SCIENTIST RECOGNISED: Sharon Louch has won the Institute of Physics Roy Prize for the best thesis in solid state physics. The 36-year-old, who has a PhD from the University of Leicester, is based at the Centre for Process Innovation, Wilton, Teesside. Sharon works in the £2m clean room, where scientists carry out research into the technology of flexible electronics, such as flexible television and computer screens. Ms Louch also received £500 for her thesis on magnetic nanoparticles.

AWARD FAVOURITES: Accountancy Baker Tilly has won the Aim Accountant of the Year for the fourth consecutive year at the Growth Company Awards 2006. Angela Toner, Aim expert for Baker Tilly, in Newcastle, and a member of the North-East Stock Exchange Advisory Group, said: "In the past year, we have acted as reporting accountants to 41 Aim admissions. We now act as auditors/tax advisors to more than 120 Aim-listed companies."

GRADUATE WINNER: Northumbria University graduate Brian Wilson, from Picktree Village, County Durham, beat competition from students in Australia, Singapore and South Africa to be named undergraduate dissertation award winner in the Chartered Institute of Building's annual competition. The 39-year-old has spent more than 20 years in the construction industry.

HOTEL KITCHEN: A company that designs, supplies and installs commercial kitchens has won a national award. CNG Foodservice Equipment Limited, based in Felling, near Gateshead, received the Catering Equipment Distributors Association Grand Prix Award in the hotel category for its work on Jesmond Dene House, for Terry Laybourne. The company was also runner-up in the outstanding customer service category.

SAFETY HONOUR: The Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, in Durham, has won a RoSPA occupational health and safety award.

Centre manager Richard Toynbee said: "We strive to make shopping here as safe as possible for our customers and that starts in the workplace. Our staff are trained to a high standard, not only for their own personal safety, but so they can apply that to the malls, car park and shops where the customers frequent ensuring we can offer them the best possible service."

SUCCESS AGAIN: KPMG has been named the country's best "Big Four" auditor for the second year in succession. KPMG was named auditor of the year in the big four category at the Real Finance/CBI Finance Directors' Excellence Awards. The awards recognise skills and capability in organisations that support the business community. Richard Bottomley, office senior partner at KPMG in Newcastle, said: "It is testament to the quality of our audit teams and their continued hard work and commitment."

QUALITY MARK: Endeavour Housing Association has been re-awarded Charter Mark status. The Teesside housing association was described by the Charter Mark assessor as "enthusiastically committed to the Charter Mark ethos. The commitment was found at every level, from senior management to administrative and front-line staff". Charter Mark is awarded to businesses with excellent working practices in the public service sector. Endeavour was first awarded Charter Mark status three years ago.

DESIGN WINNERS: Design consultancy Sumo has beaten competition from England's leading creative agencies to win first prize at the national finals of the Fresh design and advertising awards. The top prize, the Big F, was awarded for Sumo's work on Bound, a book produced with artist Tanya Axford for New Writing North, an organisation that supports and promotes writing in the North.

REGION'S BEST: North Eastern Tyre and Exhausts has been presented with the Taff (tyre and fast fit) Regional Wholesaler of the Year award by the National Tyre Distributors Association. The Middlesbrough company employs 76 people and has an annual turnover of £30m.