Tees Business Tees Business Issue 18 | Page 15

Serving the Teesside Business Community | 15 Dan Watson (left) of Middlesbrough Digital and David Dixon (right) of DigitalCity with Tees Business co-editors Dave Allan and Martin Walker. TECH THAT! T he region’s thriving digital sector will be celebrated when the Tees Tech Awards are held in April 2020 in association with DigitalCity and Middlesbrough Digital. Organised by Tees Business, the inaugural Tees Tech Awards will take place in Wynyard Hall’s Grand Marquee on the evening of Thursday April 23 next year. They are being supported by DigitalCity, a Teesside University-based business group driving the development of the Tees Valley’s digital economy, and Middlesbrough Digital, which supports digital growth in the town. Category sponsors are now being sought for companies keen to support what the organisers believe will become an annual event to celebrate the Tees Valley’s digital sector. Sponsorship is £3,000 + vat. The awards will recognise and celebrate the organisations and individuals thriving within the Tees Valley’s fast-growing digital sector together with the local companies driving their business through digital transformation. Among the awards presented to organisations and individuals will be the inaugural Tees Tech Company of the Year and Tees Tech Business Leader of the Year, while other categories will recognise local tech leaders in export, innovation and partnership. Dave Allan, director of Tees Business owners Resolution Media and Publishing, said: “Following the successful launch of the Tees Businesswomen Awards, this new venture feels like a natural next step for us. “Many people are aware that the Tees region has a fast-growing digital sector but it struck us that many of the industry’s Tees Tech Awards will shine spotlight on digital sector inspirational businesses and their incredible stories are missing out on some well deserved publicity.” Dave’s fellow Tees Business editor Martin Walker added: “The Tees Tech Awards will shine the spotlight on the organisations and individuals who are leading the local digital revolution.” David Dixon of DigitalCity said: “The tech and digital sector in the Tees Valley is home to some of the most exciting and innovative companies in the region. “At Teesside University, we’re proud of the role we’ve played in encouraging a vibrant ecosystem of digitally-focused companies which are constantly seeking new ways to innovate, grow and push the boundaries of technology. “We are delighted to support the Tees Tech Awards which recognise the extraordinary effort these companies make and their impact, not just in this region, but across the world.” Dan Watson, of Middlesbrough Digital, added: “We’re thrilled to be involved in the launch of the Tees Tech Awards. “Digital has long been a priority sector for Middlesbrough Council, and we’re extremely proud of the vibrant digital tech cluster in our town and the impact it has on the local economy. “Having said that, we appreciate there is a genuine need to shout more about the success stories, and I think this will go a long way in helping us do just that. “By highlighting the achievements of the cluster locally, we can show the future generation what they can achieve and what opportunities are on their doorstep.” The full list of Tees Tech Awards categories is: > Tees Tech Company of the Year – sponsored by DigitalCity & Digital Middlesbrough > Tees Tech Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Jacksons Law Firm > Tees Tech Partnership (between two Tees businesses) – sponsored by Communicate > Tees Tech Exporter of the Year > Tees Tech Newcomer of the Year > Tees Tech Innovation of the Year > Tees Tech Digital Transformation Award (for businesses driving their growth via digital) > Tees Tech for Good (for use of digital for charity, community or change) Individual Awards > Tees Tech Business Leader of the Year – sponsored by Punch Robson Solicitors > Tees Tech Ambassador (for Services to the Digital Sector) > Tees Tech Rising Star Entries will open later in 2019. For details about sponsoring a category in the inaugural Tees Tech Awards, email [email protected]