Yorkshire’s Top Tech 2020 revealed
The region’s most pioneering and innovative technology companies are revealed today in the Mills & Reeve Top Tech: Yorkshire.
Now in its third year, Top Tech: Yorkshire, in partnership with TheBusinessDesk.com, is designed to showcase companies which have put the region on the map as a world-class hub for technological development and innovation.
Launched in September alongside Top Tech: North West, more than 75 entries were received across both sites. Companies were judged on technological innovation, leadership, growth and financial performance, client service and delivery and community and employee engagement.
Entries were received from a diverse range of technology companies from across the Yorkshire region including cutting edge FinTech and EdTech firms, those at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and businesses whose technology has catapulted them to leaders on the world stage.
Given the number of high calibre entrants, the expert panel, made up of some of the leaders in the technology sector, had the difficult task of judging the entrants. However, after healthy debate, the entries were whittled down and 20 companies were selected for inclusion in the report, while seven were highly commended.
Mills & Reeve, partner and Top Tech: Yorkshire judge, Paul Johnson said: “Despite a year which has seen huge challenges, we received another set of entries from high quality companies and the bar is being set higher each year.
“The sector also demonstrated the true Yorkshire grit that it’s famous for with companies rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw them adapt, continue to invest heavily in their technology and, in many cases, attract new clients to emerge fitter and stronger.
“The region seems to be going from strength to strength and we hope to see a snowballing effect as some of the entrants from the last few years continue to grow and lead the way for the region’s tech businesses. The diversity of entrants was excellent, and it was great to see companies from across the whole Yorkshire region. It was also heartening to see some of last year’s rising stars having made it into the top 20 list, and we are delighted to shine a light on Yorkshire’s burgeoning tech scene with the launch of Top Tech: Yorkshire 2020.”
Among those featured in the report for the first time was marketing automation platform, Force 24. Managing director, Adam Oldfield, said: “It’s our first year of entering the Top Tech: Yorkshire so I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve secured a spot in what is an exclusive list of stellar tech businesses.
“It’s been a challenging year for our hard-working team and the marketing industry as a whole, but automation has proved once again how powerful it can be when supporting marketers in their true time of need, and strengthening those all-important customer relationships even further. This recognition is not only for the B2B and B2C brands we serve but also our amazing workforce as we drive towards an exciting growth strategy throughout 2021 and beyond.”
Also ranked for the first time was Vet-AI. Co-founder Paul Hallett said: “We are delighted to have made it into the prestigious Top Tech: Yorkshire list. We have been on an incredible journey to ensure all pet owners can easily access affordable veterinary care remotely which has shown to have been a lifesaver throughout the pandemic. Our team of veterinary and tech specialists are working around the clock to help pet owners, featuring in the Top Tech: Yorkshire is a testament to our hard-working team.”
The Top Tech judging panel included: Richard Carter, managing director, Equiniti Credit Services, Richard Faulkner, managing director Technology Banking, Silicon Valley Bank, Deb Hetherington, head of innovation, Platform Tech Hub, Dr Neville Young, director of enterprise & innovation, Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science
And Stuart Clarke, founder and director, Leeds Digital Festival
To download a copy of the report, Click Here
To view the Top Tech: Yorkshire video Click Here
