TEES TECH AWARDS 2020
Small Business
SPONSORED BY
Winner
Kraken IM
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We were totally shocked to win the Small Business category ,” says director Ian Cornwell , whose jubilant reaction to Kraken ’ s success was surely one of the highlights of the event .
The Middlesbrough-based software and services company was encouraged to enter the Tees Tech Awards after a great year of business , during which it enjoyed export success and gained some notable clients .
The Tees Tech Awards were the first awards the company had ever entered .
“ We are a relatively young firm , so to win was great because it meant recognition ,” says Ian .
“ Being Small Business of the Year has given us credibility and raised our profile . As well as congratulations from local companies , we ’ ve had positive feedback about it from clients in the US as well , which is great .”
Ian believes the Tees Tech Awards are crucial for the growth of the tech industry on Teesside .
“ If we aspire to be a tech hub then # TalkingUpTeesside , to steal the hashtag , is so important .
“ We have a great tech ecosystem here in our region , so to attract new business , new investment and to ensure we maintain our skill levels , it ’ s crucial that we have good news – and good news doesn ’ t come much better than the Tees Tech Awards !”
David Artley , from Small Business sponsor Jacksons Law Firm , presents the award to Kraken IM director Ian Cornwell .
Finalist Wander Films Using high impact and engaging video , Boho 5 ’ s Wander Films disrupts the way brands use video to promote and advertise online . Wander was awarded a DigitalCity Fellowship in 2019 to develop its Epic Vlog packages . Since then , more and more clients have been signing up to these 12-month contracts . The Vlog packages are what has allowed Wander to grow so quickly , and to keep jobs in the area .
There has been a significant increase in the number of contracts Wander has gained over the past year and its team continues to grow organically without any outside investment .
Finalist Calm Digital A Middlesbrough-based team of digital specialists , Calm delivers high-end , user-focused websites , software systems and mobile applications .
Consulting and delivering on digital technology and innovative projects for 11 years , it is one of the most well established digital agencies on Teesside .
Numerous prestigious project wins over the year saw new client and business growth and led to the creation of additional jobs .
Calm is also proud of its involvement in Middlesbrough ’ s ambitious Boho X project , promoting the area as a great place to work .
Sponsor ’ s message
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Jacksons Law Firm was very excited to be the sponsor of the Small Business category at the Tees Tech Awards and to celebrate the wealth of tech talent we have in the Tees Valley ,” says Tony Wentworth , partner and head of corporate and commercial . “ It was wonderful to support the awards in its inaugural year , especially as we know that the tech and digital community in this part of the region is going from strength to strength and is a formidable tech hub of the future .” Jacksons ’ head of business development and marketing Karen Robinson was impressed by the standard of entries in the Small Business category . “ The entrants were of an extremely high standard and all deserve praise ,” she says . “ But we were delighted with the shortlist – three incredible companies – and delighted also when the award went to Kraken IM . Very well done !”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 35