The world of tech can be overwhelming with the constant developments and innovations that require businesses to quickly adapt. There is no doubt, however, that Greater Manchester is home to the businesses, individuals and organisations that have the skills and determination to create waves in the tech industry. We want to hear about those with the enthusiasm and drive to put Manchester on the map as a hub of technology and innovation.
The Manchester Evening News Tech Awards are returning on Thursday, May 20 to bring together and celebrate the brilliant minds of our region. There are 11 categories at this year’s awards, curated specifically with the successes of Greater Manchester in mind.
Has your e-commerce business taken its strategies to another level? Is there a tech start-up that has really impressed you? Whether you’re nominating a young tech ambassador that you know, or your own tech organisation that prioritised digital innovation, get your entries in before they close on April 16.
This year, the Manchester Evening News Tech Awards is headline sponsored by HOST, a company with a mission to nurture and support the most inclusive and diverse tech start-ups. Streamed virtually to ensure everyone’s safety, the event is completely free and everyone is encouraged to attend so our local businesses and individuals get all of the support that they deserve. Information about registering for tickets will be released in May.
Last year’s Best Use of Machine Learning and AI winner was local business, Peak. Using Decision Intelligence, the commercial application of AI, Peak leverages companies’ data with technology to drive business growth, significantly reduce costs, and improve efficiencies across the entire business.
Decision Intelligence uses AI to unlock the power of a business’s most valuable asset: its data. Decisions over complex information are made faster, more consistently, and more accurately than ever before. Peak’s mission is to provide accessible AI that delivers real results for customers, building a transparent business case that is achievable and commercially viable within less than six months.
Born off the back of a conversation in a pub, Peak now has more than 180 employees, six offices worldwide and has built investment funds of $18.5million. Reaching number 45 in The Sunday Times’ 100 Best Small Companies To Work For 2020, it is evident that Peak is a perfect example of Manchester’s thriving technology industry.
(Image: Peak)
Peak has grown exponentially in recent years and is now considered a leading global AI business. Reflecting on how important Manchester is to the company and how it has been at the heart of countless revolutions, Peak is determined to drive forth the next North West revolution: the tech revolution.
A spokesperson for the business shared how immensely proud they are of their Manchester heritage: “The city has played a key role in our growth as a business and its culture is woven into the fabric of Peak. Companies like ourselves and Mattillion are playing a part in growing a deeper software tech scene in the region.””
“With this in mind, winning the MEN Tech Awards was a proud moment for the team, particularly for our co-founders Richard, David and Atul, who have grown the businesses from a tiny three-man office on Deansgate to the company we are today. The Manchester tech scene is really thriving at the moment, and we were shortlisted alongside some truly innovative businesses who are doing great work in the AI and machine learning space. So, to take home the prize was a real honour for Peak.”
Though many businesses struggled as a result of the pandemic, it opened doors for others. AI adoption in businesses saw a rapid acceleration in 2020 as companies looked for new ways to boost sales and maximise profits whilst navigating the ‘new normal’: “As consumer demands evolve and businesses regroup to try and win back customers, we believe the post-pandemic economy will put the quality of decision making at a premium. We’re now in a technological era where AI can help make decisions alongside us, so to win in this post-pandemic economy, businesses will have to rely on the power of AI.”
Subsequently, the 2020 focus change to technology and AI has meant supercharged revenue and continued growth for Peak. With growing, strong demand, its global expansion is coming into fruition with new offices across the USA and India, and more brands like KFC and Superdry being added to its customer base.
The 11 categories at the Manchester Evening News Tech Awards this year are:
Best Tech Start-Up – sponsored by In Your Area
Best Tech Business (up to 49 employees)
Best Tech Business (over 50 employees)
Female Tech Ambassador – sponsored by Amazon
Young Tech Ambassador
Best Tech Ambassador
Best Global Reach
Best Tech Ambassador
Best Use of Machine Learning and AI – sponsored by HOST
Best E-commerce Business
Best Use of Technology – sponsored by Apex Computing
Best Digital Innovation
The Manchester Evening News Tech Awards will take place virtually on Thursday, May 20. The deadline for entries is April 16 and you can find out more and vote on the website.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, further details will be available early May.
