TEES TECH AWARDS 2023
BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
SPONSORED BY PUNCH ROBSON SOLICITORS
FINALIST
IMRAN ANWAR ( ALT LABS )
Rich Himsworth receives his trophy from Punch Robson ’ s Elaine McLaine-Wood .
WINNER
RICH HIMSWORTH ( SALESFIRE )
He may be a Tees tech high flyer – but after being named Business Leader of the Year , Salesfire boss Rich Himsworth admitted he was dreading an upcoming 10-hour plane flight .
Having been named Business Leader of the Year just a few weeks previously at the inaugural Tees Business Awards , this time Rich picked up the same title at the fourth annual Tees Tech Awards .
It ’ s a remarkable double for a man who has guided Middlesbrough-based Salesfire to increasing success , providing a personalised on-site experience for more than four million customers a day .
Rich explained : “ We ’ re at the point now where about one in five people in the UK are shopping on a Salesfire site . We want to do the same in the US , to get Salesfire over there .
“ But we ’ re going over to the US and I can ’ t stand flying . I ’ ve got 10 hours in a plane and I ’ m trying to work out tactics – I think alcohol might be the method !” Eager to give credit to the Salesfire team , Bob said his management style involved encouraging people to make the most of their talents . He said : “ It ’ s kind of micro-managing people in a particular slot – bring people into the fold , understand their abilities and let those abilities flourish .”
And Rich , who dedicated his win to his late dad Alan , admitted he ’ s not even bothered about taking time off . He explained : “ Some people want to be on the beach , I want to be in the middle of my team , helping it grow . That ’ s my calm , that ’ s my time off in a roundabout way .”
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
Elaine McLaine-Wood of Punch Robson Solicitors said : “ Punch Robson Solicitors is proud to have backed the Tees Tech Awards from the start and this year ’ s event was the best yet . Rich Himsworth deserved to be crowned Business Leader of the Year , but congratulations also to excellent finalists Imran Anwar and James Pennington .”
Since launching digital innovation product studio Alt Labs in 2017 , Imran has overseen significant digital-focused projects for various clients .
Recent projects have included COPA – a trailblazing community reporting app designed with the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner ’ s Office – and Cwtsh , a peer-topeer rewards app approved by the Welsh rail operator , Transport for Wales ( TfW ).
National rail operator LNER also trusts Alt Labs to deliver its flagship innovation programme , Future Labs , which enables LNER to collaborate with tech start-ups from across the UK .
Imran is also the driving force behind Flok – Teesside ’ s biggest and most versatile co-working space , based on Albert Road , Middlesbrough .
FINALIST
JAMES PENNINGTON ( VIRAL EFFECT )
Since founding Middlesbrough-based digital marketing agency Viral Effect , James has guided it to become a trailblazer in the industry .
Viral Effect ’ s robust in-house team boasts a skilled videography unit , a talented design squad and an award-winning social team .
Under James ’ visionary leadership , the company has thrived by embracing constant innovation , adaptability and forward-thinking . And by being actively involved at every level of the organisation , he fosters a culture of innovation , empowering employees to explore new ideas and providing the resources necessary for testing and implementation .
He has even introduced a “ head of happiness ” role to ensure every team member has a voice and feels valued at work .
54 | Tees Business