Entries have now opened for the 2025 Aycliffe Business Make Your Mark Awards – with current Company of the Year Senstronics becoming the new headline sponsors.
Senstronics will “hand over the baton” of the Company of the Year title when the Make Your Mark Awards take place at Hardwick Hall Hotel on May 8 next year.
The firm’s managing director Andy Reed – who also won Businessperson of the Year 2024 – says they weren’t seeking the spotlight by entering this year, but wanted to acknowledge the dedication and achievements of his team.
“We’ve been a quiet pillar of this community for 25 years,” Andy reflects.
“We’ve done some great work internally, but we hadn’t really shouted about ourselves publicly. This felt like the right time to change that.”
That decision proved transformative. Senstronics walked away with not one, but two awards, including the coveted Company of the Year title.
“For me, the business award was the most important,” Andy says.
“It wasn’t just about me – it was about the team, the people in Senstronics, what they’ve achieved, and how we deliver.
“Winning wasn’t just a pat on the back; it was a significant moment that confirmed we’re moving the business in the right direction.”
Beyond the recognition, winning opened doors. Senstronics is now an active part of the Aycliffe Business Park Community, attending events and strengthening ties with local businesses. Andy admits he had initial doubts.
“I have to be honest; I was a little cynical going into it,” he shares.
“We’d never been involved with Aycliffe Business Park before, so we just didn’t think we’d win – and we won two!
“It proves the process is open, transparent and fair. It’s not about who you know; it’s about what you’ve achieved.”
The Make Your Mark Awards aren’t just about celebrating success – they’re about inspiring confidence and fostering connections.
Andy encourages businesses to step forward, whether you’re seasoned participants or first-timers like Senstronics was.
“What have you got to lose?” he asks. “If you believe in the values of openness, transparency and recognising hard work, this is your chance. It fits perfectly with what we want to do as a business.”
Senstronics was so inspired by their experience that they’ve taken their support further.
“We’re in a position where we can sponsor, and we thought, let’s give back to the awards that have done so much for us,” Andy said.
Aycliffe Business Park Community chair Kerina Clark said: “As entries for the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards open, the call is clear: This is your time to shine.
“Celebrate your achievements, spotlight your team and make a mark on your community.
“Submit your entry or consider sponsoring an award today – because your business deserves to be seen.”
Entries are now available at aycliffebusinesspark.co.uk/awards
The Make Your Mark Awards 2025 are again being delivered by Resolution Media and Publishing, on behalf of Aycliffe Business Park Community.
As well as Senstronics as headline sponsors, Husqvarna, Business Durham and GEM Partnership have already agreed to be category sponsors for 2025.
There are currently seven categories available for sponsorship, including Environment, Innovation, Service Business of the Year, Community Champions, Businessperson of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Apprentice of the Year.
Those interested in sponsoring the Make Your Mark Awards can call Martin Walker on 07826 525907 or email [email protected].
• Pictured above (from left) are Senstronics production operator Artur Nosek, HR manager Kate Clark, production operator Cameron Cook, managing director Andy Reed, Aycliffe Business Park Community chair Kerina Clark, Senstronics operations manager Kevin Tull and production supervisor Janice Newberry; and (kneeling) stores supervisor Michael Gray, production operator Rachel Stewart and production operator Mary Mansfield.