Jake named 2025 ‘Rising Star’

Bringing together a diverse range of businesses from the North East, this year’s North East Chamber of Commerce awards saw over 400 guests come together at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead to celebrate industry talent and the integral people behind it. Celebrating its 5th year, the awards were hosted by journalist Charlie Charlton and featured live performances from the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir. After making the shortlist for the Rising Star category, we were excited to head to the awards and support our Junior Engineer, Jake Atkinson, at the grand final.

With over 100 businesses entering the awards and a trimmed down finalist cohort representing every sector – from professional services to creative media – we knew we were in good company and were incredibly proud to have Jake among the 36 nominated finalists.

Recognising Jake’s journey from catering apprentice to coding expert, and his proceeding efforts once in the role to progress at such great pace, the judges named Jake as the 2025 North East Chamber of Commerce Rising Star. Commending him on his work ethic and dedication to learning a new craft, the judging panel highlighted Jake’s speedy progression from intern to Junior Engineer along with his involvement in building innovative WordPress features for global brands such as Amnesty International and New York Post, all within the very short space of just six months. This award is a true testament to the incredible work Jake has produced since joining the team, and we couldn’t be happier for him!

From day one, Jake has been an integral part of the team and has always gone above and beyond to ask questions, challenge the norm, and come up with new ideas. To think his progression from Intern to Junior Engineer, building WordPress features for global brands such as Amnesty International and New York Post, spanned the short space of six months, is incredible.”

Mark Goodyear, Chief Engineering Officer @ Big Bite

Although Jake couldn’t make the awards (he was on a plane to Rhodes as the ceremony began!), we were delighted to represent him and be part of such a celebratory evening that puts North East businesses in the spotlight they deserve – we wish a huge congratulations to all finalists!