Best and brightest recognised at Leeds Digital Festival Awards
The winners of the prestigious Leeds Digital Festival Awards 2024 have been revealed, celebrating the best and brightest in the Leeds and city region tech sector.
The awards, organised by byProduct Live and Leeds-based law firm Ward Hadaway, are now in their seventh year and continue to showcase the talent, innovation and hard work driving the region’s digital businesses forward.
Some of this year’s notable winners, from across 13 different categories, include Axiologic which was named ‘Best Tech Place to Work (Large Company)’ for its commitment to creating a positive workplace culture and driving innovation in technology solutions. The Data City took home the award for ‘Best Tech Place to Work (Small Company)’ for its pioneering work in data analytics and its supportive environment that encourages employee growth and creativity.
Andrew Maeer, owner and host of byProduct Live and co-sponsor of the Leeds Digital Festival Awards (pictured), said: “The calibre of entries this year was exceptional. It’s fantastic to see such a vibrant tech community in Leeds and the wider region. As proud organisers of the awards, we are thrilled to champion the region’s talent and innovation in the digital and tech sectors. Huge congratulations to everyone who was nominated.”
The awards also highlighted individuals who have made significant impacts on the tech landscape. Megan Bower, from IT consultancy Burendo, was named ‘One to Watch 2024,’ recognising her rapid rise in the tech community and contributions to digital innovation and engagement.
For a full list of winners:
* Tech Innovation of the Year: Parallax
* Tech4Good Award: Flotilla
* Facilitator of the Year: GreenTech Gathering
* Growth Company of the Year: Planet Sport
* Start-Up of the Year: Qomodo
* One to Watch in 2024: Megan Bower (Burendo)
* Leader of the Year: Rachel McElroy (MCIM)
* Entrepreneur of the Year: Achille Traore (Top Screen Media and White Label Loyalty)
* Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award: Tim Pepper
* Best Place to Work (large company): Axiologik
* Best Place to Work (small company): The Data City
* Tech Team of the Year (large company): NHS Notify
* Tech Team of the Year (small company): Audacia
Meanwhile, Achille Traore, founder of Top Screen Media and White Label Loyalty, took home the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award for his leadership and success in transforming the event ticketing industry with his tech-driven platform.
Bill Goodwin, a partner and head of IT/IP at Ward Hadaway, said: “The Leeds Digital Festival Awards have once again highlighted the incredible work being done by tech companies in our region. The winners represent the very best of Yorkshire’s digital sector and reflect the continued growth and success of our local tech ecosystem.”
The Leeds Digital Festival awards attendees. Courtesy of Ward Hadaway byProduct Leeds Digital
The achievements of teams were also celebrated including the work of NHS Notify Team (NHS England, BJSS, Hippo), who won ‘Tech Team of the Year (Large Company)’ for their innovative work in healthcare technology, and Audacia, recognised as ‘Tech Team of the Year (Small Company),’ for their exceptional software development capabilities.
Stuart Clarke, Festival Director, added: “This year’s Leeds Digital Festival Awards have brilliantly showcased the creativity and collaboration that defines our tech community. We congratulate all the winners and look forward to continuing our support of the thriving digital sector in Leeds and across Yorkshire.”
Next year’s Leeds Digital Festival will once again be in two parts with the three-day mini-fest starting on April 29 while the main event, which this year saw more than 200 events take place, will run for the 10th time, starting on September 22.
