
UK tech awards
Wednesday 3 November 2021, Park Plaza, London SE1
nominations open w/c Monday 26 April 2021
About
about the UK tech awards
The UK tech awards celebrates success, rewards achievement and raises the profile of the
UK tech community.
Companies which are eligible for the awards include not only publicly quoted technology companies on London Stock Exchange Main Market, but also AIM tech companies and fast growing and innovative private tech companies.
The UK tech awards provides a fantastic showcase for the fast-moving tech sector and a great networking opportunity, with an attendance of over 800 people comprising tech entrepreneurs, CEOs and FDs of fast growing tech companies (both public and private), plus corporate advisors, investors (both private and institutional), and tech consultants and commentators.
In short, an event not to be missed for the UK’s entire tech community!
Sponsors
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems.
It is this focus that informs the services we provide and the decisions we make.
We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 276,000 people who are
committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. We tailor our
services to specific client needs, helping them to create the value they are looking for.
Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at:
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems.
It is this focus that informs the services we provide and the decisions we make.
We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 276,000 people who are
committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. We tailor our
services to specific client needs, helping them to create the value they are looking for.
Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at:

For more than 35 years, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has helped innovative businesses, enterprises and their investors move bold ideas forward, fast. SVB provides a range of targeted financial services and expertise through its office in the UK. With commercial and international banking services, SVB helps address the unique needs of innovators. The UK’s leading technology and life science businesses, in all stages of development, look to SVB’s niche expertise, experience and unparalleled network as they grow at home and tackle new markets abroad.
Learn more at:
Silicon Valley Bank is registered in England and Wales at Alphabeta, 14–18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1BR, UK under No. FC029579. Silicon Valley Bank is authorised and regulated by the California Department of Business Oversight and the United States Federal Reserve Bank, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority with number 577295, and subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.

For more than 35 years, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has helped innovative businesses, enterprises and their investors move bold ideas forward, fast. SVB provides a range of targeted financial services and expertise through its office in the UK. With commercial and international banking services, SVB helps address the unique needs of innovators. The UK’s leading technology and life science businesses, in all stages of development, look to SVB’s niche expertise, experience and unparalleled network as they grow at home and tackle new markets abroad.
Learn more at:
Silicon Valley Bank is registered in England and Wales at Alphabeta, 14–18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1BR, UK under No. FC029579. Silicon Valley Bank is authorised and regulated by the California Department of Business Oversight and the United States Federal Reserve Bank, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority with number 577295, and subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.

Arma Partners provides independent corporate finance advice to companies and investors active in the global digital economy. We act as trusted advisers to digital economy leaders throughout their entire corporate lifecycle, from raising private capital for fast-growing disrupters and founder-led businesses to orchestrating complex cross-border M&A deals for private equity investors and global large-cap public companies.
Since our inception in 2003, we have grown and evolved in tandem with the global technology ecosystem, advising on over 180 deals valued at more than $45bn in aggregate. Today we employ a large dedicated advisory team with unparalleled domain expertise and an enviable track record in each of the diverse sub-segments that together comprise the ever-expanding global digital economy.
Our proven track record of exceptional deal execution, combined with our deep understanding of the segments we cover, ability to provide independent advice at every stage of a company’s lifecycle and extensive network across the global digital economy, makes us an invaluable long-term partner to our clients.

Arma Partners provides independent corporate finance advice to companies and investors active in the global digital economy. We act as trusted advisers to digital economy leaders throughout their entire corporate lifecycle, from raising private capital for fast-growing disrupters and founder-led businesses to orchestrating complex cross-border M&A deals for private equity investors and global large-cap public companies.
Since our inception in 2003, we have grown and evolved in tandem with the global technology ecosystem, advising on over 180 deals valued at more than $45bn in aggregate. Today we employ a large dedicated advisory team with unparalleled domain expertise and an enviable track record in each of the diverse sub-segments that together comprise the ever-expanding global digital economy.
Our proven track record of exceptional deal execution, combined with our deep understanding of the segments we cover, ability to provide independent advice at every stage of a company’s lifecycle and extensive network across the global digital economy, makes us an invaluable long-term partner to our clients.

ECI is a leading private equity investor, investing in growing businesses valued up to £250m. It has 40+ years of experience and a track record of over 110 realisations, collaborating with great management teams and founders to build successful global tech businesses. Recent investments have included: Send for Help,
a provider of lone worker protection; Arkessa, a leading IoT managed service provider;
CPOMS, a provider of SaaS solutions to schools across the world; MiQ, a leading marketing intelligence company; Edenhouse; the UK’s largest independent SAP specialist; and IT Lab, an award winning IT support and strategic services company. Investing as either a majority or a minority investor, ECI is currently investing its eleventh buyout fund and manages approximately £1.7 billion on behalf of our institutional investors.

