(Image: Supplied)
An employee-led chess tournament is continuing to grow in the North East, bringing colleagues together through friendly competition and a shared passion for the game.
The annual event is organised by staff at Turntide Technologies and recently held its second tournament at the company’s Gateshead campus.
Sixteen employees from across the business took part, highlighting rising interest and the company’s support for staff-led activities that foster connection beyond the workplace.
Dalil Benchebra, senior test automation engineer at Turntide and organiser of the tournament, said: "What started as an idea between a handful of colleagues has quickly grown into something people genuinely look forward to each year.
"It's been fantastic to see employees from different teams and backgrounds taking part, whether they're experienced players or simply keen to challenge themselves and learn something new."
Mr Benchebra is also deeply involved in the regional chess community, competing in leagues, serving as secretary of Leam Lane Chess Club, and sitting on the executive committee of the Northumberland Chess Association.
This year’s tournament was won by Bradley Hopkins, a fixed-term employee at Turntide, who has earned the opportunity to defend his title next year.
The event also welcomed special guest AFM Irina Briggs, chair of Leam Lane Chess Club and a nationally recognised player.
Ms Briggs has competed in the UK Blitz Championships and is a licensed English Chess Federation arbiter.
Following the tournament, Mr Hopkins faced Ms Briggs in a best-of-three exhibition match, narrowly winning 2-1.
Mr Benchebra said: "Chess encourages patience, strategic thinking and continuous learning, qualities that also underpin many aspects of engineering and innovation.
"More importantly, though, it's brought people together and created new connections across the business."
He credited support from the wider chess community for enriching the event.
Mr Benchebra said: "Having Irina join us this year added something really special to the event and reflects the close links we've developed with clubs across the North East.
"Our ambition is to continue growing the tournament and, in the future, open it up beyond Turntide to players from across the region through a Turntide Invitational Chess Tournament, creating another opportunity to celebrate the game and strengthen our connection with the local chess community."
Turntide’s chief executive, Steve Hornyak, praised the tournament as a reflection of the company’s culture.
Mr Hornyak said: "One of the strengths of Turntide is the enthusiasm our people bring, not only to their work but to the wider culture of the business.
"This tournament is a great example of an employee-led initiative that has grown naturally because colleagues have embraced it.
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"It's encouraged people from across the organisation to connect in new ways, while also strengthening our links with the local community through the North East chess scene."
Mr Hornyak also highlighted the connection between chess and engineering.
He said: "Engineering is ultimately about solving complex problems, and while we wouldn't claim chess makes someone a better engineer, it's no surprise that a game built around analysis, creativity and strategic thinking has found such an enthusiastic following within our business."