Dynamo today launches its North East IT and Technology Awards to spotlight the talent and expansion in this key growth sector for the region.
The BT Dynamites 15 are sponsored by BT, Sage, Accenture, and the University of Sunderland
Entries are sought for the following categories – Innovator of the Year, Collaborator of the Year, Future Workforce, Partner, Skills Developer, Growth Explosion, Project of the Year, Rising Star and Outstanding Achievement – and will be presented at a gala dinner on October 22, hosted by science TV presenter and journalist Kate Bellingham.
Charlie Hoult, Dynamo Chair, said: “There is much to celebrate in the North East’s IT economy across industry, academia and careers. We want to help identify the breakthrough players and ensure they gain strong recognition.
“Last year’s awards recognised more than 40 players and projects like Bede Gaming, Visualsoft, Palringo and Orchard – as well as Durham County Council and Northumbrian Water. These firms have grown further and are the engine for the North East economy in to the future. Who else is due the limelight?”
John Hunt, a Dynamo Board member and Director of Orchard Information Systems, will chair the judging panel.
He said: “Dynamites 15 will honour the very best the North East IT sector has to offer.
“They will reward the innovation, vitality, and excellence that exists in a sector that is making a significant economic contribution to the region, and national business landscape.”
The winners will be unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday October 22 at Newcastle Civic Centre’s banqueting hall.
Last year’s awards attracted more than 85 entries and more than 350 guests attended the gala dinner. The winners included Peter Hunt, of Orchard Information Systems, Northumbrian Water, Digital Durham, Bede Gaming, and Visualsoft.
Earlier this year Dynamo launched its vision for a £95million Northern Institute for Technology and Business Exchange (NIT) to cement the North East’s position as the leading UK region for software, digital and information technology.
Its notable successes to date have included bidding and winning a tender to create a University Technical College in Newcastle; setting up the Dynamo Apprentice Hub; introducing SME tech firms to HMRC’s Government Digital Service; and helping Newcastle Gateshead Initiative with inward investment projects in the region.
Dynamites 15 nomination forms can be downloaded from the Dynamo websitehttp://www.dynamonortheast.co.uk and the closing date for entries is Friday September 18.