Tech investment bank GP Bullhound has issued a final call to leading digital businesses and unicorns ahead of the Northern Tech Awards 2017.
Taking place on 30 March in Newcastle, the awards champion and celebrate the region’s fastest growing technology companies.
This year’s event will also launch the first Northern Tech 100 League Table, which is supported by Tech North, a government-backed initiative tasked with the acceleration of the sector.
There is one month left to enter the awards, which focus on tech firms that have had at least three years of revenue growth, with a minimum level of revenue of £500,000 in 2014.
Solly Solomou, co-founder and CEO of TheLADbible Group, commented: “We’re committed to building the heart of our business in the North.
“The incredible talent pool in the region has helped fuel our success, so it’s vital to highlight the potential for growth and innovation through campaigns like the Northern Tech Awards.
“It feels like the area is buzzing with creative ideas and we’re taking on the world’s biggest global media empires from Manchester and winning. We are just the tip of the iceberg.”
This year’s judging panel includes Richard Flint, Chief Executive of Sky Betting and Gaming; David Rowan, editor of WIRED UK; Jacqueline de Rojas, President of techUK and managing director of Sage UK; Angela Spindler, CEO of N Brown; Carol Kane, Joint CEO of Boohoo; and Richard Law, CEO of GB Group.
In 2016, the online travel platform Skyscanner was awarded the prestigious Overall Judges’ Award, demonstrating outstanding levels of innovation, leadership and international reach.
Skyscanner was sold last month to Chinese travel company Ctrip for £1.4bn.
Hugh Campbell, Managing Partner of GP Bullhound, commented: “The North has created an outstanding technology ecosystem in recent years.
“We must champion this exceptional tech talent throughout the region and showcase their success stories through events like the Northern Tech Awards.
“These success stories should help to inspire entrepreneurs to build companies of genuine scale in the region.”
The Awards will take place at an invitation-only dinner at the Boiler Shop, Newcastle, one of the UK’s most dynamic tech hubs.
Richard Flint, CEO of Sky Betting and Gaming, commented: “The Northern Tech Awards are critical to showcasing the unique strengths the region has to offer tech businesses.
“With the sector growing rapidly across the North, campaigns like this are a great way to help attract the talent and investment required to sustain such growth.”
The Northern Tech Awards 2017 are presented by GP Bullhound as a not-for-profit event with the support and sponsorship of Tech North, Barclays, OBI Property, Performance Horizon, Squire Patton Boggs, Teesside University, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Berenberg, Frazer John Recruitment, Inflexion, London Stock Exchange, Mercia Technologies and Seven Hills.
Businesses can enter for the awards before 24 February 2017.
2016 Winners:
Fastest Growing Company – OnTrac
Fastest Growing Larger Company – Missguided
Judges’ Innovation Award – RealityMine
Judges’ Leadership Award – Tyres on the Drive
Judges’ Award for International Success – Exco Intouch
Young Entrepreneur Award – TheLADbible
Overall Judges’ Award – Skyscanner
Northern Star winner – EvaluAgent