Issue 46 | Page 25

Publishers defy Covid to deliver smash hit awards event Aycliffe Business editor Martin Walker (far left) with the team that helped to deliver the Tees Tech Awards (left to right): Recognition PR’s AV consultant Jordan Le Bron, Recognition managing director Graham Robb, awards host John Foster, Resolution’s events manager Julie Burniston, Recognition AV co-ordinator Robin Campbell and Resolution director Dave Allan. Aycliffe Business’s sister publication, Tees Business, celebrated the launch of the Tees Tech Awards in August – with the virtual event being streamed as live on YouTube. Thousands of people tuned into the inaugural event, which was designed to champion the Tees Valley’s tech and digital sector. It was organised by Resolution Media and Publishing – the team behind Tees Business – and Aycliffe Business editor Martin Walker, with his business partner Dave Allan, in association with DigitalCity and Middlesbrough Digital. More than 90 entries were sent in for 11 different categories, and the event was due to be held at Wynyard Hall in April. But due to Covid restrictions, the organisers had to take the event online – with Darlington-based Recognition PR helping them to film it, and stream it on YouTube. The show was hosted by former BBC Tees presenter John Foster, with the shortlisted candidates for each category dialling in via Zoom as each award sponsor revealed the winners. A unique judging system meant even the sponsors didn’t know the winner of their award until they opened the envelope during the online ceremony. All category sponsors scored the award entries, and those with the highest scores won, making it a truly democratic system. As part of the event, 150 goodie bags were TECH THAT! sent to “guests”, including a glass of prosecco (the welcome drink), a small bottle of wine, chocolates and an official programme. Guests were also sent Domino’s pizzas, delivered by Wynyard-based franchise Racz Group, which owns the Aycliffe outlet of the Domino’s chain. Martin Walker said: “We re-wrote and ripped up the script for the Tees Tech Awards a number of times – it was a huge challenge as guidelines around public gatherings changed. “But it was appropriate that technology saved the Tees Tech Awards, as we used online tech and Recognition PR’s fantastic media facilities to deliver them. “Ultimately, we decided the awards had to go ahead in whatever format. We created them to celebrate a thriving sector, with more than 90 businesses taking the time to enter, so we were committed to delivering them. “It was a resounding success. The live stream had around 800 views on YouTube, but many businesses arranged their own sociallydistanced gatherings – one of the sponsors even hired a function room for their 20 guests! – so we estimate the number of people who watched it live to be around 2,000. “We were delighted with both the event itself, and the positive reaction from the business community.” Taking the coveted Company of the Year trophy – sponsored by headline sponsors DigitalCity and Middlesbrough Digital – was Middlesbrough-based pay-per-click specialists Mabo who impressed judges with their unique methods, flourishing worldwide reputation and increased workforce. The Business Leader accolade, sponsored by Punch Robson Solicitors, went to Lee Hutchinson who has led the growth of Double Eleven into one of the region’s biggest game development studios, employing 85 people. Animmersion’s Dom Lusardi secured the Tech Ambassador title, sponsored by Cornerstone Business Solutions, while other worthy winners were Code 4000 who won the Tech For Good category, sponsored by Domino’s Teesside. Appamondo claimed the Davies Traceysponsored Tech Exporter Award, Wander Film’s Chloe Clover was Rising Star in the Middlesbrough College-sponsored category, while Everflow Water took the top spot in the Digital Transformation category, sponsored by Baldwin’s Group. Kraken IM won the Small Business category, sponsored by Jacksons Law Firm, while Salesfire triumphed in two categories – Innovation (sponsored by Tracerco) and Best Newcomer (sponsored by Recognition PR). Calm Digital and Intasite were worthy winners of the Tech Partnership trophy, sponsored by Communicate Technology PLC. Full details of the awards and reaction is at teesbusiness.co.uk The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 25