Member Article

Deadline looming for region's tech awards

WOULD-BE winners of the region’s tech awards only have days to get their entries submitted.

The deadline for Dynamites 22, sponsored by Nigel Wright Recruitment, is 5pm on Thursday, September 8

The Dynamites Awards, organised annually by tech network Dynamo, shine a spotlight on successful regional tech companies, organisations and departments and recognise the talent within the north-east digital/tech sector. This year’s awards will be held on Thursday, November 10, at their usual venue in the Banqueting Suite at Newcastle Civic Centre.

There are 11 categories this year, including a new award, Sustainability in tech, which is sponsored by BJSS. The other categories are: • Best Use of Data • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion • Growth Explosion – sponsored by LDC • Innovator of the Year – sponsored by North East Business Resilience Centre • Project of the Year (Corporate) – sponsored by Infostretch • Project of the Year (Public Sector/Not for Profit) • Rising Star – sponsored by Gateshead College • Skills Developer – sponsored by Sage • Sustainability in Tech – NEW FOR 2022 and sponsored by BJSS • Tech for Good – sponsored by tombola • Tech Champion – sponsored by Nigel Wright Recruitment

This year’s judging panel will be chaired by Ruth Harrison, Global Head of Industry Domains at Thoughtworks, and Dynamo Advisory Board member. Ruth’s fellow judges include: • Ashmita Randhawa - Head of Innovation, Sunderland Software City; • Ben Upton – Product & Solutions Director, Aspire Technology Solutions; • Chris Dresser – Managing Consultant, Nigel Wright Recruitment; • Esther Gillespie – Director, Jumping Rivers Ltd; • James Holmes – Global Chief Information Officer, The North of England P&I Association Limited; • Lisa Harwood – Senior Economic Development & Regeneration Officer, North of Tyne Combined Authority; • Mark Jennings – Client Group Managing Director, Accenture UK; • Veronica Spowart – Director of Creative & Digital Industries, Newcastle College;

Ruth said: “The North East has always been a catalyst of creation, and the pioneering spirit and talent of its citizens continues to reinvent and build on its history. Today our region is surging ahead with innovative digital solutions in fintech, life sciences, built environment and public good. I am honoured to chair this year’s judging panel for the Dynamo awards, recognising our regions best innovators and disrupters.”

Representatives from the category sponsors will also be joining the panel for their respective categories.

This year’s awards host will be Tyneside comedian Carl Hutchinson. Over the past couple of years Carl has hosted BBC1’s flagship show The One Show and been seen on ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show. He has also made appearances on BBC Radio 4’s Fred at the Stand and BBC Radio Scotland’s The Good The Bad and The Unexpected. He will take to the stage once more this autumn, touring the nation with his sell-out show Carl Hutchinson: Live 2022.

Individuals and companies can enter themselves for Dynamites 22, or they can nominate a client, partner, employee or supplier. Competition for the Dynamites is always fierce, so the more detail you can provide judges with, in terms of facts and figures, proof of impact or returns, the better. You can enter here via Dynamo’s website.

Charlie Hoult, Chair of Dynamo’s Advisory Board, said: “We’ve had an enormous amount of interest in this year’s awards, which reflects the vibrancy of the region’s tech sector.

“Deadline for entries is fast approaching so I’d urge anyone thinking of entering – and it’s free – to get your skates on. The awards are in their ninth year and continue to go from strength to strength, and I would remind people the awards are open to everyone and not just Dynamo members.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hoults Yard .