THE best of the North-East’s entrepreneurial talent will be honoured on Friday as 300 business people come together to celebrate their success.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is hosting its annual awards ceremony and dinner at the Gateshead Hilton Hotel to recognise those leading the innovative businesses that are making a positive difference to the regional economy.

Judges have drawn up shortlists for two awards – Emerging Talent and Entrepreneur of the Year – from a record number of nominations and after meeting each finalist at their business premises to view their operations first hand.

The winner of a further award – for Lifetime Achievement – will be revealed on the evening.

The finalists, are Andrew Esson, of Quick Hydraulics; Ian Watson, of Hadrian Healthcare; Dean Benson, of Visualsoft; and Bryan Bunn, of Nortech Solutions.

The finalists for the Emerging Talent, whose businesses have been trading for five years and under, are: David Lynch, of Lynch Healthcare; Charlotte Prenelle, of Pranella; and Martyn Young, of First2Print.

The event will raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Forum chief executive Gillian Marshall said: “It’s our most glamorous night of the year, when entrepreneurs celebrate with one another the outstanding contribution they make to the region in creating jobs, wealth and opportunities; putting the North-East on the business map.

“Entrepreneurs can often be unsung heroes – by their nature they get their heads down, get on with running their businesses and don’t make a fuss. So it’s great that we can all come together to recognise their achievements and honour those who are really making a difference, while at the same time raising money for a fantastic cause.”