BUSINESSES in the North-East which have led the way in promoting equality and diversity in the workplace were last night commended for their efforts.

This year’s North-East Equality Awards received scores of entries from across the region, but those promoting the most outstanding practice in stamping out prejudice and discrimination were last night recognised.

The awards, organised by Equality North-East and supported by The Northern Echo, are now in their sixth year, and have seen entries grow each year since its inception in 2004.

This year’s winners in the nine categories again come from a range of sectors and geographical destinations in the North-East, and from both the public and private sectors.

All of the finalists were praised for their contribution to promoting diversity in the region’s business community and recruiting people from all walks of life.

The awards, held at a ceremony in the Gateshead Hilton last night, heard a keynote address from Alison Pritchard, deputy director and head of strategy at the Government Equalities Office, and other speakers included Kevin Rowan, regional secretary of the TUC, and chief executive of Equality North-East Liz Reay.

Mrs Reay said she was delighted with the response to the awards, particularly in the midst of an economic downturn.

She said: “This, the sixth year of the Equality Awards, has been the finest yet and has been an opportunity to showcase the magnificent work going on in the region to remove the barriers which prevent people from reaching their full potential.

“Once again the North-East has shown itself to be ahead of the game in striving to achieve equality in the workplace.

What is particularly pleasing is the fact that more and more employers are finding that this work is leading to real business benefits.”

Results Employers of between 51 and 250 staff: winner – North East Chamber of Commerce. Runners-up – MPH, Springboard Sunderland.

Employers of up to 50 staff: winner – NCT Ltd. Runners-up – S&D Training, ETEC.

Learning Providers up to 50 staff: winner – Prima Training. Runnersup – S&D Training, ETEC.

Colleges and Learning Providers with more than 50 staff: winner – Stockton Riverside College.

Runners-up – Darlington College, South Tyneside College.

Outstanding Contribution by a Larger Organisation: winner – North-East Marriot Hotels. Runnersup– HM Revenue and Customs, Nexus, Redcar and Cleveland Council ROC.

The Equality for all Award: winner – Marie Pearson-PCS. Runners-up – Learning Styles, Patrick McCourt.

Individuals Who Have Made a Difference: winner – Ken Mortimer MBE, HM Revenue and Customs.

Runners-up – Doreen Hardy, Espa; Gill Marshall, Middlesbrough Deaf Centre; Lisa Shannon, Opus Building Services.

Smarter Working Practices: winner – Gateshead Council.

Work/Life Balance Achievement: winner – Key Enterprises. Runnersup – EBC, S&D Training.

Outstanding Practice in the Private Sector: winner – Muckle LLP. Runners-up – Opus Building Services, NECC.