Inspirational tech teams from across the county gathered virtually in kitchens , dining rooms and offices to celebrate the third annual Swindon & Wiltshire IT and Technology Awards – The Wiltshire Techies – on Thursday 5th November . This year , more than ever , Techies Founder , Anita Jaynes and her team felt it was important to recognise the county ’ s tech talent and celebrate the most exciting and innovative tech firms right on our doorstep .

“ The challenge was definitely on to

deliver the Techies Awards Swindon & Wiltshire 2020 , ” said Anita . “ Coronavirus played havoc with our plans on more than one occasion , but we managed to carve a way regardless .

“ We were hoping to host Wiltshire ’ s first hybrid event ( virtual with live elements ) in a professional TV studio , but that wasn ’ t to be , as the Prime Minister announced that the second UK lockdown was to begin on the night of our awards ceremony !

“ Alongside my trusted team , I worked fast to pull out all the stops to make it possible for the evening to go ahead , delivering finalist packages and goodie bags to make the night more interactive . We even created

a Techies Playlist , so that attendees could enjoy the same experience , even if they couldn ’ t be in the room at the same time . Despite all the hard work , it ’ s been fantastic to have something positive to celebrate at a challenging time for us all .

“ Huge congratulations to all of our winners and finalists . Your talent is the hope we all need right now to see the future potential of the place we call our home , Wiltshire !”

Attendees received a ‘ Techies Tuck Pack ’, filled with naughty but nice goodies such as artisan chocolates ( Hollychocs ), ice cream ( Fluffy Puffin ), gin ( Downton Distillery ), beer ( Kettlesmith Brewery ) and coffee ( Dusty

Ape ). As part of the evening ’ s entertainment , there were also live foodie demos as well as live music from Oli Love aka DJ Asian Hawk .

Judge , James Eades , Systemagic , said , “ In a year where technology has played a huge role in keeping the economy , and life in general , moving , it has been fantastic to read so many strong awards entries from Wiltshire ’ s finest digital and technology companies . Wiltshire continues to produce innovative , clever and lucrative tech , creating jobs and raising the profile of our county . The Techies once again gives a voice to this sector and it has been a privilege to be involved in the process .”