BUSINESSES and individuals in one of the region’s strongest sectors are preparing for the industry’s North- East awards.

The contact centre industry employs more than 61,000 people in more than 145 centres in the region, and businesses and their employees are to be acknowledged through this year’s North-East Contact Centre Awards.

The awards, which this year have a theme of Unveiling the Region’s Talent, have nine categories, and are organised by Tyne and Wear Development Company in association with Sunderland City Council.

Two workshops are also being held in the region to help with applications, on Wednesday, July 1, at the Evolve Centre, near Sunderland, and at the Village Hotel, in North Tyneside, on Tuesday, July 2.

Paul Buie, manager of Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “The region has a contact centre industry which it can be proud of, with businesses making a major contribution to the area, both in terms of jobs and investment.

“These awards go from strength to strength every year, and are an opportunity to highlight achievements and raise the profile of the sector as an attractive career option.”

Last year’s main winners were CE Electric, Northumbrian Water and EDF Energy, which won North-East Contact Centre of the Year under 50 seats, under 200 seats and more than 200 seats respectively.

For more information, visit contactcentreawards.co.uk

The closing date is September 4, ahead of the winners being revealed on November 6.