Awards

Entrepreneur of the Year

This category celebrates the Founder who inspires innovation with the drive to make ideas become a reality, driving their team to success.
Criteria:

This person has built a successful business in this fast-paced and dynamic digital sector
They have driven their team to success and demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of their customers
This person has been truly inspiring to their team and/or customers and are the agents of positive change in our region

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One to Watch 2024

This is an individual person award for the team player with big ambitions who goes above and beyond to do themselves, their team and their company proud. This award is typically for a more Junior team member up and coming in their career.
Criteria:

Evidence that this individual is viewed as a future star by peers and colleagues within their company
Demonstration of professional achievements that outshine their numbers of years of experience
Achievements may include leading successful projects, owning initiatives, leading on D&I, taking more responsibility that is expected of them, showing unexpected successes
This is an award for a team member below Manager level

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Start-up of the Year

This award celebrates the hard work and success of tech and digital start-ups in Leeds and the city region who have shown the best innovations and/or company growth.
Criteria:

The judges are looking for new tech / digital / product businesses that are achieving growth through the right mix of innovation and exceptional customer experience
Nominated companies will be incorporated after 2019 (incorporation date can be earlier if evidence of later trading is provided)
Details of the product or service innovation, why and how it was developed, its goals and ethos and how a need was identified for the product or service
The business has overcome start-up challenges

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Growth Company of the Year

The award for the tech/digital business showing the most growth in the last 12 months through their success. Driving increases in headcount and / or turnover. Please supply specific data, not only % increases.
Criteria:
Growth can be interpreted in many different ways;

Increase in turnover/profit
Growth of your product or service offering to meet demand or innovation into new verticals
Growth of your team increasing headcount
If the business has launched or taken their product/service into a market outside of the UK/International

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Tech4Good

This award recognises and celebrates companies, people or technology that is delivering positive change for individuals, communities or charitable work (Including Sustainability).
Criteria:

A tech product that has improved quality of life for people either on a local, national or international level. (The judges will specifically be looking for evidence of verifiable community or social impact)
A company or individual which has gone the extra mile in supporting a charitable organisation with tech/digital at the heart
Shown innovation and creativity in reducing and minimising waste across all key aspects of their activities
A product or technology that is designed to to drive environmental progress and impact sustainability
Sets new standards in lowering the carbon footprint impact of their business activities

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Best Tech Place to Work

Is the company a fantastic place to work? This award recognises the businesses creating the best working experience and environment.
Criteria:

The company doing the most for their employees through training, development, career opportunities and benefits
A business creating innovative working practices in the tech/digital community
A business creating an environment with culture, values, employee engagement, well-being and work-life balance at the top of their list

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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award seeks to recognise those individuals, businesses or initiatives that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the promotion of EDI.
Criteria:

Pushed bounderies for diversity & inclusion and changed for the better within the Leeds community
Taken specific actions to improve the culture or acted as a senior role model in the workplace
Taken positive steps to train and develop diverse talent

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Facilitator of the Year

Working Better Together - This award recognises those who provide the support, platforms, events and inspiration and are the catalysts to collaboration in the tech and digital ecosystem in Leeds and the wider city region.
Criteria:

Facilitators include: individuals, tech hubs, incubators, educational institutes, co-working spaces, events or other organisations
Promoted awareness and achieved positive, measurable and impactful results in the tech industry
Support and play a vital role in the continued growth of technology-led businesses across our region

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Tech Innovation of the Year

This award recognises the businesses that are paving the way with innovation and technology ensuring that Leeds is at the forefront of the tech evolution. This award celebrates the most innovative, impactful, and scalable technology solutions/products that are changing the industry and society.
Criteria:

Use of technology to solve a business challenge or open up a new market
Innovation in the solution
Strong business growth opportunity (what new opportunities did it open up?)

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Tech Team of the Year

Tech/digital teams are at the heart of modern businesses. This award recognises the best internal team or department of a tech company which has had the greatest impact.
Criteria:

A team that has brought digital ideas and innovations to life
A pivotal team in a business that is ultimately why the company is a success
A team that has gone above and beyond to deliver their technical project or has overcome challenges

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Leader of the Year

This is an individual person award for the leader who really makes a difference through their inspiring work, record of success and commitment to their wider team. This award is for those people up to Manager / Head of/Director, but NOT a founder / entrepreneur or a Junior team member.
Criteria:

This person goes above and beyond to do themselves, their team and their company proud
Evidence that this individual is viewed as a leader by peers and colleagues within their company
Achievements may include leading successful projects, managing teams, demonstrating exceptional leadership capabilities, mentoring others in or outside the company, or other successes