Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards
On May 8, 2025, the Coleman Suite at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield became the epicentre of innovation, leadership, and community spirit as the Aycliffe Business Make Your Mark Awards recognised outstanding individuals and organisations from Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding region. Among the night’s most distinguished honourees were Brian Corker of NC Group and Matthew Davis of 3M, both of whom received accolades for their exceptional contributions to business and industry.(aycliffetoday.co.uk)
🏆 Brian Corker: Lifetime Achievement Award
Brian Corker, Lead Practitioner at NC Group, was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. With a career spanning decades, Brian has been instrumental in shaping the future of engineering education. His journey began as a technical apprentice at Smart & Brown Engineering, progressing through roles such as industrial engineer at Thorn Lighting and plant and process design engineer at DSRM/British Steel. Transitioning into education, Brian has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of engineers through various lecturing roles across the North-East. At NC Group, he continues to inspire and mentor aspiring professionals, embodying a commitment to excellence and community development.(aycliffetoday.co.uk)
Following his award, NC Group’s reputation has soared, leading to new partnerships. Notably, they collaborated with Harrison Packaging to develop a tailored workforce development strategy, including leadership training and engineering apprenticeships, demonstrating the tangible impact of Brian’s legacy. (aycliffetoday.co.uk)
🏅 Matthew Davis: Apprentice of the Year
Matthew Davis, a multi-skilled maintenance apprentice at 3M Aycliffe, was named Apprenitce of the Year, recognising his outstanding achievement and dedication demonstrated on his apprenticeship .
Aycliffe Village lad Matthew, 23, admits that when he was younger, he tried for several roles with various companies at Aycliffe Business Park but failed to get taken on. But it turns out that their loss has been 3M’s gain as Matthew – now a fourth year apprentice – continues to impress.
Matthew – who perhaps gave the most naturally astonished reaction on stage to receiving his award, to laughter from the 300-strong audience – explained: “I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship – I’ve liked all the colleges I’ve gone to and now I’m doing a HND with Teesside University.
He also thanked 3M apprentice lead Gary Simon for putting him forward for the award.
After receiving the award from Tracy Fee of category sponsor Hiyed CiC, Matthew said: “There are nine apprentices at 3M and when Gary said he wanted to put me forward for the award, I was really pleased.
🎉 A Night to Remember
The 2025 Make Your Mark Awards were a testament to the vibrant business community of Newton Aycliffe. Hosted by BBC Tees presenter Gary Philipson, the evening celebrated achievements across various categories, including Company of the Year, Innovation, and Apprentice of the Year. The event not only honoured individual and organisational successes but also reinforced the collective commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and community spirit within the region.
As the night concluded, the sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable among the nearly 300 attendees, all united in their dedication to making a lasting impact on the local economy and beyond.
The 2025 Make Your Mark Awards highlighted the exceptional talent and leadership present in Newton Aycliffe. Individuals like Brian Corker and Matthew Davis exemplify the values of dedication, innovation, and community commitment that continue to drive the region’s success. Their achievements inspire others to strive for excellence and contribute to the ongoing development of a thriving business community.
Additionally, a big shout-out to our company founder, Lee Childs, for being shortlisted for Business Person of the Year.
Finally, a massive congratulations to all the other deserving winners across all the categories last night. It was inspiring to see so much talent and dedication recognised within the Aycliffe Business Park community.