Celebrating Innovation at the Leeds Digital Festival Awards!

The 2023 Leeds Digital Festival Awards celebrated the City Region's best and brightest, but who are the lucky winners? Read on to find out...

The Leeds Digital Festival Awards celebrates all that is great about the digital & tech industry in Leeds and the wider city region in the year – from the region’s tech start-ups and SMEs to large businesses.

Organised by hosts Amsource and Ward Hadaway, the awards ceremony took place on Thursday 28 September, highlighting innovation across a range of categories including entrepreneurship, diversity, company growth, sustainability and more. In this article, we’ll share an overview of this year’s selection of LDF Awards and the announced winners. Here’s what the team behind the awards had to say about the event:

“The winners this year have not only showcased the best of digital innovations but also set pioneering benchmarks for the entire sector. We’re pleased to spotlight their achievements and I would like to say congratulations to every individual and business that participated in the awards. They showcase the great talent, drive, and creativity we have right here in the region, positioning Leeds and the wider area as a leading force in the tech and digital sectors.”

Andrew Maeer, CEO of Amsource

“Together with Amsource, we aim to recognise and support excellence within our region’s tech and digital sectors. At Ward Hadaway, we work with a diverse range of digital and tech companies, both promising startups and established enterprises, in Leeds and the wider Northern region. Our involvement spans advising on legal aspects of technology, assisting with intellectual property rights, and guiding businesses through their digital transformation journey. It’s a privilege to witness firsthand the innovation happening in our backyard, and we’re proud to champion these efforts. Congratulations to all of the winners.”

Bill Goodwin, head of IP/IT at Ward Hadaway

The Winners:

Entrepreneur Of The Year Winner: Georgina Fairhall

This award celebrates the business leader who inspires innovation with the passion to turn ideas into reality.

Sponsored by BDO.

Growth Company of the Year: Axiologik

This award is for a tech business that has displayed the most growth in the last 12 months, whether it is increase in turnover/profit or growth of your product/service.

Sponsored by Page White Farrer.

Start-up Of The Year: WAC – Work & Money Management App

Sponsored by AD:VENTURE.

One To Watch 2023: Shavana Peynado

The ‘One To Watch’ Award shines a spotlight on a team player with big ambitions, alongside their achievements.

This award is specifically for team members up to Manager level, not including CEOs.

Sponsored by Little.

Sustainability Award: Humans Not Robots

In light of the recent Net Zero Week, this award recognises the person, organisation, and technology designed to inspire, support, and encourage sustainable practices.

Sponsored by Munroe K.

Tech4Good: Northpoint & SilverCloud®

This award recognises and celebrates companies, people, or technology that is delivering positive change for individuals, communities, or charitable work (NOT sustainability or Eco based).

Sponsored by SCC.

Best Tech Place To Work (Big Company): BJSS

This award recognises the businesses creating the best working experience and environment.

Sponsored by White Rose Park.

Best Tech Place to Work (Small Company): Audacia

This award recognises the businesses creating the best working experience and environment.

Sponsored by White Rose Park.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award: Employment and Skills Leeds

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award seeks to recognise those individuals, businesses or initiatives that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the promotion of EDI.

Sponsored by Panitelligence.

Facilitator of the Year: Katherine Megson

With a goal of Working Better Together, this award recognises the demonstrations and support towards the tech and digital ecosystem in Leeds and the wider city region.

Sponsored by Leeds Building Society.

Tech Innovation of the Year: Veracity Trust Network

This award recognises the businesses that are paving the way with innovation ensuring that Leeds is at the forefront of tech evolution.

Sponsored by TPP.

Tech Team of the Year: EMIS

With Tech and digital teams at the heart of modern businesses, this award recognises the best internal team or department of a tech company – which has had the greatest impact.

Sponsored by RSM UK.


“The festival is a key event in the region’s tech and digital calendar that serves as a platform for tech professionals and enthusiasts to come together and collaborate, innovate and share ideas. Each festival gets bigger and better which is a testament to Leeds’ growing significance as a tech hub on the national stage. The awards are a great way to bring the annual festival to a close where we acknowledge and celebrate the best in our community. Well done to all our winners and contributors who make this festival so impactful year after year.”

Stuart Clarke MBE, Leeds Digital Festival Director

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