Issue 22 | Page 63

Ryze founder David Smith (left) and creative director Matt Cole. Photo by ryanedy.com SUCCESS Ryze grabs global honours S Ambitious ‘digital experience’ agency receives global recognition at Awwwards and the Webby Awards. tockton-based Ryze, which was established in 2018, has been honoured in the Corporate Communications category of the Webby Awards for its work with revolutionary data asset management company Datum360. Hailed as the “internet’s highest honour” by the New York Times, the Webby Awards is the leading international awards organisation honouring excellence on the internet. Recognised as the internet’s most respected symbol of success, this year’s awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 US states and 70 countries worldwide. “Honourees like Ryze are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the internet,” said Claire Graves, executive director of the Webby Awards. “It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from all the entries we received this year.” This prestigious accolade was closely followed by an honourable mention and Mobile Excellence award from Awwwards, which celebrates design, creativity and innovation on the internet of developers and agencies around the world. Ryze’s achievements come off the back of a very solid start to the year. The team’s innovative approach to digital branding has resulted in work for high-profile clients such as Bellway Homes, Dubai’s multi-awardwinning Typica Coffee, Total Recycling Services, one of the UK’s leading waste management providers and IAMTech, a software solutions provider for global industrial organisations as well as a confidential project that is helping bring top-flight football back to fans with access to view matches. Despite challenges presented by Covid-19, the agency has seen its client base continue to grow. Ryze’s founder David Smith said: “The last three months have been a bit of a rollercoaster, I’m sure just like any business, but I’m so proud of how the entire team has adapted. “I’ve always said that it’s our people that make the difference and the way they have responded to the current situation and ensured we continued to seamlessly deliver client work to the highest standard is unbelievable. “We are seeing increased interest from clients that want an allencompassing digital experience. It is our combined expertise of strategy, brand, user experience, design and development that has attracted them to us.” David feels lucky to have so far come through the pandemic stronger. While his focus remains firmly on the future growth of the business, he is keen to offer help to others. “Since March, many businesses have had to rapidly embrace digital and adopt technology out of necessity for their business to survive, and no doubt, this has been a very challenging and worrying time for them. “The effects of the pandemic are likely to accelerate the need for change as digital has become central to every interaction, and businesses now have the opportunity to embrace this transformation further. But for those that feel unsure about how this could benefit them, we’re here to help. “Our team of specialist digital consultants, UX designers and developers are on hand to offer strategic, digital advice to support others get back on track.” With a significant pipeline of work planned for the rest of the year, Ryze’s vision remains firmly focused on being an award-winning digital experience agency for the biggest brands in the world. And with a hat-trick of global honours awarded already this year and a string of ambitious clients, they are already starting to see the merits of their work and the value it brings to their clients’ brands. More information about Ryze can be found at ryzeagency.co.uk. You can get in touch with the team on 01642 955872 or email [email protected]. The voice of business in the Tees region | 63