Its chief executive, Phil Langton, said: "We are delighted to once again be the main sponsor of this event.

"There are so many thriving businesses in the county, and the companies and individuals shortlisted are certainly very innovative and with their products and service design."

The awards ceremony, compered by Ray Spencer, also included a charity raffle, which raised £1000 for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Besides Mr Birkett, the judges were Rachel Anderson, head of membership at North East Chamber of Commerce; Graham Adams, head of business development at Northumberland County Council; Dawn Owens, advertising manager of Northeast Press's north of Tyne titles; One North East board member Ian Brown; John Davies, financial director of Port of Blyth, and Sylvia Grainger, a business adviser for NBSL.

The Employer of the Year category, sponsored by the News Post Leader, was won by General Mills, Berwick.

News Post Leader editor Terry Hackett, who presented the award, said: "Every category is important, but maybe this one is even more important because it is about people.

"Happy people make profitable businesses, and that is what we are all about."

General Mills' Roger Turnbull said: "I would like to thank every single one of the 408 employees at Jus-Rol in Berwick.

"We have had a tough few years, but we have brought the company into the 21st century."

It was a night of celebration for Marshall Leisure as it picked up the Special Recognition Award.

Howard Marshall said: "We are delighted to win this award. It came as such a surprise to us."

The Training Award was sponsored by Northumberland College, and was presented by its communications manager, David Ferguson, to Martin Lawlor of Port Training Services.

Mr Ferguson said: "Everyone can remember a time when training has made a positive impact on their life.

"Northumberland College is proud to play a key role in providing education to the residents of Northumberland and beyond.

"All of the nominees have demonstrated their commitment and should be proud of their achievements."

Mr Lawlor said: "We are delighted to win this award. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the employees.
"Today Northumberland, tomorrow the world!"

Martin Tulip, of Blyth's Bouncyvibe Leisure, picked up the Entrepreneur Award, beating Steve Ramshaw of Northumbrian Quality Meats, Brian Bradley of Mr BBQ, and Alison Taylor of Food Local Food.

The award, sponsored by Hardy and Greys, was presented by the company's finance director, Ian Bell.

Mr Bell said: "Martin impressed the judges with his sharp business acumen and true entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age.

"Offering team-building days and entertainment and leisure equipment hire, Martin started the business in 2005 with a £10 note, but is expecting turnover this year of £250,000."

Northumberland STARS, based in Ashington, won the Business in the Community Award.

Alistair Baker, PR and communications manager for award sponsor Northumbrian Water, said: "We are always keen to see how other businesses are contributing to the community, and how they get involved in their community.

"The shortlisted companies represent businesses big and small, and the winner is a little business with a big heart."

Sue Aspden, of Northumberland STARS, said: "It is brilliant to be shortlisted and to win this award. It recognises the hard work and commitment of all the staff, and we are very grateful."

The Export Award went to Piramal Healthcare in Morpeth.
John Davies, finance director at award sponsor Port of Blyth, said: "We believe that exporting is incredibly important to the region as it is an opportunity to showcase the area to a wider audience."

Aidan Walker, of Piramal Healthcare, said: "This is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to say thank you to all the staff at the Morpeth facility for all their efforts. This makes us really proud."
Sleekburn-based Moulded Packaging Solutions scooped the Business of the Year Award.
Northumberland County Council leader Jeff Reid, who presented the award, said: "It is great to see Northumberland doing so well in business.
"The judges felt there were four excellent shortlisted businesses, each with their own successes, and all four have plans for future expansion."
Accepting the award, Iain McLeod said: "Thank you to everyone who has supported us, it has been very hard work, but we are delighted to receive this award for our achievements over the past year."

The Keep it Local Award, sponsored by the Northumberland Gazette, was a new category for 2009, and was added in response to the many entries received from businesses which were fundamentally embedded right in the heart of Northumberland – using local suppliers, employing a local workforce, or providing a service for the local community.

Presenting the award, Northumberland Gazette editor Paul Larkin said: "Keep it Local was a campaign we launched last year to address the credit crunch and we were tying to get local people to take pride in their local community, and I think it has been pretty well received.
"This is for companies that have made a real commitment to their local communities."

The award was presented to Game Fishing Supplies Ltd, based in Morpeth.
Ian Woods said: "I am absolutely gobsmacked to win, I really didn't expect it at all. Northumberland is a unique county – the people, the places, the atmosphere.

"This award isn't for us, it's for everyone who has supported us –my clients, my employees, my suppliers – thank you very much."