BUSINESSES which have made efforts to promote equality and diversity in the workplace were yesterday revealed as being shortlisted in the North-East Equality Awards.

Scores of employers, training providers and individuals across the region entered the awards, now in their sixth year, which commend and celebrate good practice in stamping out discrimination in the workplace and recruiting people from all walks of life.

Since their inception in 2004, the awards – organised by Equality North-East and supported by The Northern Echo – have received increasing amounts of entries each year, with 2009 setting another record.

Yesterday, the shortlisted companies in all nine categories were unveiled, the winners of which will be announced at a ceremony later this month.

Last year’s winners came from various destinations and sectors across the North-East, and included the North-East Chamber of Commerce, Bishop Auckland College and Traidcraft.

Liz Reay, chief executive of Equality North-East, said the level of entries had been impressive, and showed employers understand the importance of being an equal employer during tough economic times.

The Equality Bill is also set to enter the statute books by early 2011 as the Equality Act, which Mrs Reay believes is channeling the attention of businesses further.

“Once again we had a record-breaking number of applications and the standard is higher than ever, which is heartening, especially in this current climate,” she said.

“I think employers recognise that being fair is more important than ever, as well as being good for business.”

■ The North-East Equality Awards are being held at the Gateshead Hilton on Friday, October 23.

Speakers at the event will be Alison Pritchard, deputy director and head of strategy at the Government Equalities Office, regional secretary of the TUC Kevin Rowan, and Liz Reay.

ON THE SHORTLIST ● Award for Employers of between 51 and 250 staff: North- East Chamber of Commerce, MPH Group, Springboard Sunderland Trust.

● Award for employers of up to 50 staff: NCT Ltd, ETEC (Sunderland) Ltd, Shildon and Darlington Training Ltd.

● Award for learning providers of up to 50 staff: Prima Training, Shildon and Darlington Training Ltd, ETEC (Sunderland) Ltd.

● Award for learning providers and colleges of more than 50 staff: South Tyneside College, Stockton Riverside College, Darlington College.

● Award for larger organisations which have made an outstanding contribution in promoting equality and diversity in the community: Marriot Hotels, HMRC, Nexus, Redcar and Cleveland Council (ROC).

● The Trade Unions Equality for All Award: Marie Pearson – HMRC, Learning Styles Project – Unison, Pat McCourt (union learning representative).

● Award for individuals who have made a difference: Doreen Hardy – ESPA Ltd, Ken Mortimer – HMRC, Gill Marshall – Middlesbrough Deaf Centre, Lisa Shannon – Opus Building Services.

● Smarter working practices and work-life balance achievement: Gateshead Council, Education Business Connections, Shildon and Darlington Training Ltd, Key Enterprises.

● Outstanding practice in the private sector: Muckle LLP, Opus Building Services, North-East Chamber of Commerce.