ECI is a leading private equity investor, investing in growing businesses valued up to £250m. It has 40+ years of experience and a track record of over 110 realisations, collaborating with great management teams and founders to build successful global tech businesses. Recent investments have included: Send for Help,
a provider of lone worker protection; Arkessa, a leading IoT managed service provider;
CPOMS, a provider of SaaS solutions to schools across the world; MiQ, a leading marketing intelligence company; Edenhouse; the UK’s largest independent SAP specialist; and IT Lab, an award winning IT support and strategic services company. Investing as either a majority or a minority investor, ECI is currently investing its eleventh buyout fund and manages approximately £1.7 billion on behalf of our institutional investors.

Luther Pendragon is one of the UK’s leading independent communications consultancies. Our team of over 40 highly experienced and qualified consultants manage financial public relations, corporate communications, media and investor relations, public affairs, crisis communications and digital marketing. With offices in London, New York and Brussels, we handle national and international assignments. Our clients include global private and public corporations, with companies listed on the London Stock Exchange and other stock markets, public sector organisations and major trade associations in the UK and across the world. We take an integrated approach to communications to ensure that our clients’ reputations are managed, and interests are promoted, in all relevant spheres of influence – whether that is the capital markets, Government, consumer circles or elsewhere.

Luther Pendragon is one of the UK’s leading independent communications consultancies. Our team of over 40 highly experienced and qualified consultants manage financial public relations, corporate communications, media and investor relations, public affairs, crisis communications and digital marketing. With offices in London, New York and Brussels, we handle national and international assignments. Our clients include global private and public corporations, with companies listed on the London Stock Exchange and other stock markets, public sector organisations and major trade associations in the UK and across the world. We take an integrated approach to communications to ensure that our clients’ reputations are managed, and interests are promoted, in all relevant spheres of influence – whether that is the capital markets, Government, consumer circles or elsewhere.

Oakley is one of Europe’s leading independent corporate finance firms offering expert, specialist advice across a range of sectors including Telecoms, Technology, Online, Media, Digital Infrastructure and Hosting. We are unique in the mid-market in offering highly specialised sector insight and knowledge combined with our Equity Capital Markets capability, meaning we can provide the fullest possible suite of advice across both public and private markets. We also provide long-term equity capital markets advice, where we work intensively with listed clients to widen their institutional shareholder bases and develop their equity stories.
Recent transactions include KPN on its sale of its data centre subsidiary, NLDC; Cellnex on its acquisition of Irish towers business, Cignal; Onecom on an investment by LDC; Mayfair Equity Partners on the acquisition of shares in Ultrahaptics; Adarma on a management buy-out backed by Livingbridge; and Manx Telecom on its recommended cash acquisition by Basalt Infrastructure Partners.
Read more about us here: www.oakleyadvisory.com

Oakley is one of Europe’s leading independent corporate finance firms offering expert, specialist advice across a range of sectors including Telecoms, Technology, Online, Media, Digital Infrastructure and Hosting. We are unique in the mid-market in offering highly specialised sector insight and knowledge combined with our Equity Capital Markets capability, meaning we can provide the fullest possible suite of advice across both public and private markets. We also provide long-term equity capital markets advice, where we work intensively with listed clients to widen their institutional shareholder bases and develop their equity stories.
Recent transactions include KPN on its sale of its data centre subsidiary, NLDC; Cellnex on its acquisition of Irish towers business, Cignal; Onecom on an investment by LDC; Mayfair Equity Partners on the acquisition of shares in Ultrahaptics; Adarma on a management buy-out backed by Livingbridge; and Manx Telecom on its recommended cash acquisition by Basalt Infrastructure Partners.
Read more about us here: www.oakleyadvisory.com

Rothschild & Co is one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory groups. The group has three main divisions – Global Advisory, Wealth and Asset Management, and Merchant Banking.
Global Advisory provides expert advice to large and mid sized corporations, Private Equity, families and entrepreneurs, and Governments. Advisers design and execute strategic M&A and financing solutions for their clients, taking a long-term and independent view of the challenges they face.
The firm’s deep understanding of financial markets, the high volume of transactions it advises on, and its unrivalled network of 1,000 industry and financing specialists in over 40 countries provide clients with a comprehensive perspective to achieve their strategic goals.

