DORSET businesses are being encouraged to enter a new set of awards launched to celebrate the South West’s growing technology sector.
The Tech South West Awards will recognise talent, creativity, businesses success, education, leadership and diversity.
The awards will consist of 23 award categories including Best Startup, International Success and Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, Sustainable Tech, Tech Education Initiative and the Research Award.
A host of local “tech cluster” awards will recognise tech companies in specific local communities.
Toby Parkins, chair of Tech South West, said: “These awards will recognise the many successes across the South West’s technology scene, highlighting the incredible array of companies, initiatives and individuals helping drive innovation, collaboration, economic growth, jobs and future talent.
“The South West is a growing hub for digital and tech, and these awards will support our objective to showcase the region as an emerging, world-leading hub for technology and innovation,” he added.
Nick Sturge, director of Bristol’s enterprise and engagement hub Engine Shed and one of the judges for the awards, said: “The technology sector across the South West is bigger and stronger than ever and the awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate groundbreaking successes, creative talents and remarkable developments.”
Tech South West is a membership-based organisation which champions the sector, said to be the fastest-growing in the region’s economy.
Earlier, his year, a report showed the number of new tech firms in the south west grew eight per cent last year. There were 578 new software development and programming businesses formed in the region, up from 534 in 2017.
Analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM identified “clusters” around Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath and Exeter as particular hotspots.
The tech and digital sectors have been boosted by initiatives such as the formation of Silicon South, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for supporting growth in the digital economy across Dorset.
Entries for the Tech South West Awards are open at techsouthwestawards.co.uk
The deadline for entries is Friday, June 21, 5pm, and judging takes place towards the end of that month. The shortlists will be announced in July, with the awards ceremony due to take place in October.
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