Hear from some of or winners from the 2024 edition of the Digital Technology Leaders Awards, who spoke to us about how it felt to win an award with Computing, and also provided advice on entering a winning entry!

Tracy McAvoy, Destin Solutions

Winner of the Best Automation Project

How did it feel to win a Digital Technology Leaders Award?

It felt amazing and unexpected to win the award, especially as we were up against some serious industry heavyweights. As a smaller tech business we just didn’t think we would stand a chance of winning and felt we were punching above our weight. When the development team found out they were absolutely thrilled, it gave them a real boost highlighting the hard work and effort they had put in to developing a unique solution to a complex customer problem.

What is your top tip for anyone entering the awards?

Ask yourself whether what you have delivered is genuinely innovative, is it something which hasn’t been done before or unique in some way. Be able to demonstrate tangible outputs and results, incorporate soundbytes or testimonials from key stakeholders to show the impact of the project from different perspectives. Highlight the obstacles and challenges you have had to overcome in delivering the solution or project.

Matthew Ansell, Triad Group Plc

Winner of the Digital Transformation of the Year Award

How did it feel to win a Digital Technology Leaders Award?

We were so proud to win this award that we ordered a 2nd trophy!  It was an amazing feeling to be selected by our peers.

What is your top tip for anyone entering the awards?

My top tip to anyone entering this award would be to tell a story that makes your entry stand out. Whether it’s an innovative approach, impressive results, or a unique perspective, don't be afraid to share your struggles, challenges, and how you overcame them. And always include evidence for every claim you make.

Sanjay Singh, Openreach Technology

Winner of the Most Successful Environment Project

How did it feel to win a Digital Technology Leaders Award?

The whole team was ecstatic and motivated to continue contributing to the nation by connecting people. The award was a corroboration of the Openreach’s vision of connecting 25m business and homes by 2026, and the wider positive impact across businesses and families.

What is your top tip for anyone entering the awards?

Top tip for anyone entering the awards would be to not look at the product/solution just from a technology perspective but from a holistic view covering technology, society, and commercials. In addition to solution approach, one must elaborate on the impact the solution brings (backed by statistics), along with uniqueness of the solution/product/programme.

Tom Clark, Ardonagh 

Winner of the CTO of the Year Award 

How did it feel to win a Digital Technology Leaders Award?

The achievements of the team across the past year have been phenomenal, and whilst this is in an individual award, in reality its recognising the effort, skills and output of the team I work with. I was elated that we received this recognition.

What is your top tip for anyone entering the awards?

Put yourself in the shoes of the judges who have to compare many entries against a set criteria, to draw out how you exceed those in a clear, succinct way.