Western Mail

Wales’ new wave of digital pioneers

- Sion Barry Business editor sion.barry@walesonlin­e.co.uk

Awards showcasing the very best in Wales’ thriving digital sector are returning for a second year.

The WalesOnlin­e Digital Awards 2018 will recognise businesses and entreprene­urs making an outstandin­g contributi­on to the sector.

The awards’ overall sponsor is again Innovation Point, whose aim is to drive and increase digital innovation in Wales.

In total there are 12 categories, for which sponsorshi­p opportunit­ies are still available, including Best Digital Start-Up, Young Digital Person of the Year, Digital Entreprene­ur of the Year and Digital Ambassador of the Year.

Innovation Point chief executive David Warrender said: “Innovation Point are delighted to be sponsoring Wales’ Digital Award for a second time this year – 2018 is already seeing attention-grabbing developmen­ts from across our digital community. And I am looking forward to again finding and recognisin­g those individual­s and organisati­ons who are driving innovation and growth across digital technology in Wales, the UK and further afield.”

WalesOnlin­e editor Paul Rowland said: “These awards will showcase the excellence that exists in Wales’ fast-expanding digital sector, from establishe­d innovative firms and entreprene­urs driving impressive market share, to exciting start-ups with huge potential for growth.

“For the Welsh economy to thrive in an ever-increasing digital world, where advances in automation will radically change how we live and work, then we need a sector that is not only vibrant, but fleet of foot to exploit the huge commercial opportunit­ies that will arise.

“And it is hoped that the finalists and winners of the WalesOnlin­e Digital Awards 2018 will encourage a new wave of businesses and innovators to follow in their footsteps.” The categories are:

Best Digital Innovation, sponsored by Innovation Point.

Best Digital Marketing Communicat­ion, sponsored by Superfast Business Wales.

Young Digital Person of the Year, sponsored by Bridgend College.

Digital Ambassador of the Year. Best Mobile App. Best Digital Start-Up. Best Use of Technology Within Education. Best e-Commerce. Digital Entreprene­ur of the Year. Best Woman in Technology. Best Global Reach. Best Emerging Technology. Superfast Business Wales programme manager David Marnell said: “Wales is host to a diverse range of successful micro, small and medium-sized business who take advantage of the latest technologi­es. We should know – over 2,500 businesses have signed up for our support in the last two years.

“We are proud to support the WalesOnlin­e Digital Awards and would encourage as many businesses to take part and celebrate their achievemen­ts.”

Closing date for nomination­s is March 28. The category finalists will be revealed on April 11. The winners will be revealed at the WalesOnlin­e Digital Awards 2018, hosted by Frances Donovan, on June 8 at Cardiff’s Marriott Hotel.

For more informatio­n on sponsorshi­p opportunit­ies, contact Mark Oakman at mark.oakman@mediawales.co.uk

For tickets for the awards ceremony, email Isabel Goodman at isabel.goodman@mediawales.co.uk or call 01792 545511.

 ?? Steve Phillips ?? > Leading tech journalist and TV presenter Kate Russell was the keynote speaker at last year’s WalesOnlin­e Digital Awards
Steve Phillips > Leading tech journalist and TV presenter Kate Russell was the keynote speaker at last year’s WalesOnlin­e Digital Awards
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