AWARDS
Azets – Digital Transformation
The Digital Transformation Award celebrates organisations outside the traditional digital or tech sectors that are harnessing technology to drive real change.
The category is again being sponsored by the Teesside office of Azets.
Office managing partner Andrew Rowe – pictured with colleague Joanne Ayre – said:“ Azets’ sponsorship of the Digital Transformation Award aligns with our commitment to helping businesses across all industries use technology to revolutionise the way they work.
“ From automation and data analytics to AI and cloud accounting, we assist with helping any type of business to leverage tech to propel their business growth in today’ s digital age.”
Punch Robson – Tech Business Leader of the Year
Punch Robson managing partner Elaine McLaine-Wood said the firm is proud to continue backing an event that shines a spotlight on the region’ s tech success stories.
Elaine, pictured with Punch Robson partner Jennifer Williamson and Tees Business director Martin Walker, said:“ We’ re delighted to once again support the Tees Tech Awards, having been involved since their launch in 2020.
“ The growth of the technology sector across Teesside in that time has been incredible to witness, with businesses continuing to innovate, scale and make a real impact, both regionally and nationally.
“ The Business Leader of the Year category is particularly important, as it recognises the individuals whose vision, leadership and determination are driving that success.
“ At Punch Robson, we work closely with many ambitious, forward-thinking businesses and understand the vital role strong leadership plays in achieving longterm growth.”
Vistech Services – Digital Newcomer of the Year
Middlesbrough-based Vistech says it’ s“ inspired by the ambition” of the Tees region’ s emerging tech talent, as it sponsors the Newcomer category again this year.
Operations director Paul Heeran, pictured with colleague Charlotte Phillips, said:“ At Vistech Services, we’ re proud to support the 2026 Tees Tech Awards and champion the region’ s next generation of innovators.
“ As a fast‐growing security services company, built on continuous improvement and forward‐thinking solutions, we believe innovation is essential to strengthening both our industry and our community.
“ Sponsoring the Digital Newcomer Award allows us to recognise the bold ideas, emerging talent and transformative technologies shaping the Tees Valley’ s future.
“ We’ re inspired by the ambition of this year’ s finalists and delighted to celebrate the creativity and progress driving our region’ s thriving tech sector.”
Teesside University – Digital Innovation Award
The Innovation category recognises businesses, projects and individuals delivering cutting-edge ideas, technologies and solutions that are transforming industries and driving economic growth across the region.
Charlotte Nicol, associate dean( research and knowledge exchange) at Teesside University, said:“ We are delighted to welcome the Tech Awards to the Digital Life building at Teesside University.
“ Hosting this prestigious event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of businesses and organisations driving innovation across the region’ s thriving technology sector.
“ It also reflects the strong partnership between the university and the wider digital and business community.
“ Innovation sits at the heart of everything we do at Teesside University. From our research and teaching to our close collaboration with industry, we are committed to supporting new ideas, developing creative solutions and helping businesses harness technology to grow, innovate and make a real impact.”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 139