Six people have been crowned as Business Leader of the Year since the category first became part of the business awards in 2014.
Here is a reminder of the people who have taken centre stage for one of the biggest categories of the competition.
Today, we ask ‘who will be their successor’. There’s only one way to have your say and that is by nominating your own personal favourite for the 2020 title.
Do it by visiting http://hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk
1. The reigning champion
The owner of Hartlepool United Raj Singh, pictured centre, took the 2019 Business Leader of the Year Award for the way he has spearheaded the revival of Pools. United have continued to progress since the takeover with Raj wanting to deliver success for the fans. Photo: Kevin Brady
2. Businesss Leader of the Year award winner Rob Collier at the Hartlepool Business Awards 208 at the Borough Hall, Hartlepool, last night.
Judges chose Rob Collier as the 2018 Business Leader of the Year after they heard how he was running a multi-million pound group of businesses in Hartlepool - all from a revitalised base at Advanced House, in Wesley Square. And there was more good news for Rob as Advanced Retail Solutions won the Service Sector category that same year. Could you be next? Photo: Kevin Brady
4. Leading the way in 2017
Business Leader of the Year Award in 2017 was Kevin Byrne of Seymour Civil Engineering (centre). Blackburn lad Kevin Byrne described Hartlepool as “deep in my heart” and said he was “extremely proud” to win. Seymour Civil Engineering carries out work on flood alleviation, coastal protection, urban renewal projects as well as infrastructure, restoration and development work. Kevin became Managing Director in 2012 after working 23 years for the company and also being a company director. Photo: Kevin Brady