'Everyone deserves an award in here to be honest' - the winners at the Portfolio Business Awards 2019

The Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards were held at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, November 7.

With guest presenters including Sir Bob Murray and Charlie Methven, recipients included Hays Travel, Gentoo and the Wonderful Wig Company.

Local heroes John and Irene Hays received a standing ovation as they collected their trophy.

Here, some of the winners tell us what their awards mean to them, and about the importance of the business community to the city.