Trio of tech leaders recognised in New Year’s Honours

A trio of tech leaders from across the North have been recognised in King Charles III’s first New Year’s Honours list.

Stuart Clarke, Leeds Digital Festival founder; Liz Scott, client engagement director of Tech Nation in Manchester; and Sam Davys, equality and talent manager at TalkTalk, have all been awarded an MBE.

Clarke has been rewarded for his services to technology.

Writing on LinkedIn he said: “I view this award as a tribute to the most collaborative tech sector in the entire country, an award for all the attendees, event hosts and sponsors that come together to create the most open tech festival anywhere.

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“There are so many people who have helped and supported me over the years – too many for me to name them all here. You know who you are and I thank you.

“Thanks also to the people that nominated me and special thanks go to my fellow Leeds Digital Festival board members, steering group members and the incredible teams at both the festival and Paceline Strategy & PR.

“Biggest thanks go to my wife and colleague, Claire, who has been nothing but supportive over the years, including smiling and nodding at all my daft ideas (occasionally there are good ones, like the Leeds Tech Map and PARSE).

“She has carried me through so many difficult times, times where I wanted to give up, but her strength has never wavered.”

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Similarly Liz Scott has been awarded the MBE for services to the technology sector.

Writing on Twitter she said: “Crikey. Not quite sure what to say about being recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to technology. It feels slightly surreal to be honest. (My  fantastic father-in-law was quick off the mark asking if he needed to bow now.) Congrats to everyone listed.”

TalkTalk’s equality and future talent manager Sam Davys has been awarded the MBE for services to digital inclusion.

Writing on LinkedIn she said: After an incredibly challenging year, becoming a Mum, losing my Dad, back to work after maternity leave, I’m (in) all sorts of emotions knowing I am listed on the King’s (first!) New Year’s Honours list and will be receiving an MBE in 2023 for services to young people and inclusion in digital industries …. little old me!”

A spokesman for TalkTalk said: “100 young people got a break thanks to your hard work in the toughest of circumstances. And over half stayed with us after their Kickstart placement which showed how well you looked after them. Well deserved. One of the youngest MBEs this year.”