Some of the North East’s most inspirational business leaders, entrepreneurs and community champions have been recognised in Northern Leaders 2026.

Now in its third year, Northern Leaders celebrates 200 entries recognising people who are making the North a better place.

This year’s list features 93 new entries from the worlds of business, sport, politics, charity, education, philanthropy, property and beyond.

The individuals recognised come from across the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Northern Leaders 2026

One of the new names on the list is Steve Beharall, who has spent a decade leading Newcastle United Foundation.

During his tenure, he has overseen significant growth, tripling turnover from £3m to £9m while expanding the Foundation’s impact across education, health and employability.

Steve Beharall Newcastle United Foundation

Last season, the Foundation supported more than 1,000 people into sustained employment, with 38 per cent of those receiving employability support achieving a positive job outcome.

Its state-of-the-art NUCASTLE community hub, next to St James’ Park, has become a focal point for education, skills development and community wellbeing.

Brothers Joe and Ollie Brack are also making their Northern Leaders debut.

The siblings began their entrepreneurial journey with a burger takeaway to make ends meet during lockdown.

Joe and Ollie Brack

In less than six years, they have built a North East hospitality portfolio spanning burgers, bars, pizza and immersive cinema dining through businesses including Brack Burger Ltd and Say When Ltd.

Together, their businesses employ more than 150 people across the North East.

Former Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall is among their investors, while Say When became headline sponsor of Newcastle Racecourse’s Ladies Day in July 2026.

Other North East names recognised in Northern Leaders 2026 include:

  • 1. Chloe Clover: Founded award-winning content studio Wander Films in 2018, which works with brands and broadcasters across social media, YouTube and unscripted television.
  • 2. Alison Dunn MBE: Was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to communities across the North East of England.
  • 3. Sophie Milliken MBE: Has launched the North East Women of Excellence Awards, celebrating the achievements of inspirational women across the region.
  • 4. Michelle Percy: Is leading the transformation of London Stock Exchange-listed Develop North PLC into a major platform for investment, regeneration and economic growth across the North East.
  • 5. Matthew Ord: Has been appointed permanent chair of the Tees Valley Business Board by the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet.
  • 6. Charlotte Staerck: Since its founding in 2013, Newcastle-based Handbag Clinic has grown from a small online repair service generating £350k to a business with 33 employees and a forecasted turnover this year of £3.7m. 

The headline sponsor of Northern Leaders 2026 is OBI, supported by law firm CG Professional, GM Business Growth Hub and Rochdale Development Agency.

Everyone featured on the list will be invited to the Northern Leaders 2026 awards evening at KPMG’s Manchester office on November 19.