The managing director of a leading electronic manufacturing firm, whose team walked away as double winners at last year’s Hartlepool Business Awards, has urged the town’s business community to seize the opportunity to step into the spotlight before this year’s nomination deadline closes.
Cicor Hartlepool’s Matthew Pemrick described his team’s triumph at the annual showpiece event as the proudest moment of his working life.
Now he is encouraging other local companies to enter and experience the immense long-term benefits that come with taking part in the prestigious celebration.
The 2026 Hartlepool Business Awards, organised by the Hartlepool Business Forum, will take place on Thursday, October 15, returning to the beautiful Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield. Organisers are now making a final push to urge the business community to get involved and submit their entries before the fast-approaching June 30 nomination deadline.
For Cicor Hartlepool, the 2025 event proved to be an unforgettable milestone.
The firm – which manufactures high-quality printed circuit board assemblies for critical industries – was crowned both Best Large Business and Best Manufacturing Business.
Matthew said: “We had two tables at the awards. The leadership team are proud to have put Cicor Hartlepool back on the map and changed it culturally as well as financially to be a better place to be part of.
“As part of the journey, we wanted some of the local people who had been through thick and thin to be there; we wanted to show them how appreciated they are for the work they have put in.”
The emotional impact of the double victory touched Matthew, who saw firsthand what the external recognition meant to his dedicated workforce.
He said: “When we won Best Manufacturing and Best Large Business, I was so proud for the people who worked here and the journey they had been on.
“It was like an external party ratifying what we have done as the employer of choice in the area. The people who had come off the shop floor, I don’t think I have had the trophy back from them!
“It gave everybody a massive lift. Everyone was so proud, and if we didn’t know how proud they were to work with us, they were there the next day showing photos to friends and on social media of the celebrations.
“People in Hartlepool don’t always want to acknowledge their success, and I welled up. I got emotional coming in the morning and bursting out in pride before I even did the victory speech. It is the proudest moment of my working life, genuinely.”
Matthew believes the awards night showcases the unique spirit of the area.
He said: “Initially, you see the number of different businesses and the variety of businesses Hartlepool has. As someone from Bolton, it is also about realising what a fantastic set of people we have in this town.
“I have been to numerous award events over the years, under various companies and guises, and that was the best awards dinner I have ever been to, and that was because of the people of Hartlepool.”
Hartlepool Business Awards will be backed in 2026 by a range of sponsors, including headline platinum sponsor NE Security, gold sponsor X-energy and silver sponsor Qualitech Environmental Services.
*Tickets are available for £65+VAT per person or £650+VAT for a table of 10. To secure tickets or discuss remaining sponsorships, contact 01429 363150 or hba@hartlepool.gov.uk.
For nomination forms and updates, visit www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk/hartlepool-business-awards.
