Tees Business Tees Business Issue 21 | Page 34

AWA R D S Tees Tech Awards T postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak he inaugural Tees Tech Awards, scheduled for April 23, have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Tees Business publishers Resolution were set to host the Tech Awards, in conjunction with Middlesbrough Digital and DigitalCity, in the Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall. But Resolution directors Martin Walker and Dave Allan have made the decision to postpone the awards event until later in 2020. The first ever Tees Tech Awards – a celebration of the region’s thriving digital and tech sector – attracted more than 90 entries across 11 categories. Shortlists have not yet been announced. “The continued coronavirus outbreak and efforts to tackle the spread means we believe postponing the event is the responsible and safe decision,” said Dave. “Naturally, we’re sad to have to make this decision, as so much work has already gone into planning the event – and there’d been such a positive response with more than 90 entries.” Martin added: “Naturally, we will honour all event sponsorships for the rearranged date and we are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors. “When the time is right we know the inaugural Tees Tech Awards will be a memorable night of celebration for our digital sector.” An opportunity to sponsor the Tech for Good category for £3,000 remained available at the time Tees Business went to press. Email [email protected] for more details. Davies Tracey sponsors Export category C hartered accountancy firm Davies Tracey is supporting the inaugural Tees Tech Awards. Stockton-based Davies Tracey, which has a growing number of clients in the tech and digital sectors, is sponsoring the Export category. Accounts associate Niall Bradley has a client portfolio rapidly expanding with businesses involved in the technology, digital and creative sectors, and welcomed the opportunity to support the awards. “We’re pleased to be involved as the Tees Valley tech sector has for a long time been a hotbed of talent and is now gaining the recognition it deserves,” he said. Niall, who gained a degree in graphic design before moving into accountancy, added: “I’ve had exposure to the digital and tech sectors and I’ve worked alongside some very talented people in the area. “So that gives me an understanding of the industry. I can talk the language with them and I understand. “We see the businesses in these sectors as enthusiastic, dynamic young people starting up exciting new businesses, and we want to provide them with a professional service to help them maintain their growth. “There are a lot of similarities. We have youth in our team, as well as experience and wisdom, and for those young firms 34 | Tees Business embarking on a journey, they need all of it.” Tax partner Ian Kelly said: “We're looking forward to helping to judge our chosen category using expertise gained through our own international networks and, of course, to joining the celebrations at the event itself. “We’re a proud Teesside company so we love the fact it’s a Tees Valley Tees Business co-editor Martin Walker (standing) with (left to right) Davies Tracey founding partner Craig Davies, awards event, as opposed to accounts associate Niall Bradley and tax partner Ian Kelly. North-East. “We have a network of international advisors – including Martin Walker, director of Tees Tech advisors on VAT, accountancy and tax – Awards organisers Resolution Media and so we’re very much a one-stop shop for Publishing, added: “The Export award will small and growing companies looking to be another competitive category in the export either their intellectual property, or Tees Tech Awards and we’re delighted to their products and services. have Davies Tracey on board in supporting “We have connections worldwide, so if clients want to deal with other countries, this inaugural event. “The awards will be a fantastic either EU or ex-EU, we have the contacts. celebration of our tech and digital sectors, “We’re also ideally placed to help and we’re delighted to have leading companies with research and development tax relief claims, which some start-up businesses like Davies Tracey – who share our passion for the Tees region – companies may not know too much involved.” about.”