The Digital Entrepreneur Awards (DEA) South 2017 celebrate the forefront of digital innovation and entrepreneurship across the United Kingdom. This year, for the first time, the awards were regionalised into North and South, showcasing a record number of nearly 1000 entries, with 109 nominees from the South honoured as finalists.
The DEA awards represent a commendable effort to recognise and foster digital creativity, ranging from e-commerce and mobile technology to healthcare innovations. As anticipation builds for the event, we take a detailed look at the standout finalists in the South, shedding light on various categories and the innovative minds driving these digital successes.
E-Services and Retail Innovations
The E-Services Online Retailer of the Year category features contenders who have mastered the digital retail space. Among them are Challenge Trophies, HackUp Bespoke, and Innermost, each showcasing unique approaches to online retailing. Their innovations reflect a broader trend towards bespoke and personalised shopping experiences.
In an era where mobile technology rules, the nominees for Best Use of Mobile Technology, including Fit Go and Gatwick Airport, demonstrate outstanding mobile integration. These forward-thinking companies are redefining how consumers engage with mobile platforms, illustrating a shift in user expectations and technological capabilities.
Excellence in E-commerce
Digital excellence in e-commerce sees fierce competition. The eCommerce Developer of the Year shortlist highlights leaders such as GEL Studios and Selesti, who excel in crafting intuitive and dynamic online marketplaces.
Meanwhile, the eCommerce Business of the Year spotlights trailblazers like Love The Sales and Natural Instinct, proving their prowess in transforming the e-commerce landscape. Their innovative strategies position them at the forefront of online business, driving convenience and customer satisfaction.
Such achievements in e-commerce underline the sector’s rapid evolution, embracing new digital tools and customer-centric models to thrive in today’s competitive environment.
Innovation and Technological Advancement
Digital innovation in public services marks significant progress, exemplified by finalists like DrDoctor and DXW. These initiatives are paving the way for more efficient and accessible public services through technology.
Finalists in the Most Innovative Use of Digital Technology category, such as Cognises and Ieso Digital Health, highlight transformative applications of technology. Their work is at the cutting edge of digital health and user engagement.
The Software Innovation of the Year nominees, including Acuvate Software and Creative Virtual, illustrate the pivotal role software solutions play in digital transformation. Their innovations are not only enhancing processes but also shaping the future of digital interaction.
Creative and Digital Marketing Achievements
Strong contenders vie for the Social Media Campaign of the Year title, with campaigns from Audley Travel and Conversion Works showcasing creative brilliance. These campaigns master the art of capturing audience engagement through strategic social media use.
In video and animation, innovative uses are celebrated with nominees like Generate UK and Natural Instinct. The integration of visual storytelling into digital marketing strategies is proving crucial in capturing and retaining audience attention.
Such creative ingenuity reflects the dynamic nature of digital marketing, where agility and innovation are key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.
Recognising Digital Business Excellence
A vibrant startup culture is evident in the Digital Startup of the Year category, featuring pioneers like Cera and HeadBox. These startups exemplify agility and innovation, driving forward the digital economy with fresh ideas and cutting-edge technologies.
Recognition in the Digital Business of the Year (Small to Medium – Large) reveals exceptional firms such as CV-Library and Solopress, whose growth strategies and digital solutions set them apart in the industry.
Together, these businesses underscore the vitality of the digital sector, propelling growth and setting benchmarks for digital excellence.
Spotlight on Digital Entrepreneurs
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year category showcases rising stars like Aamar Aslam and Gareth Bull, whose ventures in digital technology are formidable. Their entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring, driving forward the digital landscape with innovation and audacity.
In the Digital Entrepreneur of the Year segment, individuals like Ed Bussey and Steve Miller are highlighted for their leadership and contributions to the digital sector. Their achievements personify the entrepreneurial drive and inventive spirit that fuels digital advancement.
Conclusion
The DEA South finalists of 2017 exemplify the dynamic and transformative nature of digital entrepreneurship and innovation. As these visionaries push boundaries and set new standards, they provide a glimpse into the future of digital business, highlighting the endless possibilities that the digital age presents.
In essence, the DEA South 2017 finalists illustrate the vibrancy and resilience of the digital sector in the UK. Recognising these innovators not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires continuous progression and creativity within the industry.