Hundreds of business leaders will gather to celebrate the outstanding tech talent that exists in the region at the North East IT and Technology Awards.
The BT Dynamites 15, which are supported by headline sponsor BT, recognise the flair, excellence, and development in the region’s burgeoning IT sector.
The best IT high fliers will be unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday October 22, which will present accolades sponsored by Accenture, Invest North East England, UKTI, Invest South Tyneside, Opencast Software, Sharpe Recruitment, Sage, Tech North and the University of Sunderland.
Among the entries are:
- IT-Howzat, of Guisborough which provide a range of in-houses accredited courses, all of which support agile practises, ranging from Agile Project Management, to the softer skills of Change Management and facilitation.
- Bede Gaming, of Newcastle, which in just three years has evolved from a start-up into an established player in the online gaming industry, with 155 staff, offices in Newcastle, London and Bulgaria and several blue-chip clients.
- Nathan Fuller, a modern apprentice with Northumberland County Council, who has worked within the Information Services department since October 2012 and shines as a leading light within IT.
Charlie Hoult, Chair of Dynamo, which organises the Dynamites, said: “The awards are designed to illustrate the richness and quality of the IT sector in the region and this is reflected in the strength and breadth of the nominations.
“The awards night promises to be a fantastic opportunity to honour the region’s terrific tech talent.”
The accolades will turn the spotlight on outstanding achievement, rising stars, innovation, collaboration and, and project excellence.
Simon Roberson, BT’s Regional Partnership Director for the North East, said: “The North East’s IT sector, which sustains a substantial number of high quality jobs, has established a well-earned reputation for creativity and enterprise.
BT, which is contributing to the technological development of the region with the rollout of fibre and its Ultrafast broadband trial in Gosforth, is proud to help the North East celebrate its IT success stories.”
Judging Panel chair John Hunt, a Dynamo Board member and Director of Orchard Information Systems, said: “The BT Dynamites 15 shortlist demonstrates the prowess of the region’s IT industry. The spirit of innovation and ingenuity and the growth in this standout North East business sector, are truly inspiring.”
The dinner, at Newcastle Civic Centre, will be compered by science TV presenter and journalist Kate Bellingham
She said: “I’m delighted to be part of ‘Dynamites15’, particular after seeing the calibre of those involved last year. IT and technology have always been close to my heart – my first job was as a computer programmer, and I then went into electronics before sharing my passion for science and technology as a presenter on Tomorrow’s World. I’m really looking forward to meeting some of the people behind the North East’s growing IT & Tech sector at this year’s awards evening.”
Dynamo is the network committed to growing the North East economy through promoting the region as the national IT hub.
Earlier this year, it 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.