Hartlepool’s business community is set for a big celebration at the Hartlepool Business Awards 2025 later this year, with X-energy, a leading nuclear reactor and fuel design company, proud to be the Gold Sponsor of the event.
The awards, organised by the Hartlepool Business Forum, are scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 16, at the prestigious Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield.

X-energy was keen to display its commitment to the area by sponsoring this key event in the town’s business calendar at a time when it proposes a multi-billion-pound project to develop a 12-reactor plant in Hartlepool by the early 2030s.
This year’s Hartlepool Business Awards promise to be a highlight of 2025, with an expected sell-out attendance of over 300 guests.

Leon Flexman, Corporate Affairs Director from X-energy UK, said: “X-energy is delighted to be the Gold Sponsor of the Hartlepool Business Awards 2025. We recognise the incredible dynamism and resilience of the Hartlepool business community, and we’re proud to support an event that celebrates their achievements. As we look to establish a major presence in the region, it’s vital for us to connect with and champion the businesses that make Hartlepool such a vibrant place to work and invest.”

This year’s awards will showcase a wide array of categories, recognising excellence across various sectors. The categories include: Best Small Business, Best Large Business, Best Professional Services Business, Best Manufacturing or Engineering Business, Best New Business, Best Creative Business, Best Digital Business, Community Business of the Year, Best Leisure or Hospitality Business, Young Entrepreneur Award, Best Retail or Service Sector Business and The Peter Olsen Award.

Simon Corbett, Hartlepool Business Forum chair, said: “We are thrilled to have X-energy on board as our Gold Sponsor once again. Their commitment to the Hartlepool Business Awards and, more importantly, to the town itself, is greatly appreciated. These awards are about celebrating the hard work, innovation and success of businesses across Hartlepool, and we urge everyone to get their nominations in to ensure that the best of the best are recognised.”

Nominations for the Hartlepool Business Awards 2025 opened on April 1, providing an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of local businesses. 

Tickets for the event will be available for purchase online from May 1. More information on applying for an award or buying tickets can be found at www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk

*Businesses interested in sponsoring the awards and gaining valuable exposure should contact the Hartlepool Business Forum for more information on available packages. Please call 01429 363150 or email hba@hartlepool.gov.uk.