NCB at the Tees Tech Awards. (Left to right: Tom Jackson, Tom Robertson, Andy Rutter, Mike Durkin, Jamie Baldasera, Mark Tallentire)

NCB took home wins in both the Innovation and Tech for Good categories at the 2026 Tees Tech Awards.

Organized by Tees Business, the respected annual awards bring together leading organizations to celebrate the individuals and companies of northeast England that are driving digital innovation and technological progress. The 2026 event showcased the strength and versatility of the tech sector.

The dual-win reflects NCB’s continued focus on applying technology to solve real-world challenges, especially aligned with our mission: Safeguarding Life and Cargo through Safer, Smarter Supply Chains. The recognition is especially meaningful as 2026 marks 40 years of Hazcheck digital solutions.

The Innovation Award recognizes organizations that are advancing new ideas, products, or services and delivering measurable progress through technology.

• Hazcheck Detect is on track to screen 70% of all maritime cargo.
• It is the primary provider for the World Shipping Council’s Cargo Safety Program, already transforming how safety is managed across global shipping.
• The platform has been extended to detect illicit cargo, including illegal wildlife trade, broadening its impact beyond safety into environmental protection.

The Tech for Good Award acknowledges solutions that create meaningful, positive impact—improving lives, supporting communities, and demonstrating how digital tools can be a force for good.

• Hazcheck systems combine transformative technology with a proactive approach to prevent misdeclared and undeclared dangerous cargo from being shipped, reducing the risk of incidents and, ultimately, supporting safer supply chain operations.

The two recognitions illustrate our commitment to technological advancement and wide-reaching impact.

Awards Ceremony

Our team attended the June 4th ceremony at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, England, not a far trek from our Darlington office.

“Being recognized for both awards, especially as Hazcheck turns 40, made the experience a memorable moment for all of us and is a real credit to the team and effort behind the technology,” shared Mike Durkin, CIO. “It was a great night and a very well-organized event.”

The black-tie evening provided an opportunity to connect with regional peers, celebrate achievements across the sector, and reflect on the role technology continues to play in shaping more effective operations worldwide.

Photos from the event capture the NCB team alongside fellow finalists across award categories, marking an evening of appreciation and collaboration within the tech community.

Looking Ahead

While the awards celebrate progress to date, they reinforce the importance of continuing to innovate and deliver solutions that make a difference.

NCB remains focused on advancing technology that supports safety, compliance, and operational excellence across the industry, building on this momentum in the months ahead.

Read the recap from Tees Business and watch the highlight reel. | Learn more about Hazcheck solutions.