Middlesbrough College
Middlesbrough College hopes that shining a spotlight on successful local digital stars through the Tees Tech Awards will help the region hold on to more of its top tech talent .
Middlesbrough College is sponsoring the Rising Star category at the Tech Awards for a second successive year .
The college ’ s principal and chief executive Zoe Lewis said : “ The tech industry is growing exponentially and creating new , highquality jobs for our local people .
“ We want to play our part in shining a spotlight on these successful businesses and the talent that exists in our area – and hopefully encourage more of our young talented people to stay local and support this developing and critically important industry .” Dan Watson of headline sponsors Middlesbrough Digital with Zoe Lewis from Middlesbrough College , sponsor of the Rising Star category .
Jacksons Law Firm
The Tees Tech Awards have been described as a “ fantastic showcase ” for local digital businesses by Jacksons Law Firm , sponsor of the Small Business category .
The partners and staff at Stocktonbased Jacksons are delighted to be sponsoring the Small Business of the Year category at the Tees Tech Awards 2021 .
“ The event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate businesses and entrepreneurs who are leading innovation and technology in our region ,” said Karen Robinson , partner and head of business development and marketing at Jacksons . Resolution Media and Publishing non-executive director Bob Cuffe ( left ) and Jacksons Law managing partner Tony Wentworth ( second right ) with Rebecca Logue and David Artley , both solicitors in the firm ’ s corporate and commercial team .
Racz Group
The owner of a string of local Domino ’ s pizza outlets hopes his latest special delivery – sponsorship of the Tech for Good category in the Tees Tech Awards – will be the perfect topping for the region ’ s thriving digital sector . The Racz Group , which includes Domino ’ s , Costa Coffee and Anytime Fitness franchises within its fast-growing stable , is sponsoring the award for a second time after owner Mike Racz got a slice of the action at the inaugural event last year .
“ This is the second year the Racz Group have been associated with the Tees Tech Awards and it ’ s brilliant that we ’ re again sponsoring the Tech for Good category ,” said Mike .
“ As a group that believes in doing our bit for the community and charities , this is the perfect category for us within an industry that ’ s really making its mark locally , nationally and beyond .” Racz Group CEO Mike Racz ( right ) with Tees Business executive editor Dave Allan .
Teesside University
A director of Tees Tech Awards category sponsor Teesside University has praised the “ ingenuity ” of the local digital sector in achieving a “ local and global reach ”.
Teesside University is sponsoring the Best Digital Project / Campaign , with Appamondo , Salesfire and In Studio the finalists in a prestigious new category .
Laura Woods , the university ’ s director of academic enterprise , said : “ The last 12 months have really brought home to us all just how vital digital technologies have become in our daily lives , so it feels doubly important to be celebrating the achievements of the Tees Valley ’ s brightest and best tech businesses at the Tees Tech Awards ,” Laura Woods from Teesside University ( right ) with Tees Business events manager Julie Burniston .
Erimus Insurance Brokers
TEES TECH AWARDS
The annual Tees Tech Awards are the perfect excuse to celebrate the best and brightest digital businesses in our region , according to Lee Elgie , managing director at Erimus Insurance Brokers .
Stockton-based Erimus is the proud sponsor of the Digital Innovation award .
“ If the past year has taught us anything , it ’ s that digital innovation should be at the top of all business agendas ,” said Lee .
“ Resilience is no longer about being unwavering in the face of adversity – it ’ s about adapting to overcome .
“ As a region , we should be immensely proud of the contribution we have made to the fight against coronavirus .” Erimus Insurance Brokers managing director Lee Elgie ( left ) with Tees Business executive editor Dave Allan .
Python Properties
Python Properties , owner of Boho Zero – a new development synonymous with the thriving tech scene in Middlesbrough – is sponsoring the Digital Newcomer category .
Founding partner Martin Johnson sees the awards as a vital initiative to shape the future of an industry which is already representing the Tees region on a global scale .
And he thinks now is the perfect time to encourage and promote the rapidly growing sector .
“ Python Properties believe it ’ s important to support initiatives such as the Tees Tech Awards to shine a light on the innovators who are shaping the future of the industry and representing the region on a global scale ,” said Martin .
“ There are so many positives within the region at the moment , and the Tees Valley is a hotbed for digital start-ups .
“ Boho Zero within the tech quarter in Middlesbrough ’ s Boho zone has seen many organisations start with a small space and rapidly grow .” Python Properties partners Martin Johnson and Peter Broome with Tees Business sales manager Chris Garbutt .
Tees Valley Business Hub
With the shortlist now revealed in the Tees Tech Awards Unsung Hero category , sponsor Tees Valley Business Hub powered by the SME Centre of Excellence is thrilled with the final line-up .
SockMonkey Studios ’ Darren Falcus and Teesside University ’ s Professor Zulfiqur Ali and Steve Dougan beat a stellar cast in order to make the final three of the Unsung Hero category – a new award for 2021 .
“ To choose the three shortlisted candidates was a very , very tough job ,” said Ammar Mirza CBE , chair of the SME Centre of Excellence and co-founder of Tees Valley Business Hub .
“ The standard of entries really was incredibly high and we were particularly impressed to see such levels of inclusivity and diversity .” Ammar Mirza CBE ( left ), chair of the SME Centre of Excellence and co-founder of Tees Valley Business Hub , with Tees Business executive editor Martin Walker .
Other sponsors
Four Tees firms joined forces to help sponsor vital elements of the forthcoming Tees Tech Awards .
Darlington-based Clive Owen LLP is sponsoring the shortlists films , produced by Middlesbrough firm Wander Films , which will be shown on the night .
Middlesbrough-based ITS is sponsor of the official programme , which will be available in print for every guest on the night and digitally for online viewers .
NorthLink Digital , based in Middlesbrough ’ s Boho Five , sponsors the guests ’ arrival drinks at Hardwick Hall , while Vertu BMW MINI sponsors guests ’ table wine . Tech supporters – Martin Grimes ( Vertu Motors ), Martin Walker ( Tees Business ), Malcolm Knott ( ITS ), Graham Orrell ( NorthLink Digital ), Dave Allan ( Tees Business ) and Lee ( Clive Owen ).
The voice of business in the Tees region | 19