The 20th Big Chip Awards recently took place, celebrating the digital advancements and innovative contributions within the Northern region. Held at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel, the event saw industry professionals gathered to honour the best in digital excellence.
With more than 400 attendees, the awards highlighted the achievements across 21 categories, revealing the diversity and talent driving the North’s digital sector. The event, organised by Manchester Digital, was a testament to the thriving tech community.
Celebrating Northern Excellence
The 20th Big Chip Awards highlighted the achievements in the digital sector, celebrating the outstanding contributions from businesses, individuals, and students across the North of England. The event welcomed over 400 industry experts, who gathered at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel to acknowledge excellence across 21 diverse award categories. Each award recognised unique talent and innovation, contributing to the vibrant digital landscape in the region.
Pioneers and Innovators: The Impact of Dave Carter
A notable feature of this year’s awards was the introduction of the Big Chip Pioneer Award, established to commemorate the 20th anniversary. Dave Carter was the distinguished recipient, honoured for his pivotal role and lasting impact in the region. As the former head of the MDDA, Carter was instrumental in harnessing early online technologies, paving the way for Manchester’s technological boom.
Manchester’s continued success in the tech sphere is in no small part due to the foundation laid by individuals like Carter. His contributions ensured the city embraced digital innovation, supporting entrepreneurial ventures and attracting new talent, which has left a lasting legacy.
Impressions from Industry Leaders
The event was marked by engaging discussions and insightful remarks from key industry figures. Shaun Fensom, chair of the Big Chip Awards steering group, highlighted the North’s growing capability, stating: “We set out back then to show that the North can deliver great quality digital and tech projects. Our consistent demonstration of excellence is a testament to the brilliant work happening here.”
The awards attracted elite judges, including renowned design expert Malcolm Garrett, BBC’s Bill Thompson, and special guest judge Martha Lane-Fox. Their involvement underscored the significance of these awards in promoting and celebrating digital talents.
From the judges’ perspective, selecting winners was a challenging task due to the high calibre of entries. The diversity and creativity presented by nominees reflect the dynamism and innovation inherent in the North’s digital sector.
Sponsorship and Support
The awards were supported by UKFast and several other prominent organisations, enhancing their reputation as a platform honouring digital proficiency. Lawrence Jones MBE, CEO of UKFast, expressed his delight in sponsoring the event, recognising it as an unmissable event in the awards calendar. The sponsors’ involvement signifies their commitment to nurturing and acknowledging technology and digital proficiency.
Jones stated, “It’s been an honour to once again be part of Big Chip…” His comments highlighted the undeniable prestige associated with the awards, reflecting the collaborative spirit within the tech community, focused on innovation and growth.
Recognising Broad Achievements
This year’s list of winners spanned numerous categories, ranging from Best B2B and B2C projects to awards in digital marketing, mobile applications, and tech applications. Highlights included The Insights People winning Best B2B Project for Kids Insights and CTI Digital clinching Best B2C Project with High Street TV.
In addition to commercial success, the awards also celebrated ethical and impactful tech projects. The Greater Manchester Kidney Information Network (GMKIN) earned accolades with its Peer Support & Information Tech for Good Project, illustrating the use of digital solutions for societal benefits.
Another highlight was the recognition of Co-op Digital, which triumphed in multiple categories, reinforcing its influence in the digital market. Their innovations in the Shifts mobile application and Co-op Funeralcare demonstrate their leadership and inventive spirit.
Judges’ Insights and Reflections
The high standards and varied entries provided judges with the challenging task of selecting winners from a pool of exceptional contenders. Bill Thompson noted, “The variety and professionalism seen at Big Chip are unparalleled…” His insights reflect a widespread appreciation for the caliber of talent fostered by the awards.
The judges’ recognition initiated lively discussions on the future of digital innovations in the region. They identified trends, including the integration of ethical design and artificial intelligence, as areas poised for significant development.
A Night to Remember
The Big Chip Awards night was an illustrious celebration of creativity, innovation, and success in the digital sector. Attendees reflected on the significant achievements highlighted throughout the night.
As the night concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism for what the future holds in the North’s digital scene, fuelled by the inspiring accomplishments witnessed at the event.
The 20th Big Chip Awards not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future innovations in the Northern digital sector. The winners exemplify the dedication, creativity, and forward-thinking spirit that define this vibrant community.
As the awards concluded, the industry was left inspired, looking ahead to the next wave of digital transformations, confident in the knowledge that the North remains a formidable player in the tech landscape.