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Welcome to the latest issue of the North East’s Magazine of the Year.

We lay no false claim here, for at the latest Tom Cordner Press Awards – the region’s annual accolades for the industry – BQ was named best in class. The recognition, which comes just 19 months after our first issue, endorses the approval we already receive regularly from our readers and many supporters within the region’s business community. We’re pleased to be among the winners, particularly in these long-standing ‘Oscars’, which recognise the highest standards of North East journalism.

It indicates to us that – far from the media being an industry dominated by decline, as it is sometimes held up to be, BQ proves that good journalism, targeted marketing and a sound business approach still offer print a sound future.

We are thankful to all our readers, advertisers, supporters and contributors for your loyalty, support and enthusiasm. Our mission is to produce a bright, optimistic and profitable periodical to both inform and entertain, telling and interpreting North East business news and views honestly, without spin and churn. In this, we encourage entrepreneurial spirit, support regional goals, and pay tribute to businesses, organisations and individuals who contribute to the good of our region.

One of these is Graeme Lowdon – already a global pioneer in data communication who has now become director of racing for the new Formula 1 Virgin team. He says this would be impossible to achieve without his wife and sometime business associate, Wendy. We talk to Si Bales about the prodigious growth of her company, Bgroup, and her flair for attracting fine business brains to sit on her board. Talking of fine business brains, John Hays inherited his enterpreneurial streak from his mother, Peggy, and the continuing success of Hays Travel proves the point. He recounts his story within these pages, remembering how he and his brother Malcolm were inspired into business by the fine example of their mother, who beat debilitating illness to make her mark. We also have the story of Bryan and Jeannie Goodall, husband and wife and coentrepreneurs for some 40 years, and now patronising the arts on Teesside.

Stories of all the above, plus that of fair trade pioneer Richard Adams, who has spent four decades breaking down global trade barriers, are here, plus plenty more. All of them are inspiring, and all of them reflect a vibrant and influential business scene. And remember, since we’re the best North East magazine, you must be the North East’s best in readership and support. So thank you again.

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