The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 48: April/May 2020 | Page 26

THE TECHIES DEADLINE EXTENDED If you’ve not had time to suss out the Techies 2020, we’ve got good news! We’ve extended the entry deadline from Friday 3rd April until Friday 8th May 2020. The Techies – technology awards for Swindon and Wiltshire - celebrate the innovation and entrepreneurship of the local business community. Now in its third year, the award scheme is a Business Exchange initiative supported by headline sponsor, the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and award category sponsors; Britannia Quickmove, Elm Workspace, Purple Lime, Shaw & Co, Thrings and Innovate 2 Succeed. It’s brilliant to win an award and be part of this celebratory event of all things tech in our community. Mark Miles Render The Award ceremony was planned for Thursday 21st May, but due to the Coronavirus pandemic it’s likely to be rescheduled for September. Because of this, we decided to leave the competition open for longer to give more businesses the opportunity to enter and potentially have something positive to celebrate this year. I encourage businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire to get involved in the Techies 2020 and shine a light on their achievements. We’re keen for the award scheme to be embraced by businesses from all sectors including not-for-profits. Award categories such as Future Tech Superstar, Most Innovative Tech Solution, Using Tech to Transform Business and Driven by Data are applicable to all types of organisations using tech in new and exciting ways. Mirabelle Mack Swindon & Wiltshire SME Growth Project Manager and Techies judge. It was exciting to engage with local businesses that are as passionate about technology as we are. AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE: 1. Flying the Flag for Swindon & Wilts 7. Most Innovative Tech Solution 2. Best Tech Support Service 8. Best User Experience 3. Future Tech Superstar 9. Using Tech to Transform Business 4. Social Impact Award 10. Driven by Data 5. Best Tech Security 11. The Cutting IT Award 6. Best Tech Start-up – New for 2020 12. Tech Team of the Year HOW TO ENTER Businesses can enter the Techies online by visiting www.the-techies-sw.co.uk The awards are only open to businesses in Swindon & Wiltshire. Read the full competition rules and eligibility online by visiting the entry section of the Techies website. Entries are open until midnight on Friday 8th May, 2020. Enter online: Find out more: www.the-techies-sw.co.uk [email protected] Kirsty Owen Infinite Group AWARDS NIGHT Awards night tickets will go back on sale as soon as we have more clarity around the Coronavirus situation. We are set to host the Techies 2020 at a brand-new venue for Swindon – the Pattern Church. Steeped in history the building was formally GWR’s Awards Pattern Store. Ideally placed close to Swindon train station and with plenty of parking nearby, the Pattern Church is Swindon’s most exciting event space. It will have a purpose-built auditorium to host awards night. The new event space gives the Techies awards night the opportunity to almost double in size, allowing for up to 200 guests. Tickets for the event cost £45 and include a drink, bowl food, the award ceremony and entertainment. Get a flavour for the Techies by watching last year’s highlights video online. It’s not another boring chicken dinner, black tie affair! The dress code is smart casual. Keep an eye on the Techies website for further awards night announcements. For more info: www.the-techies-sw.co.uk @TheTechiesUK 26 www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk