Tees Life Tees Life Issue 10 | Page 55

EVENTS Tees Business co-editors Dave Allan and Martin Walker (centre) with David Dixon from Digital City (right) and Middlesbrough Digital manager Dan Watson (left). TECH THAT Awards will shine spotlight on digital sector 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 – Tees Life’s sister publication – 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. 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 & 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 inspirational businesses and their incredible stories are missing out on some well- deserved publicity.” A number of Tees firms have already sponsored the event, including Jacksons Law Firm (Small Business of the Year), Tracerco (Innovation), Communicate (Tees Tech Partnership) and Punch Robson Solicitors (Business Leader of the Year). Sponsorships, which cost £3,000 and include a host of marketing and branding benefits as well as a table of 10 on the night, are currently remaining for Digital Transformation Award, Exporter of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Tees Tech for Good, Tees Tech Ambassador and Tees Tech Rising Star. David Dixon, of joint-headline sponsors DigitalCity, said: “At Teesside University, we’re proud of the role we’ve played in encouraging a vibrant ecosystem of digitally- focused companies that 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: “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. “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.” Get in touch to find out more or ask for a Media Pack – email [email protected] Sponsor a Tees Tech Award Sponsorship of a Tees Tech award includes: • Table of 10 (worth £750 + VAT) • Champagne reception • Opportunity to judge category entries • Present category award including short speech • Full-page advert in Awards Programme • Event branding (backdrop, programme, audio) • Opportunity to display your pop- up or banner stand at Awards Event. • Advance publicity (Tees Business magazine, online editorial and social media) • Post-Event publicity: full page shared with winners in Tees Business magazine awards supplement + online + social media (worth £695+) • Minimum 10 social media mentions pre and post-event Email [email protected] or go to teesbusiness.co.uk tees-life.co.uk 55