Newcastle College is backing the region as a centre of digital innovation and excellence by becoming the headline sponsor of the region’s IT and technology awards.
The Dynamites Awards are now in their fifth year and are organised by north east IT network Dynamo. They shine a spotlight on successful regional tech companies and recognise the talent within the north-east tech sector.
Tony Lewin, Newcastle College Principal, said: “Newcastle College is proud to sponsor this year’s Dynamites Awards. As a skills and training provider in the heart of Newcastle, we are passionate about preparing young people for their future career in the North East.
“The success stories showcased at these awards demonstrate that our region is fast emerging as a centre of digital innovation and we are lucky enough to have fantastic partnerships within the local creative and digital tech sector, which allow our students to experience working in some of the best businesses in the region.
“These awards are a great opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements and successes of companies which are shaping the future of our region and everyone who lives, works and studies here.”
The Dynamites18 will take place on Thursday, October 18 at Newcastle Civic Centre’s banqueting hall and will be hosted once again by north east actor and film-maker Daymon Britton. There are 11 awards across ten categories and entries can be submitted until Monday, September 10.
Dynamo Chair, Charlie Hoult added: “If Dynamo is to fulfil a mission to ‘secure more than our fair share of public money for the region’ we need to consider ‘what’s next?’ and to configure projects that will capture the market and the imagination. The best projects will be highly integrated with the existing cluster strengths of our region – and best of all, in my book, if they create investment which directly generates jobs here. The Dynamites awards is looking to recognise the projects, initiatives, organisations and teams who are driving the sector forward for the region.”
For the first time an all-female selection panel will judge this year’s regional tech awards. The panel comprises: Deni Chambers, Newcastle College; Anne Macdonald, Dynamo North East; Jen Hartley, Newcastle City Council; Siobhan Fenton, Teesside University; Janet Ross, BT; Michelle Rainbow, NE LEP; Fay Cooper, DWP; Giselle Stewart, Ubisoft and Alison Shaw, Newcastle University Business School.
Last year’s Dynamites Awards attracted more than 150 entries and more than 350 guests attended the gala dinner. The 2017 winners included Aspire Technology Solutions, Datatrial, BIM Academy, Atom Bank, HiveHR and Sage.
The Dynamites 18 Award categories are:
- Innovator of the Year (sponsored by Capgemini)
- Collaborator of the Year (sponsored by Sunderland College)
- Skills Developer (sponsored by Gateshead College)
- New Business of the Year (sponsored by tombola)
- Growth Explosion (sponsored by NRG)
- Project of the Year (Corporate/Public Sector or Academic)
- International Success Story
- Rising Star (sponsored by University of Sunderland)
- Tech for Good – New for 2018 (sponsored by BT)
- Outstanding Achievement (sponsored by Newcastle College)
Individuals and companies can enter themselves, nominate a client, partner, employee or supplier. Last year competition was fierce, so the more detail in terms of facts and figures, proof of impact or returns the better.
Tickets for the awards ceremony, priced £94 plus VAT, or £900 plus VAT for a table of ten, are now on sale. To book tickets or to put forward a nomination, please visit http://www.dynamonortheast.co.uk/events/dynamites18/
