The finalists for the Midlands Women in Tech Awards 2023, created to recognise and honour women who are shaping the region’s tech sector, have officially been revealed. This year, the awards have seen a phenomenal number of nominations, underscoring the growing recognition of women who are making significant strides in the ever-evolving tech sector.
Returning on the 9th of October at the prestigious Birmingham Eastside Rooms, the highly anticipated shortlist for the Midlands Women in Tech Awards – which aim to challenge perceptions and recognise those who are pioneering in the tech industry – has officially been announced, casting a well-earned spotlight on both new and up-and-coming figures in the region.
Those who have made the final shortlist have the chance to win across 13* categories, following a rigorous process of independent judging and open public voting. Categories include Tech for Good Award, Best Use of Tech in a Private Sector Award, Start-up Founder Award, and Tech Entrepreneur Award.
Organised and run by BEvents – known for delivering some of the region’s most respected awards ceremonies like the Birmingham Awards and Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards – this ceremony aims to encourage women to enter the field and realise their potential in a dynamic, innovative, and fulfilling tech career. With a record number of nominations this year, the awards seem to be having the desired effect.
Anita Chumber, co-founder of BEvents, emphasised the significance of these awards, stating:
“We’re now in our fourth year of hosting the Midlands Women in Tech Awards and are thrilled that we still have the opportunity to shine a light on those in the tech industry who are pioneering in their field. While we had a record number of nominations this year, statistics show that we still have a way to go when it comes to encouraging women – especially women at the start of their careers – to choose tech; Despite advertised roles in the digital tech sector growing 36% since June, just 17% of technology professionals in the UK are female, while only 3% of young women choose technology as their first career.
“The Midlands has fast become a thriving tech hub which is now worth £15bn to the economy; to be able to recognise and celebrate the inspirational people who are part of that growth – nominee, finalist and winner alike – is truly an honour. With the finalists now announced and voting commenced, we’re eagerly counting down the days to the celebrations on the 9th of October. We can’t wait to see everyone there and hope you all vote for your favourite finalist!”
This year Deborah Leary, CEO and Founder of Forensic Pathways, a multi-award-winning organisation that supplies products/software for the criminal and business intelligence market, proudly takes the role of Head Judge alongside a host of key figures in the industry.
Deborah’s co-judges at the awards includes Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment at Birmingham City University (BCU); Iain Mansell, Deputy Director at Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands; Joanna Seabright, Marketing Direct at West Midlands 5G; Anthony Darch, Business Development Director at Methods Business and Digital Technology Ltd; Tara Tomes, Founder & Managing Director at EAST VILLAGE.; Daniel Evans, CEO of BEC; and Amandip Jheeta, Delivery Directory at NTT Data UK.
Adding to Anita’s comments, co-founder of BEvents, Ifraz Ahmed, said:
“We absolutely cannot wait to welcome everyone to the Eastside Rooms on the 9th of October, to celebrate the amazing Midlands women whose hard work, passion and dedication is an inspiration to us all. This is the fourth time we’ve hosted this awards ceremony and the growth in nominations alone shows us just how far the industry has come since the very first Midlands Women in Tech Awards. We know that the industry has so much further to go but, for now, let’s make this an evening to remember!”
