Apex Radio Systems is incredibly proud to announce that we have been named SME Employer of the Year at the 2026 North East Apprenticeship Awards.

This award represents a major milestone for our business and is one we are extremely proud to celebrate.

The North East Apprenticeship Awards recognise outstanding apprentices, employers and training providers across the region. To be recognised among approximately 55,000 SMEs across the North East makes this achievement even more special.

Being named the region’s leading SME for developing people is a remarkable honour and a powerful reflection of the values that continue to drive Apex forward.

Built on Strong Foundations

When Jim Curry founded Apex in 1990, he built the business on a simple belief:

Invest in good people, treat them well, and give them opportunities to grow – success will follow.

More than 35 years later, those values remain at the heart of everything we do.

At Apex, we have always believed that our people are our greatest strength. While our communication technology helps businesses stay connected, it is our team, culture and shared values that truly set us apart.

A Long-Term Commitment to Apprenticeships

For nearly 20 years, apprentices have played an important role in the Apex story.

We have never viewed apprenticeships simply as a way to fill vacancies. Instead, we see them as a meaningful investment in people, skills and the long-term future of our business.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming talented individuals into the business and watching them grow in confidence, develop their expertise and build successful careers.

This award recognises that long-term commitment.

But more importantly, it recognises the people who made it possible.

Every manager who has supported someone through their first day.
Every mentor who has shared their experience and knowledge.
Every colleague who has helped create the supportive, ambitious culture that defines Apex.

This achievement belongs to all of them.

Recognition for Molly

The evening also brought individual recognition for our very own Molly, Marketing Executive at Apex, who was shortlisted for Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

Being shortlisted among the region’s top apprentices is an incredible achievement and testament to Molly’s hard work, dedication and growth over the past two years.

From joining Apex as a Marketing Assistant to progressing into her current role as Marketing Executive, Molly has made a fantastic impact on both the marketing team and the wider business.

We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.

Special Thanks to Our Training Partner

We would also like to give a special mention to our training provider, We Are Zenith, whose support has played an important role in our apprenticeship journey.

Strong apprenticeships are built on strong partnerships, and the guidance, expertise and support provided by the team at We Are Zenith has helped both Apex and our apprentices develop and succeed.

We are grateful for their continued support and the role they play in helping nurture the next generation of talent.

Looking Ahead

As proud as we are of this award, we see it not as a finish line, but as a reminder of what is possible when great people come together with a shared purpose.

We will continue to invest in our people, create opportunities for future talent and build a business that the next generation will aspire to join.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this journey.

This is a proud moment for Apex – and we’re excited for what’s to come next.