We’re about to kick-off a fresh new year – so what better way to celebrate than by nominating yourself, your tech business or perhaps a tech business you’ve always admired for a SPARKies award. There’s just ONE day left before nominations close at midnight on 7 January so don’t miss out, get nominating!
The SPARKies awards celebrates the best of tech in the South West of England and the event itself, on the 17 February 2016, is one that’s not to be missed.
With 15 categories from best startup and most innovative UX design to best mentor and biggest success story, there really is something for everyone.
Get your business noticed
Not only is the SPARKies a fun way to celebrate talent and innovation in the South West region, it’s also a great way to get yourself or your business noticed by the movers and shakers of the tech industry. Every nomination, except the People’s Choice, is read and considered by a panel of 21 fantastic judges who range from serial entrepreneurs and innovators to investors and experienced mentors.
Those fortunate enough to have been nominated for the People’s Choice award, get exposure to the whole TechSPARK audience with a public vote for the shortlist from 11 to 22 January! The shortlist for all categories is then announced by 1 February 2016.
- You might like: The SPARKies introduce the new People’s Choice award for 2016!
Every nominee whether a person, company or organisation is also highlighted on the TechSPARK site – and with thousands of views each month, that’s one sure way to get your achievements shouted about, even if you’re not lucky enough to make the shortlist. Why not check out the SPARKies tech awards nominations made in 2014!
The SPARKies is not just covered locally either, last year, at our biggest awards ceremony yet, the SPARKies made it into Forbes, offering all those nominated the chance to shine internationally!
The award categories
Biggest success story
Sponsored by Ashfords
This award recognises the company, organisation, project or individual that really made the most of the last 12 months and saw a high level of success.
Future SPARK
Sponsored by Deep Blue Sky
This category recognises a member of the digital community who is 21 or under and has gone above and beyond in the digital sector. They have the potential to become the ‘next big thing’.
The ‘Totally Killing it’ award
Sponsored by KPMG
For competing globally from Bristol & Bath. The company having the biggest global impact, based in the South West.
Best innovation in digital entertainment
Sponsored by the Centre for Digital Entertainment
Celebrating digital innovation in the spheres of entertainment such as gaming, VR, 3D and novel film-making techniques.
The ‘Good’ award
Sponsored by Real World
For the best use of technology for doing good – this covers green tech, sustainable tech and hardware for assisted living.
Best startup
Sponsored by Microsoft
Starting a digital company is tough, and this award recognises a company that is doing it really well. The best startup will have achieved significantly in 2015, and will have significant potential for future growth.
Most innovative use of hardware
Sponsored by Solution IP
This award looks for a company, project, organisation or individual that has created a new device, project or service that uses hardware in an innovative way. This can be anything from robotics to the internet of Things including amazing product design.
Long-term contribution to innovation in the South West
Sponsored by Engine Shed
This can be a company or individual that represents the ‘best tech ambassador for the west’.
Best service provider
Sponsored by CookiesHQ
This award recognises an excellent service company that has provided a sustained level of support and made a clear difference to the region’s digital sector.
Best mobile app
Sponsored by Invest Bristol & Bath
This app will reward the best mobile app made in the South West. It is judged on the way the app looks and operates; its stability, speed, content and its functionality.
Best use of UX design
Sponsored by Freeagent
An award to celebrate the best web and software designs and experiences created by individuals or companies in the South West.
Founder/entrepreneur of the year
Sponsored by Hayes Parsons
This is an award for those in our community who have consistently demonstrated a significant entrepreneurial spirit and whose digital activity has shown commitment, enthusiasm, success and achievement.
Best mentor
Sponsored by TLT
This award recognises those who have gone out of their way, providing their own time or resources to advise and support a young company or individual to achieve success in the SW in the digital and tech sector.
Best digital agency
Sponsored by Marketing Agencies Association
An award for the best digital agency serving the West of England.
People’s choice
Sponsored by Forward Space
You tell us who you think the best tech company in the South West is and the winner will be chosen by the SPARKies audience on the night of the award ceremony!
Nominations for the SPARKies are open until midnight on 7 January. All nominees must be operating within the SPARKies South West qualifying region. Self-nominations are welcome for all categories except the ‘Best Mentor’ and ‘People’s Choice’ award.
The shortlist for all award categories will be announced on 1 February 2015. The awards night will be held in Bristol on 17 February. Keep an eye out for ticket information in the next few weeks! To keep up-to-date with all things SPARKies, follow us @TechSPARKuk or tweet with the hashtag #theSPARKies.
