This year’s Techies will include an award which recognises the individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Swindon and Wiltshire technology sector.
Organisers The Business Exchange say the brand new award will put the spotlight on the person whose work in the tech sector has made or has the potential to make a significant long-term impact on the community and/or wider society.
Now in their fifth year, the Techies celebrate the innovation and entrepreneurship of the IT community in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Tech firms from across the county will vie for silverware in twelve categories, including the Thrings-sponsored Tech Team of the Year which in 2021 was won by leading IT provider Digital Wonderlab.
The categories are:
- Flying the Flag for Swindon & Wiltshire Tech;
- Best Tech Support Service;
- Future Tech Superstar;
- Social Impact Award;
- Best Tech Security;
- Best Tech Start-up;
- Most Innovative Tech Solution;
- Best User Experience;
- Using Tech to Transform Business; Driven by Data;
- Tech Team of the Year;
- and Outstanding Contribution to Swindon & Wiltshire Tech.
Awards judge and head of Commercial at Thrings, Kate Westbrook, says: “The Techies has become a must-attend event for the Swindon and Wiltshire tech community and I’m proud to play a part in it. Every year brings something different and expands our tech community to new corners of the county.
“I’m looking forward to finding out about the hidden gems that I know we have in our area. I’m keen to hear from businesses that have a clear idea of the problem they’re solving and are able to demonstrate the difference they make – and that they do it profitably.
“In relation to the Tech Team of the Year category, which Thrings is delighted to be sponsoring once again, I am looking for evidence of how teams work together to get results. The evidence is the key; don’t just tell us, show us.”
The Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) is returning as headline sponsors for the Techies, with All Boxed, Business Cyber Centre, Catax, Computer Network Defence (CND), Elm Workspace, Monahans and SETSquared joining Thrings as category sponsors.
Anita Jaynes, awards founder and owner of The Business Exchange, says: “This year marks five years since I launched the award scheme and after two years of pivoting and making the Techies awards possible despite the challenges of the pandemic (virtual 2020, hybrid 2021), I can’t wait to get everyone back in a physical room, to raise a toast and finally celebrate in-person again the fantastic talent we have in our area.
“Details are currently being finalised, but plans are underway to make the fifth annual Techies Awards extra special. Now all you need to do is get entering or encouraging friends to enter. You’ve got to be in it to win it!”
Entries for the Techies 2022 - which are only open to organisations based in Swindon and Wiltshire - will close at midnight on 16 September. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in early November.
Kate Westbrook adds: “The Techies is such a great way to take stock of what you do, consider how and why you do it, and showcase what you’ve achieved.
“We gather together to celebrate the collective achievements of the Swindon and Wiltshire tech community and I’d wholeheartedly recommend both tech businesses and businesses using tech to get involved.”
For more information about the Techies – including details on how to enter – please visit www.the-techies-sw.co.uk.
