Search launched for tech titans

Entries have opened for a competition that aims to “celebrate the digital economy” of Scotland and the north of England.

The Northern Tech Awards are due to place on 22 March, in Edinburgh, and will champion the “inspirational founders” who have contributed to the success of the region’s tech sector.

GP Bullhound, the technology advisory and investment firm, said the contest would also recognise the top 100 fastest growing technology businesses, in association with Tech North, and pinpoint the UK’S next big tech success stories.

GP Bullhound recently identified the Scottish capital as one of Europe’s leading technology clusters, with a record of starting, scaling and exiting highly successful digital businesses, such as flight and travel search leader Skyscanner.

Thefirmfoundthatthenorth of England and Scotland plays host to 12 “billion-dollar” technology businesses, more than many of the largest countries in Europe. In addition, there are more than 150 technology businesses that the firm considers to be worth in excess of $50 million (£37m).

Tech City UK’S 2017 Tech Nation report ranked Edinburgh as the second strongest tech hub in the UK.

Hugh Campbell, managing partner of GP Bullhound, which was founded in 1999, said: “The exceptional growth of the digital economy in the north of England and Scotland in the past 12 months is testament to the unprecedented levels of talent, capital and ambition in the region’s tech clusters.”

He added: “We have seen that the region is capable of consistently building billiondollar firms – this year’s awards will seek to spotlight the next generation of success stories.”