Saluting those at the cutting edge
M.E.N. TECH AWARDS 2021 LAUNCHES
ENTRIES are now open for the M.E.N. Tech Awards to celebrate businesses, organisations and individuals who best use new technology and digital innovation.
You can nominate firms across Greater Manchester who have really achieved over the last year.
The inaugural awards took place in 2019 to recognise and showcase key players, entrepreneurial leaders and business founders in the thriving tech community.
The fastest growing and most innovative tech companies in the region will come together virtually this year.
Due to Covid-19 the event has moved online for 2021 and will be on May 20.
Innovation hub HOST, Salford’s Home of Skills & Technology, operated by IN4.0 Group, is headlining sponsor this year for the awards, which are open to individuals and companies based in Greater Manchester, whether wellestablished or working on new projects.
They will be the ones driving the region’s thriving tech sector and supporting organisations to use technology to its full potential as a driver of business value as well as in the public sector.
Tom Houghton, North West business editor, said: “We are so excited to be launching the M.E.N. Tech Awards once more after what’s been an unprecedented year.
“Part of the UK’s thriving technology sector, Manchester is a cluster that stands out in so many ways – thanks to its exciting combination of talent, location, a business-friendly environment, and world-leading universities.
“Not only are we continuing to witness a growing number of new startups and innovations, we’re also home to unicorns such as The Hut Group, Boohoo and On The Beach, and have attracted global tech companies such as Amazon and Booking.com.
“We are big on innovation, and we’ve got space to house these companies, that’s why we were named Europe’s fastest-growing tech city by Tech Nation last year.
“With so much growth and investment from this sector alone, we can’t wait to celebrate those firms that are championing tech and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and technologists and hearing how they’ve achieved success despite a turbulent 12 months.”
The 11 categories are suitable to both individuals and businesses using the very best in digital approaches to transform and enhance businesses and employees in the region.
We are so excited to be launching the M.E.N. Tech Awards once more Business editor Tom Houghton
Best Tech Start-Up sponsored by In Your Area
A digital company or organisation that has made a significant impact on the sector and had real success within the market.
Best Tech Business (up to 49 employees)
Technology companies form a greater proportion of the region’s economy every year, and this will find the best of the best.
Best Tech Business (over 50 employees)
As with the previous category, this is also looking for entries from ambitious, promising businesses that have used technology to innovate, disrupt, scale and excel.
Female Tech Ambassador, sponsored by Amazon
This category highlights exceptional talent and leadership shown by the women leading the way in tech, who have taken businesses to the next level using tech and set a strong example for the next generation of females in the business.
Young Tech Ambassador
Celebrating an individual aged 30 or under who has made a notable impact on the digital sector. The winner of this category could be an employee or entrepreneur
Best Tech Ambassador
This award celebrates those paving the way for the tech community in Greater Manchester. Successful applicants will be those who form a vital part of the region’s tech ecosystem, promote technology businesses and bring people together. This award is a judges’ choice award and not open for entry.
Best Global Reach
This will be a company using tech to extend its reach beyond the UK and into new markets – either an established business using technologies to engage more effectively with its customers, or a newer business that could only successfully exist and grow in the digital age.
Best Use of Machine Learning and AI, sponsored by HOST
Businesses that have used machine learning and AI to great effect, furthering insight and innovation.
Best E-commerce Business
Judges are looking for a company or organisation that can show itself to be a true vanguard of digital commerce.
Best Use of Technology, sponsored by Apex Computing
This is for businesses that have seized tech opportunities to drive it forward and led the way for other companies in the region, using technology to remarkable effect.
Best Digital Innovation
The winner will be a business which has innovated better than anybody else, either transforming a stale sector with new technology, developed a new project or ambitious and exciting new ways.
The deadline for entries is April 16 and you can find out more and vote at www.mentechawards.co.uk
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, further details will be available early May.