Wales tech awards lead innovation in industry
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns joined ESTnet at the Wales Technology Awards 2018 to honour the achievements of the companies that are driving the future of Welsh tech.
Recognised as the must-attend annual event for Wales’ tech industry, the 2018 awards saw the Secretary of State joining more than 400 guests of the ESTnet (the network for Wales technology industry), who represent the country’s largest tech companies, SMEs, and most ambitious start-ups.
Cardiff City Hall provided the backdrop for the awards, on an evening that saw nine companies claim the top prizes.
Speaking at the awards, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “The sheer range of technological innovation here in Wales is breathtaking. It ranges from the most advanced algorithms of Artificial Intelligence to the way technology is influencing the construction of traditional products like cars.
“The UK Government is doing all it can to nurture and cultivate the technology sector. But in an industry that moves at breathtaking speed, events like the Wales Technology Awards allow us to pause and measure just how far we have come, celebrate our technology milestones and the vital contribution they make to the Welsh economy. I wish all the nominees and winners every success over the years ahead.”
Addressing the evening’s guests, ESTnet managing director Avril Lewis said: “This evening is a true celebration of the outstanding successes of the Welsh technology sector, and the limitless opportunities it will explore and create in the future. We are an ambitious country, with a motivated and talented workforce that has attracted some of the world’s largest tech companies and enabled a new generation of start-ups to grow.
“The Wales Technology Awards stand to champion all that we, as an industry, have achieved over the past year, and all we will achieve in the future.
“Our winners exemplify the collaborative, enabling and enterprising nation we know Wales to be. Their successes demonstrate how our sector is essential for the economic growth of our country, the creation of new opportunities for the next generation, and preparing Wales for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Speaking on behalf of the event’s headline partner, Jackson Hull, chief operating and technology officer at GoCompare, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Wales Technology Awards to celebrate and support the best of Welsh tech.
“As one of the UK’s most prominent fintech brands, our goal is to help support the future of tech in the region and help establish Wales as a UK tech hotspot, through attracting and developing the very best talent to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.
“Celebrating success is a key part of this and we couldn’t be happier to extend our congratulations to everyone nominated and, in particular, tonight’s winners.”