Rothschild & Co is one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory groups. The group has three main divisions – Global Advisory, Wealth and Asset Management, and Merchant Banking.
Global Advisory provides expert advice to large and mid sized corporations, Private Equity, families and entrepreneurs, and Governments. Advisers design and execute strategic M&A and financing solutions for their clients, taking a long-term and independent view of the challenges they face.
The firm’s deep understanding of financial markets, the high volume of transactions it advises on, and its unrivalled network of 1,000 industry and financing specialists in over 40 countries provide clients with a comprehensive perspective to achieve their strategic goals.

Zeus Capital is an independent investment bank, providing expert advice to clients across a range of sectors and transactions on the public and private markets. As a result, the business has raised more than £6.1bn of debt and equity capital as sole or joint broker and/or book runner since 2013.
It focuses on providing clear and practical advice on IPOs, M&A, Debt Advisory, public to private, and secondary and private fundraising, across growing and established small to medium-sized companies. This is underpinned by its corporate finance, debt advisory, corporate broking, sales, trading and research functions.
In 2019 to date, Zeus has completed 29 transactions raising over £892m of debt and equity for corporate clients.
Supported by:

Zeus Capital is an independent investment bank, providing expert advice to clients across a range of sectors and transactions on the public and private markets. As a result, the business has raised more than £6.1bn of debt and equity capital as sole or joint broker and/or book runner since 2013.
It focuses on providing clear and practical advice on IPOs, M&A, Debt Advisory, public to private, and secondary and private fundraising, across growing and established small to medium-sized companies. This is underpinned by its corporate finance, debt advisory, corporate broking, sales, trading and research functions.
In 2019 to date, Zeus has completed 29 transactions raising over £892m of debt and equity for corporate clients.

Design Portfolio is a team of more than 60 communication specialists. We are strategic advisers, creative thinkers and compelling storytellers. We are trusted partners to companies of all sizes and all stages of growth, helping them to tell their unique stories effectively to their stakeholders.
We advise on strategic direction, create engaging narratives and memorable brands, and ensure that each client’s story is told consistently through:
- Corporate reporting
- Websites
- Branding
- Investor presentations
- Sustainability
- Video and animation
- Employee communications
www.design-portfolio.co.uk. Also find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
Supported by:

Design Portfolio is a team of more than 60 communication specialists. We are strategic advisers, creative thinkers and compelling storytellers. We are trusted partners to companies of all sizes and all stages of growth, helping them to tell their unique stories effectively to their stakeholders.
We advise on strategic direction, create engaging narratives and memorable brands, and ensure that each client’s story is told consistently through:
- Corporate reporting
- Websites
- Branding
- Investor presentations
- Sustainability
- Video and animation
- Employee communications
www.design-portfolio.co.uk. Also find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
Awards
the period under review is between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021
click on each award to view more information
tech deal of the year award
Sponsored by:

tech deal of the year award
Sponsored by

2020 winner: THG Holdings plc (The Hut Group)
2020 shortlist:
- Just Eat Takeaway.com
- Metaswitch Networks Ltd
- SDL plc
- THG Holdings plc (The Hut Group)
criteria
The winner of this award will have completed a significant commercial or corporate transaction during the period under review, which could include licensing, partnering, collaboration fundraising, IPO or acquisition of a company or IP. The deal would be significant in scope and transformational in nature and would have added significantly to the company or organisation’s prospects in the short, medium and long term.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech journalist of the year award
Sponsored by:

tech journalist of the year award
Sponsored by

2020 winner: Jamie Nimmo/Mail on Sunday
2020 shortlist:
- Martin Coulter/Business Insider
- Dan McCrum/FT
- Jamie Nimmo/Mail on Sunday
- Steve O'Hear/TechCrunch
criteria
This award is given to recognise incisive, accurate, regular and readable commentary, in what is clearly a specialist subject. In-depth knowledge of the whole of the UK tech ecosystem and being a recognised advocate for the sector is key.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech growth business of the year award
Sponsored by:

