Food and Drink North East (FADNE) has been awarded the Shine Advanced Award marking the highest level of accreditation within Shine, the North East Combined Authority’s flagship employer recognition scheme. The achievement places the organisation among a select group of employers leading the way in creating fairer, safer and more rewarding workplaces across the region.
The Shine scheme – a free initiative designed to support businesses of all sizes – promotes high standards in employment by championing fair pay, secure work, inclusive practices and opportunities for progression. More than just a badge of recognition, Shine represents a growing movement committed to improving working lives and strengthening the regional economy.
Launched in June 2025 under the leadership of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and backed by the North East Combined Authority, the scheme highlights organisations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to putting people first. Shine upholds five key beams of good practice which include:
- Beam one: prioritising employee health, safety and wellbeing
- Beam two: community, net zero and social responsibility
- Beam three: employee voice, communications and representation
- Beam four: opportunity for all – inclusivity, upskilling and employee empowerment
- Beam five: fair work and fair pay for all
FADNE’s achievement of the Advanced Award reflects its continued dedication to these principles, showcasing best practice in employee wellbeing, community and social responsibility, and championing growth.
Steve Wheaton, Chief Growth Officer at Food and Drink North East, emphasised the significance of the recognition:
“Receiving the Shine Advanced Award is a hugely important milestone for us. It reflects the commitment we’ve made to creating a positive, supportive environment for our team and the wider food, drink & hospitality sector. Being recognised at the highest level reinforces that we are not only meeting expectations but helping to set the standard.”
FADNE’s success sends a strong message about the importance of responsible employment and highlights the organisation’s role as a leader in shaping a better future for workers in the North East’s thriving food and drink industry.
To find out more about Shine, please visit shine.northeast-ca.gov.uk
