Entries open for Northern digital talent award

12th February 2018

Alice Matthews

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Entries for what is supposedly the UK’s most established digital and technology awards are officially open. Big Chip has a number of new categories to showcase the best industry talent across the North of England. Now celebrating its 20th year, the not-for-profit awards – run by independent trade association Manchester Digital – seek to recognise the outstanding range of work undertaken across the region’s digital and tech sector.

Submissions from digital and tech businesses, innovative organisations and inspirational individuals are welcomed from anywhere between the Scottish border and Derbyshire.

Run by - and for - the industry, the awards are renowned for their consistent high standards and the integrity of the judging process.

New for 2018, entrants have the chance to be recognised in two new categories: Best Application of Machine Learning and the Big Chip Creative Impact Award.

As in previous years, entries will be judged by a panel of the UK’s most distinguished digital and tech experts, led by graphic design innovator Malcolm Garrett and with Baroness Martha Lane Fox – founder of lastminute.com during the dot.com boom of the early 2000s and Chancellor of the Open University – as special guest judge to choose the winner of the prestigious Anthony Wilson Award.

There are 19 entry categories, spanning the entire digital sector in areas including search, UX, gaming and animation, whilst rising stars will be recognised in the student and apprentice categories.

The deadline for entries is Monday 19th March, with the shortlist announced on Thursday 3rd May ahead of the ceremony on Wednesday 4th July at Manchester’s Hilton hotel.

Chair of the Big Chip Steering Group, Shaun Fensom, said: “Over 20 years we’ve seen big changes in the digital and tech scene – and throughout Big Chip has been there – driven by and helping to drive the evolving industry, highlighting the best work in the North.

"This year I’m looking forward to see entries from new entrants and in new areas – like our new Best Application of Machine Learning category – along with the usual high standard of entries from the bigger tech and digital players in the North that have grown so much over the history of Big Chip."

Lawrence Jones, CEO of headline sponsor UKFast, added: “Big Chip is a long-standing symbol of the incredible strength in our digital and tech sectors – and one which we are honoured to play a part in. I’m thrilled to sponsor the event once again, and to help shine a light on our leading digital talent.”

The Big Chip Awards will be held at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel on Wednesday 4th July 2018. Entries can be submitted online. The first two entries are free. Subsequent entries cost £95 each.