Judges announced for Tech South West Awards 2021
An array of tech experts have been unveiled for the judging of this year’s Tech South West Awards.
Entrepreneurs and tech leaders working in digital tech, software, health tech, funding, startup support, tech hubs, innovation and research are in the lineup. They include Fay Davies of Plymouth Science Park, Kevin Hodge of the UK Hydrographic Office, Karin Rudolph of Tech Ethics Bristol, Aimee Skinner of Future Space, Niki Davies of Software Cornwall and Katie Hudson of Digital Catapult.
Lindsay Lucas of Software Solved, Peter Evans of South West Tech Daily, Sally Basker of Exeter Science Park, Andy Doyle of Filmily and Joe Pearce of the University of Exeter are also on the panel.
Leading accountancy firm Bishop Fleming are Headline Partner for this year’s awards.
Pippa Clarke, head of technology, innovation and growth at Bishop Fleming and a judge for the awards, said: “We love working with the tech sector and recognise the importance of highlighting the innovative, creative and inspiring work across the sector. Each year our role as judges gets harder due to the exceptional entries received, and we are really looking forward to this year’s challenge.”
There have been close to 200 entries across categories including CleanTech, FutureTech, Tech for Good, HealthTech, Workplace Culture and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Judging takes place Wednesday September 15 to Friday September 17, with the shortlists announced shortly afterwards, when tickets will then go on sale. The main ceremony is Thursday November 25.
Other judges include Toby Parkins of Headforwards, Lucy Paine of the University of the West of England, Steve Forth of Bluefruit Software, Wayne Loschi of the Electronics Photonics Innovation Centre and tech consultant Feyaza Khan.
Anthony Story of Silicon South, Chloe Rickard of Cornwall Council, Kris Sum of Tech Exeter and Tom Kennard of Granted Consultancy are also on the panel.
Marketing and PR agency Astley Media and South West law firm Ashfords are this year’s Supporting Partners.
Emma McLeod, account director at Astley Media and a member of the judging panel, said: “Tech matters to society, to communities, the environment, our health, how we communicate, learn and live better lives. That’s why the awards are so important, shining a spotlight on the amazing successes, innovation and developments across our tech sector. Astley Media are thrilled to be involved.”
Chris Dyson, Head of Tech for Supporting Partner Ashfords and also a judge at the awards, commented: “We're delighted to support Tech South West for another year and continue our backing for the great tech clusters, companies and founders in the South West. Ashfords is proud to be involved with collaboration across the tech community.”
Other judges include Monika Radclyffe of SETsquared Bristol, Ross Hulbert of Spaceport Cornwall, Evan Rudowski of Rocketmakers, Marty Reid of Engine Shed and Lindsey Hall of the Real Ideas Organisation.
Tracey Keys, Director at Strategy Dynamics Global SA and a judge at the awards, said: “It’s a privilege to be on the Tech South West judging panel, and I look forward to being inspired by the exciting innovations being driven by the startups and the positive impact they are having in addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges.”
Completing the judging line up are Andy Collyer of FDB UK, Ben Cooper of Skowt Consulting, Charlotte Collyer of HotSW LEP, Chloe Vernon-Shore of Michelmores, Chris Mears of BOOST&Co, Dan Pritchard of Tech South West, David Davies of Navos, David Kelly of Storm, Dr Freija Glansdorp of Greaves Brewster, Louise Ogilvy of Propeller-Tech, Lynsey Skinner of Cathedral Appointments, Nathan Jeffrey of Unlocking Potential, Neciah Dorh of FluoretiQ Limited, and Gabriella Cronchey of Interaction Ltd.
More information about the awards can be found at www.techsouthwest.co.uk/awards
