The final shortlist for the Digital Entrepreneur Awards (DEA), the UK’s longest-standing awards for digital excellence, has been announced.
The awards, now in their 14th year, consider every aspect of the digital industries, celebrating exceptional businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, designers and more.
With 19 awards spread across four categories – E-Services, Design and Marketing, Digital Innovation and Digital Business – the expert DEA panel assessed hundreds of applicants in the first round of judging.
Now, from more than 500 entries, just over 100 contenders remain, having been carefully selected for the final shortlist.
A new category for 2018, Tech For Good, received a high number of entries and is one of this year’s most popular awards categories.
Anxiety UK, Stand4Socks, Crisp Thinking, I – GP, Mashbo, Now Healthcare Group and SafeToNet – all organisations using digital engagement to tackle the issues of mental health and homelessness – were among those shortlisted in the category.
Manchester-based fashion retailers enjoy a strong turnout in the Online Retailer of the Year and eCommerce Business of the Year categories.
Brands making the shortlist include Pretty Little Thing, Missy Empire, Rebellious Fashion and Forever Unique. These industry leaders all boast impressive eCommerce operations, used by thousands across the UK and globally.
Nominees for the coveted Digital Entrepreneur of the Year award include: Helen Routledge of Totem Learning, Kris Naudts of Culture Trip, Nina Sawetz of Future PR, James Blake of Hello Soda and Seema and Sandeep Malhotra of Forever Unique.
Finalists in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category include: Aaron Crewe of Novi.digital, Anthony Mellor of Absolute Fitness Apparel, Brianna Elsley of Buzz Digital Marketing, Chloe Barrett of DigiDentistry, Ross Worswick of The Couture Club and Scott Martin of aiPatient.
Among the names from the North West to make the cut are Manchester’s Hello Soda, Wirral-based business Evoke Creative, and Bring Digital from Bolton.
This year’s DEA ceremony is the biggest ever and promises to be an incredible event for all attendees.
Taking place at The Principal Hotel, Manchester on November 22nd, the evening offers guests fine dining, networking opportunities and, of course, the chance to collect one of the coveted awards.