Knights marked its headline sponsorship of The NET 250 Awards 2026 at yesterday morning’s exclusive breakfast event, celebrating the North East’s top 250 companies by turnover.

Held on Thursday 14 May 2026 at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, the event brought together more than 200 business leaders to recognise the organisations driving economic growth, innovation and success across the region.

The NET 250 2026: Showcasing regional excellence

The NET 250 ranking, compiled using Companies House data and business insights, highlights the North East’s highest-performing companies. The research was conducted in partnership with Newcastle University Business School and independently verified by PwC, ensuring a robust and credible list.

This year’s reveal once again underlined the strength, diversity and ambition of the North East economy, with companies from sectors including manufacturing, transport, professional services and technology recognised.

Celebrating the region’s top businesses

A number of standout organisations were recognised on the day, including:

  • Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (Sunderland Plant), named Number One Company in the North East;
  • Simon Bailes Peugeot, awarded Fastest Growing Company;
  • Cleveland Cable Company, named Top Family-Owned Company;
  • Hubexo, recognised as Highest New Entrant;
  • Penny Petroleum, awarded Highest Climber and;
  • The NET 250 Champion Award, sponsored by Knights, was presented to British Engines, recognising not only financial performance but also wider impact across its markets and communities.

The ceremony also saw Dame Irene Hays receive a Special Recognition Award for her outstanding contribution to business in the region.

Knights in the North East

As headline sponsor of the NET 250 2026, Knights’ presence at the event reflects our continued investment in the North East and commitment to supporting ambitious businesses.

With a growing regional footprint, Knights is well positioned to deliver a full-service legal offering, combining:

  • national scale and expertise;
  • strong local knowledge and relationships and;
  • sector-focused advice aligned to regional industries.

The sponsorship highlights Knights’ role in helping North East businesses navigate growth, transformation and opportunity, from fast-growing entrants to established market leaders.

A shared commitment to the North East economy

The NET 250 Awards continue to provide an important platform for recognising the businesses shaping the region’s future.

For Knights, being headline sponsor is a clear demonstration of our commitment to:

  • support regional economic growth;
  • champion innovation and enterprise and;
  • build long-term partnerships across the North East business community.


As the 2026 NET 250 list is published in full, Knights looks forward to continuing to work alongside the businesses that are driving the region forward.