THE TECHIES 2022
WHAT OUR JUDGES SAY ...
PADDY BRADLEY
CEO at the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership
“ We love being involved in The Techies ! We are proud to be the headline sponsor in 2022 , our fifth year . The Awards have that great mix of rigour in selection and informality at the ceremony . It is a perfect blend for our thriving tech business community . I always look forward to reading the two extremes of applications . The novel , inventive ideas are exciting and the thorough , reliable applications are the solid foundations from which great businesses grow . When I read the Future Tech Superstar entries , I know there is a brilliant future ahead for tech in Swindon and Wiltshire . So , my request to businesses who may be toying with entering for an award , please follow your gut instinct and put in that application , get the recognition you deserve from your colleagues and be part of a wonderful event .”
KATE WESTBROOK
Partner and Head of Commercial at Thrings
“ The Techies has become a must-attend event for our Swindon and Wiltshire tech community and I ’ m proud to play a part in it . Every year brings something different and expands our tech community to new corners of the county . I ’ m looking forward to finding out about the hidden gems that I know we have in our area . I ’ m keen to hear from businesses that have a clear idea of the problem they ’ re solving and are able to demonstrate the difference they make - and that they do it profitably .
“ In relation to the Tech Team of the Year category , which Thrings is delighted to be sponsoring once again , I am looking for evidence of how teams work together to get results . The evidence is the key ; don ’ t just tell us , show us . I would also encourage applicants to get creative with their submission , include a video or photos if you think it will bring the application to life . The Techies is such a great way to take stock of what you do , consider how and why you do it , and showcase what you ’ ve achieved . We gather together to celebrate the collective achievements of the Swindon and Wiltshire tech community and I ’ d wholeheartedly recommend both tech businesses and businesses using tech to get involved .”
ALI HADAVIZADEH
Founder at Acorn Biz Solutions
“ Judging the Techies awards is one of the most enjoyable and inspiring events of my annual calendar and seeing the amazing Wiltshire Tech community engaged in impactful activities such as solving real challenges for their clients and creating jobs and wealth at local , national and international levels is truly awesome . The Techies Awards is a brilliant opportunity to shout about your venture , big up your team , expand your network and hopefully land new contracts .”
JAMES EADES
Managing Director at Systemagic
“ I ’ m so proud to be on the judging panel once again and having been involved since the very beginning , I find it fascinating and motivating to see more and more super impressive businesses entering themselves each year .
“ Last year many of the entries gave us a huge amount of detail and evidence which we love . Three-sentence entries are going to struggle to compete with a more crafted approach , although concise bullet points are very welcome . As a judging panel we love to see evidence , so instead of telling us your customer service is brilliant , show us through the use of statistics , testimonials and supporting materials .
“ You won ’ t find a more ethical , fair and supportive judging panel so please don ’ t shy away from entering . I ’ ve loved seeing pre-revenue businesses and sole traders win alongside multi-million-pound enterprises , so I ’ d encourage any Wiltshire based tech business to enter . Entering awards is great for publicity and marketing and being shortlisted or winning can give your entire team a boost . If you aren ’ t sure whether to enter , what ’ s expected or would like some hints and tips then please reach out . As both a Techies judge and MD of a tech business that ’ s won many awards over the years , I ’ d love to help you .”
KATHRYN WELLUM-KENT
Business Services Director at Monahans
“ When looking at this year ’ s entries , I want to really get a feel for the businesses that are entering , to get a sense of what it would be like to be part of the team . The most successful tech businesses I have worked with in the past have all had a strong culture and I want to see that . I can ’ t get away from my accountancy roots , so I also want data that supports the entry , whether that is NPS figures , client wins / losses , revenue / profit growth , or something else which makes the picture you are building through your entry more compelling .
“ Having entered some awards myself recently , I got a lot from preparing the entry , taking some time to reflect on what we have achieved , recognise our successes , and sharing this with the wider team . So , I would encourage anyone who is thinking of entering , to just do it , irrespective of whether you think you might win , and you never know , you might surprise yourself .”
MIRABELLE STOBBS
Programme Manager , Swindon Borough Council
“ I ’ m looking forward to the anticipation of discovering new talent and fresh ideas from the tech sector . I ’ m keen to hear what invention and innovation has occurred because of the pandemic , due to the changing needs of companies and their customers and employees .
“ From this year ’ s entries I ’ m looking to see honesty , openness and clarity . Evidence of great collaboration , working with other organisations as clients or partners to create imaginative products and services .”
HOW TO ENTER
You can enter the Techies online at : www . the-techies-sw . co . uk The awards are only open to organisations in Swindon and Wiltshire . Read the full competition rules and eligibility online by visiting the entry section of the website .
ENTRIES CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2022
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2022 15