All eyes on the former surveillance expert who is the new host of the Hartlepool Business Awards

Simon Corbett, CEO of Orangebox Training Solutions, has taken over the role which was admirably held by awards co-ordinator Andrew Steel for years, and John Megson before him.

Simon will appear for his first experience as host at this year’s awards finale on Thursday, May 21 at the Borough Hall.

He will jointly carry out the role with the Hartlepool Mail’s editorial director Joy Yates as they reveal the best in Hartlepool business for 2020.

And he can’t wait to take up the mantle in his home town.

Simon said: “I am Hartlepool born and bred, a Hartlepool business person and I am really proud to be doing this. I am so proud to be standing up in front of Hartlepool business people.”

He said he’d taken advice from Andrew Steel on the role and added: “I am delighted to be asked to do this and to follow on from Andy.”

Simon started his career as a police constable working for Durham Constabulary in Peterlee.

But he climbed the ranks and joined the National Crime Agency and was deployed on investigations across the world, including Holland, Portugal, Marbella, Montenegro, and Kenya.

His surveillance techniques were recognised, so, alongside his operational duties, he embarked on qualifying as a trainer, passing on his skills to hundreds of other officers across the globe.

When he left policing after more than 20 years, he started Orangebox Training Solutions Limited, on Queens Meadow Business Park, Hartlepool.

That was in March 2016 and four years on, the firm has 12 office staff and 25 freelance.

Continued growth is likely to be on the cards but always with a continued eye on quality standards.

Orangebox delivers training courses across the UK as well as in Dubai and the UAE. It also works with some of the biggest warehouse employers in the UK.

Now comes a new role for Simon as an awards host and he said: “I used to get nerves in my previous under-cover law enforcement role. This is a different type of nerves but it is all about turning that into a positive type of adrenaline.”

Companies should submit their entries for the Hartlepool Business Awards by 5pm on Friday, March 27.

How to enter

Follow the simple online entry instructions at www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk.

Entries are restricted to THREE categories only.

The Overall Business of the Year will be chosen from a new category and a separate entry form. Those businesses that do not wish to enter individual categories can enter for Overall Business of the Year separately.

Those businesses who are entering individual categories will need to enter for the Overall Business of the Year in addition to their category entries..

The categories.

Community.

Best Small Business.

Investment in Training.

Service Sector.

Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality.

Most Promising New Business.

Creative Industries.

Business Leader of the Year.

Manufacturing.

Young Entrepreneur.