razorblue named headline sponsor for 2026 Tees Business Awards

Stockton-based IT managed services provider razorblue has been confirmed as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Tees Business Awards, marking a major show of support for one of the region’s flagship business celebrations.

The Tees Business Awards 2026 take place at Hardwick Hall on the evening of Thursday April 23.

The event has drawn around 380 guests to each of its first three glittering events, filling Hardwick Hall for a night of drama, emotion, pride and unforgettable moments.

This year’s awards attracted as astonishing 108 entries, which are now with category sponsors for shortlisting.

Founded in the North-East and headquartered in Stockton-on-Tees, razorblue has grown into one of the UK’s leading managed IT service providers, supporting organisations across a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, professional services, education and the public sector.

The business provides outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud services and strategic technology advice, helping organisations use technology as a driver for growth and efficiency.

razorblue’s decision to headline sponsor the 2026 awards reflects its long-standing commitment to working with ambitious organisations and supporting the wider regional economy.

The firm’s CEO and founder, Dan Kitchen said: “At razorblue, we’re passionate about supporting the businesses that drive innovation, growth and opportunity across Teesside and the wider region.

“The Tees Business Awards celebrate that same spirit of ambition and resilience.

“Championing local organisations, recognising their achievements and supporting a strong regional business community is something we’re proud to be a part of.”

As headline sponsor, razorblue will play a prominent role throughout the awards programme, aligning its brand with excellence, leadership and success across the Tees Valley.

They will also present the trophy to the Tees Business of the Year, with their shortlist for the prestigious award set to be announced along with other category shortlists during the week beginning February 9.

The partnership also reflects the growing importance of technology, cyber resilience and digital strategy in modern business, themes that increasingly feature across awards categories and finalist stories.

Tees Business director Martin Walker welcomed razorblue’s involvement at the highest level of the awards.

“To have razorblue as headline sponsor for the 2026 Tees Business Awards is a huge vote of confidence in the event and in what it represents,” he said.

“They are a business that has grown with the region, works with a huge number of local organisations and understands the challenges and opportunities facing Teesside businesses.”

Fellow director Dave Allan added: “razorblue’s support adds real weight to the 2026 awards.

“They are a highly respected business with strong regional roots and national reach.

“Having them headline the event helps us continue to deliver an awards night that genuinely celebrates the best of Teesside.”

The 2026 Tees Business Awards will once again shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals helping to shape the future of the Tees Valley economy.

Along with razorblue, confirmed partners for the 2026 awards include TVCA, Education Training Collective, Outrank, Achieve Professionals, Punch Robson Solicitors, Middlesbrough College, Holiday Inn Express, CF Fertilisers and Moonrise 24hr Recruitment, with Masfix sponsoring the shortlist films and Stockton Kia securing the venue sponsorship.