TEES TECH AWARDS 2022
AMBASSADOR
SPONSORED BY CORNERSTONE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS – @ CORNERSTONEBS
FINALIST
MARK EASBY ( BETTER )
Proud – David Dixon with Gemma Holmes of category sponsor Cornerstone Business Solutions .
WINNER
DAVID DIXON ( DIGITALCITY )
He ’ s a passionate advocate of Teesside ’ s tech scene – but David Dixon says there ’ s still some way to go before we fulfil our potential .
For the past 20 years , he ’ s helped hundreds of companies along their digital journey and been a passionate advocate of the advantages tech can bring businesses – so it ’ s little wonder his nomination emerged on top .
David is the digitalisation , scale and investment manager at tech business support organisation DigitalCity , where he ’ s worked for the past five years .
And after admitting to be “ astounded ” to win the Ambassador category , he said he was proud to be part of Tees tech community .
He said : “ It ’ s my life . It ’ s what I am , it ’ s what I do and has been for the past 20 years .”
Judges heard how David understands the needs of digital businesses and works tirelessly to create an environment providing the best support for their development .
He also understands more traditional industries , and how they can benefit from employing digital technologies and processes .
And he ’ s a passionate advocate for our area , constantly creating connections outside of the region as he expands his network in search of opportunities that will ultimately benefit Tees Valley . But where does he think this area stands in terms of tech ? He said : “ It ’ s got a long way to go but it ’ s on the upwards trajectory and that ’ s something we should be proud of . “ In five , 10 , 15 years from now , we are going to be smashing it .”
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
Cornerstone Business Solutions sales director Chris Bibby said : “ It was great to be involved in the awards again this year . There are always new companies and people coming through in digital , so it ’ s a good way of getting everyone together so you can hear about the latest and greatest , especially for people who are not in tech and who may not be aware . Having established a few companies in the tech and digital fields , it just made sense for us to continue sponsoring these awards .”
Mark is founder and MD of award-winning brand agency , Better .
Since 2008 , Better has been building brands and crafting meaningful , creative work driven by strategic thinking , authenticity and insight . Mark and his team manage a portfolio of local , national and international brands , ranging from maritime and manufacturing to soft drinks and skincare . Mark is also the proud chair of trustees at High Tide Foundation , a charity that showcases career opportunities and provides life-changing work experience programmes for young people in the Tees Valley .
Led by Mark , the foundation has recently been through a process of digital transformation , underpinning programme delivery with online learning technology , allowing the charity to support around 6,000 students per year .
FINALIST
STEVE DOUGAN ( LAUNCHPAD , TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY )
As head of enterprise at Teesside University ’ s Launchpad , Steve has helped and inspired countless local students and graduates to go into business .
He runs the Fuel Programme , which is where brand new companies learn business skills and can win grant funding . He also provides office space for new digital companies that cannot afford commercial space .
So many of the digital / tech companies that are thriving on Teesside right now have come through Launchpad . And without Steve looking for opportunities , giving advice , connecting companies and mentors and putting on workshops , many of the businesses within Boho would not exist .
Steve remains a passionate ambassador for the Tees tech sector as he continues to attract talent and opportunities to the region .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 49