tech growth business of the year award
Sponsored by

2020 winner: TransferWise Ltd
2020 shortlist:
- The Access Group
- Boku Inc.
- GB Group plc
- TransferWise Ltd
criteria
The winner will be able to demonstrate organic compound annual revenue growth greater than 10% over the last three years and be profitable with a minimum revenue of £5m for the last accounting period. The Voting Panel will use qualitative as well as quantitative measures in determining the winner – and so will be looking for a company that has a quality management team, excellent financial performance and unique IP, or a great technology platform at the heart of the business, all of which are driving growth.
Nominees in this category will be asked to complete a submission form after nomination.
The form requests key financial information and some KPIs.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech for good award
tech for good award
2020 winner: Twinkl Ltd
2020 shortlist:
- Code First: Girls
- Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
- Kooth plc
- Twinkl Ltd
criteria
Today’s customers expect businesses to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes as well as commercial value. The purpose of this award is to recognise non-financial contributions to society through the use of technology. The winner of this award will be a company that has harnessed the power of technology to deliver beneficial social, cultural and/or environmental outcomes. It could be the foundation of the entire ethos of the company or a specific initiative that is generating positive results in the community.
Nominees in this category will be asked to complete a submission form after nomination.
The form requests key financial information and some KPIs.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech investor award
tech investor award
2020 winner: Hg
2020 shortlist:
- Herald Investment Management
- Hg
- IP Group plc
- LocalGlobe LLP
Criteria
This award recognises an individual or an organisation that truly understands tech and has demonstrated an ability to identify new and existing commercial opportunities across the sector. Their commitment and passion for the industry will be underlined by the investment decisions they have made, which will have led to strong commercial and profitable outcomes. They will understand value creation and possess a long term vision to help businesses grow, and will be able to demonstrate proven results, analytical skills, specialisation and deep understanding of the tech sector. This award is open to every individual or organisation that invests in the sector, be they angel investors, fund management groups, Private Equity, IP commercialisation organisations etc.
(This is a new award for 2020)
best use of tech in the digital economy award
Sponsored by:

best use of tech in the digital economy award
Sponsored by

2020 winner: Babylon Health
2020 shortlist:
- Babylon Health
- Deliveroo.co.uk
- Huma.com
- Revolut Ltd
criteria
The winner of this award will be a company that has harnessed the power of digital and disruptive technologies, including AI, IoT, robotics and blockchain to build or transform business models. It could be an established business that is using these new technologies to engage more effectively with its customers, or it could be a newer business that could only successfully exist and grow in the digital age. Engagement, connectivity and interactivity with its customers will be key.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech innovation of the year award
tech innovation of the year award
2020 winner: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd
2020 shortlist:
- Ceres Power plc
- Featurespace Ltd
- Onfido Ltd
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd
- WaveOptics Ltd
criteria
Innovation is at the very heart of the tech industry. This award is given to recognise those driving technological change and disrupting the status quo across all industries. The winner could be a start-up who has yet to commercialise the technology. Entrants should have developed the technology in house, added exceptional value, own the IP and demonstrate how it is redefining the industry, consumers or clients.
Nominees in this category will be asked to complete a submission form after nomination.
The form requests key financial information and some KPIs.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech businesswoman of the year award
Sponsored by:

tech businesswoman of the year award
Sponsored by

2020 winner: Elona Mortimer-Zhika/IRIS Software Group
2020 shortlist:
- Anne Boden/Starling Bank
- Anna Brailsford/Code First: Girls
- Luciana Lixandru/Sequoia Capital
- Elona Mortimer-Zhika/IRIS Software Group
- Xenia Walters/SDL plc
criteria
The winner of this award will be a strong role model for other women in the industry and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, CIOs and CTOs. She might be a leader of a tech company or technology function but plays a key role in championing technology and technological change within business. Her drive, energy and commitment will have been instrumental in developing new technologies or contributing to the company’s success.
Nominees in this category will be asked to complete a submission form after nomination.
The form requests key financial information and some KPIs.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
tech CEO of the year award
Sponsored by:

tech CEO of the year award
Sponsored by

2020 joint winner: Adolfo Hernandez/SDL plc
2020 shortlist:
- Steve Cliffe/Ultraleap Ltd
- Adolfo Hernandez/SDL plc
- Tim Steiner/Ocado Group plc
- Nigel Toon/Graphcore Ltd
criteria
The winner will have a clear passion for the tech industry, be an inspirational role model, determined and motivated with a strong vision and flair. The winner will provide that vital ingredient that has helped with the company’s success, inspire everyone around them and will be a prominent figure in the industry.
Nominees in this category will be asked to complete a submission form after nomination.
The form requests key financial information and some KPIs.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)​​​​​​​
tech company of the year award
Sponsored by:

