Advanced nuclear reactor and fuel design company X-energy has proudly announced its return as the Gold Sponsor for the prestigious Hartlepool Business Awards.
X-energy has confirmed its support for the town’s premier celebration of commerce and industry when ceremony takes place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the beautiful Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield.
The event brings together the region’s most innovative and successful businesses for a night of recognition and networking.
The continued partnership reinforces X-energy’s commitment to the Teesside region. With partners Centrica, X-energy are advancing multi-billion-pound proposals to develop a fleet of Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) adjacent to the existing Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Leon Flexman, Corporate Affairs Director for X-energy, said: “It was a fantastic event last year, and we’re delighted to maintain our association with the awards for a second consecutive year.
“As we progress our proposals to build right here in Hartlepool, supporting this event is important to us.
“We want to connect with, champion and celebrate the dynamic businesses that make this town such a vibrant place to work and invest as we look to deliver clean energy and lasting economic growth to the region.”
Organised by the Hartlepool Business Forum, the 2026 awards will look to build on the momentum of last year’s packed-out ceremony.
The return of X-energy marks a significant vote of confidence in the Hartlepool business community.
Simon Corbett, Chair of the Hartlepool Business Forum and founder of Orangebox Training Solutions and CRO of BrightPeak, said: “The Hartlepool Business Awards is the most significant date on our local economic calendar.
“It is a night where we pause to celebrate the grit, innovation and excellence that define our town’s business landscape.
“Having a global company like X-energy return as our Gold Sponsor is a testament to the calibre of this event and the incredible talent we have right here in Hartlepool. We are now calling on the wider business community to get behind the awards.”
The nomination window is officially open, having launched on April 1, and organisers are looking for a diverse range of entries – from sole traders making a difference to large-scale employers putting Hartlepool on the international map.
A variety of sponsorship packages remain available. Sponsoring a category or a portion of the evening displays a public commitment to the future of the town while offering a unique opportunity to showcase your brand to the region’s key decision-makers.
Tickets will officially go on sale on Friday, May 1, 2026, priced at £65+VAT for individual seats, with full tables of ten available for £650+VAT. The entire process builds toward the grand awards ceremony on Thursday, October 15.
*To discuss sponsorship packages or to receive more information about the awards, please contact the team on 01429 363150 or email hba@hartlepool.gov.uk.
Check out the link for the nomination form
www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk/hartlepool-business-awards
