THE TECHIES WINNERS 2020
... and now for the WINNERS !
Social Impact Award supported by Business West ’ s Innovate 2 Succeed programme Green Machine Computers
Since 2011 , the team at Green Machine Computers have been collecting as much unwanted IT equipment as possible from businesses and organisations across the UK and refurbishing it for reuse . They focus on repairing laptops , desktop computers and servers , training people to fix this equipment and enabling them to get qualifications by doing so .
Green Machine Computers redistributes much of the IT equipment by either donating it to charities or local organisations , or by selling it on at preferential rates and using the proceeds to fund in-house apprenticeships , training and education .
Simon Crisp , Managing Director , said , “ What we do is try to help people by taking old technology from other companies and put it to good use . Their technical junk is turned into technical jobs .
“ We honestly didn ’ t think we would win . We have had such a hard year . We were broken into twice within two weeks during the first lockdown ; the first time the burglars cut through the roof , and the second time they broke down the fire exit and ransacked the place taking everything . Because of lockdown , it took two months to get the repairs done and we had water streaming through the roof !
“ Entering the awards was a big team building exercise for us . The team is so proud and I am so proud of them . I must mention a couple of people : Ramnath Gurung , a Nepalese Ghurka who had served in the military in Bosnia and Iraq for 21 years but had been unemployed for five years when he came to work for us ; and Josh Martin ( 25 ) who started with us five years ago . He couldn ’ t find employment but is now fully trained and a brilliant expert .
“ Last but not least , my wife , Marie . She rarely gets a mention in these news stories . She is our office Support Manager and has been working alongside me from day one .”
The other finalists in this category were : Priority IT and Naturally Social .
DRIVEN BY DATA sponsored by Purple Lime Mango Solutions
Chippenham-based Mango Solutions was founded in 2002 . With initial specialisms in life sciences , the R language and using advanced analytics to empower end users , Mango Solutions quickly evolved to support data-driven transformation in multiple industries . Today , it is the largest data science consultancy of its kind in the UK , recognised around the world for its proven track record and wealth of experience in data science and data engineering .
Founder and CEO , Matthew Aldridge , said , “ We are delighted to be recognised as a major force within the tech industry and to have our abilities , empowering organisations to make informed decisions using data science and advanced analytics , both celebrated and rewarded .”
The other finalists in this category were : Infinity Nation and Cervus Defence .
TECH TEAM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Thrings Excalibur
Excalibur Communications of Swindon started in 1992 as the Mobile Phone Centre . It has since expanded and evolved into an award-winning provider of IT , connectivity , mobile and fixed line services to businesses in the UK .
The company believes that by understanding your business it is better positioned to offer you the right solution , helping you to achieve significant cost savings and increased productivity whilst improving customer experience .
Kate Westbrook , Head of Commercial at category sponsor Thrings Solicitors , said , “ On behalf of Thrings , I would like to congratulate the three finalists , all of whom presented compelling stories and provided numerous examples of how their expertise , quality , innovation and passion are driving Swindon and Wiltshire ’ s technology sector forward .
“ The team spirit is incredibly strong in Excalibur and this had a huge part to play in their success . Excalibur ’ s tech team not only showed that they deliver exceptional service to their customers and consistently go the extra mile , but also how hard they work for each other .”
CEO of Excalibur Solutions , Peter Boucher , added , “ Thank you to Thrings Solicitors for sponsoring and presenting the award to Excalibur and congratulations to The Business Exchange for organising such a great awards night . We are really thrilled to win an award and I am particularly pleased for the team , who deserve all the credit after this very hard year . They have worked day in and day out , and to get this recognition of their achievement makes it all worthwhile .”
The other finalists in this category were : digital wonderlab and Mintivo .
theTechies 2020
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