tech company of the year award
Sponsored by

2020 winner: Revolut Ltd
2020 shortlist:
- The Access Group
- Ceres Power plc
- Frontier Developments plc
- Ocado Group plc
- Revolut Ltd
criteria
Tech companies are, of course, noted for their technological achievements, but the tech company of the year will have harnessed those achievements and produced sound commercial and financial success. The tech company of the year will be a fully accountable, well-managed business that has already gained recognition from analysts and investors, but will also have outstanding long‑term growth potential, with a sound strategy in place to ensure successful delivery of its commercial advantages and build shareholder value.
Nominees in this category will be asked to complete a submission form after nomination.
The form requests key financial information and some KPIs.
(For past winners of this award, see Archive)
nominations overview key dates previous winners
nominations open w/c Monday 26 April 2021
Voting panel
The virtual Voting Panel sessions will take place on Thursday 23 September and Tuesday 28 September 2021. Credentials of the panel members will be announced on this page in due course.
The event
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities sometimes become available including sponsorship of an individual award, sponsorship of the official drinks reception or sponsorship of the menu. Sponsorship opportunities are, by their very nature, limited. Costs and availability on request.
Hosting a table
Reservations will be available for tables of ten people. Numbers are strictly limited and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Advertising
Advertising in the brochure is welcomed and enables your key messages to reach a highly targeted audience. The event brochure is available on the night and contains details of the names of all attendees, in alphabetical and table order. Thus it is widely used as a corporate finance reference guide for up to a year after the event.
Bespoke sponsorship opportunities
We offer a range of bespoke sponsorship packages, tailor made to suit your marketing objectives and budget. Further information on request.
COVID-19
We were unable to hold the UK tech awards in 2020 due to the global pandemic, COVID-19. Instead, we conducted a digital campaign which was hosted on our social media channels and deemed a huge success. All being well, and subject to Government Guidelines we hope to be able to meet in person this year at the UK tech awards on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Jo Thomas
Managing Director
Ford Sinclair
Enquiries
If you wish to be added to the waiting list for a forthcoming event or for any other information, please get in touch.
Key details
On the night
Date
Wednesday 3 November 2021, subject to government guidelines
Venue
Park Plaza Hotel
Westminster Bridge
London SE1 7UT
Start time
6.30 p.m. – Drinks reception
7.30 p.m. – Dinner
1.00 a.m. – Carriages
Dress code
Black tie
Charity collection
A charity collection will be taken up during the course of the evening and Gift Aid forms for UK taxpayers will be provided to all guests. For those who prefer, an online donation page will also be provided. Please note that we are currently unable to accept any donations by credit card on the night.
supported charities
Getting there
By public transport
Tube stations:
Westminster or Lambeth North (seven-minute walk to venue)
Circle, District and Jubilee lines (Westminster only)
Bakerloo line (Lambeth North only)
Rail station:
Waterloo (seven-minute walk)
By road
Park Plaza Westmister Bridge, 200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7UT
Sat nav: SE1 7UT
The venue is in a Congestion Charge zone.
There is limited car parking facilities on site at Park Plaza.
24-hour public parking is available at:
Britannia car park, SE1 7EL
Waterloo car park, SE1 7NN
Accommodation
Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge: exclusive rates for bedrooms may be available for guests attending the event and further information will be available in due course.
Location
Key dates
w/c Monday 26 April 2021
nominations open
Friday 18 June 2021
nominations close
Friday 6 August 2021
submission form deadline
Thursday 23 & Tuesday 28 September 2021
voting panel meeting
Wednesday 29 September 2021
shortlist announcement
Wednesday 3 November 2021, subject to government guidelines
UK tech awards 2021 ceremony and winners’ announcement
Latest media
Charity
2020 charity collection
We are delighted to announce that a total of £9,446 was raised at the UK tech awards 2019 which was shared equally between our two supported charities, bccs and YoungMinds.
bccs: bccs provides highly professional and well‑supported Social Workers and Counsellors to help children and young people who are in need.
bccs works in the East End of London and Essex with children, young people and their families and schools to help them overcome emotional difficulties, behavioural problems and their root causes. The prime focus of the work is to provide an early intervention service to enable them to address difficulties that may be impeding their educational, social and emotional development.
YoungMinds: YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. They exist so that young people have the strongest possible voice in improving their mental health. YoungMinds strive to make sure everything, from Government policy to practice in schools and services, is driven by young people’s experiences and aspirations.
YoungMinds support parents to help their children through difficult times, they equip professionals to provide the best possible support to the young people that they work with, and empower young people to change their world.
Gallery
recent images from the UK tech awards







































































































































