TEES TECH AWARDS 2020
Tees Tech Ambassador
SPONSORED BY
Winner
Dominic Lusardi
Being crowned the inaugural
Tees Tech Ambassador couldn ’ t have come at a better time for Dominic , who is now working alongside Middlesbrough Council , Teesside University and Tees Valley Combined Authority to promote the strengths of the local digital scene .
Dominic is in the process of stepping back from his role as director and co-founder of Middlesbrough-based visualisation and immersive technology firm Animmersion to focus on supporting the development of the region ’ s growing digital cluster .
“ I have to admit I shed a little tear ,” he said after receiving the prestigious award . “ I came here 20 years ago from Leeds and I initially felt like a fish out of water . I couldn ’ t be prouder to now be a representative of the industry I ’ ve invested my career in .
“ The Tech Awards were like a group hug version of recognising the Tees region has a need for this new industry that ’ s a fusion of old and new .
“ As one of the most successful local digital businesses , I feel it ’ s up to Animmersion to give back to a sector that ’ s helped us get where we are . I never think , ‘ What ’ s in it for Animmersion ?’ but ‘ What ’ s in it for our industry and the area ?’ I firmly believe in the adage that a rising tide raises all boats .”
Dominic Lusardi receives the Tees Tech Ambassador award from Chris Bibby , of category sponsor Cornerstone Business Solutions .
Finalist James Lees ( Mabo Media ) Marketing director James , of Middlesbrough-based Mabo Media , is the brains behind Digitees – a new networking event which presents an opportunity for businesses to learn something new while networking with like-minded individuals .
The first event was fully subscribed and brought more than 50 businesses together to celebrate Teesside ’ s thriving digital sector .
Over the years , James has pledged to help inspire the younger generation to stay in Teesside and explore a career in digital .
He is a member of the Middlesbrough College Employability Board and the Digital Advisory Board , providing valuable contributions to both .
He has a strong partnership with Teesside University , regularly giving up his time to deliver guest lectures .
Finalist Darren Falcus ( SockMonkey Studios ) As director of business development at Middlesbrough-based video game developer SockMonkey Studios , Darren oversees the running of the business and uses his impressive list of contacts to find projects and sell SockMonkey ’ s own IP .
Darren ’ s connections are worldwide and go back 30 years . His studios have won local and global business awards and the sales of the games his studios have worked on are in the millions .
The number of jobs and income brought into Teesside that Darren is personally responsible for is uncountable , yet he remains humble .
A constant presence at tech events throughout Teesside , Darren is always keen to meet and help local talent .
Sponsor ’ s message
Tech Ambassador sponsor Cornerstone Business Solutions was quick to back the inaugural Tees Tech Awards , just as it has supported the Tees Businesswomen Awards . Director Chris Bibby said : “ As a tech firm ourself , Cornerstone is proud to have a number of digital customers who need high-speed connectivity we can provide . “ While Darren and James definitely deserved to be up there too , Dom Lusardi was the obvious choice as Tech Ambassador because it feels like it ’ s a role he has already adopted . He speaks about the sector with passion and knowledge . “ We loved being involved in the virtual element of the Tech Awards but we can ’ t wait for next year when we ’ ll hopefully all be able to be physically there to celebrate in style .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 39