CF Fertilisers UK Ltd, a cornerstone of Teesside’s industrial and agricultural economy, has been named a double finalist in the 2025 North East Business Awards, shortlisted for both ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Best Place to Work’ in the Teesside sub-regional category.
Founded more than a century ago, CF Fertilisers’ Billingham complex is the UK’s leading producer of Ammonium Nitrate and a major employer in the Teesside area, directly supporting 170 employees and over 100 embedded contractors. In the face of global disruption, the company has demonstrated remarkable resilience, investing over £30 million to future-proof its operations while embedding a culture of care, career development and collaboration at every level.
The North East Business Awards recognise the best businesses across three sub-regions -Teesside, Northumberland & Tyneside and Durham, Sunderland & South Tyneside. They recognise outstanding achievements in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and creativity, highlighting the impactful ways businesses are driving progress and making a difference across the North East. The recognition places CF Fertilisers among the region’s most forward-thinking, people-powered businesses and reflects a landmark year for the company, marked by strong strategic growth, sustained investment in its Billingham complex, and a deep-rooted commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusion.
Martin Liddle, general manager at CF Fertilisers UK said, “This is a fantastic moment for our team. To be announced as a dual winner for Teesside in such strong company is very humbling and a real testament to the energy, commitment and pride shown by everyone at Billingham. From strategic planning to commercial performance, from wellbeing to innovation, we are setting a benchmark for what good looks like.”
The ‘Best Place to Work’ accolade recognises CF’s ambitious people strategy, which includes enhanced parental leave, flexible working, leadership development, and an Inclusion Resource Group aimed at fostering equity and opportunity. Meanwhile, the ‘Business of the Year’ nomination highlights robust financial performance in the face of global disruption, a clear vision for growth, and the company’s long-standing support for local schools, charities and environmental initiatives.
Martin added “We’ve built something really special here, and we’ll continue to listen, evolve and invest in our people and place. This recognition is a step on the journey, not the finish line.”
CF Fertilisers will now compete against other sub-regional winners in the prestigious Grand Final on 25 September 2025, where the very best of the North East will be crowned at an event in at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield.