The annual Midlands Women In Tech Awards returns this October to celebrate the achievements of female pioneers working in the sector. The event will recognise women across 12 categories, who are pushing boundaries and helping to amplify the region’s tech scene.
Taking place on 9 October, the Midlands Women in Tech Awards aims to highlight the positive impact that women are having on the technology sector. Whilst also promoting the importance of a gender-balanced workforce in what is still a largely male-dominated industry.
Winners will be crowned in categories including Start-Up Founder, Tech For Good, Non-Coding Tech Professional, and Best Use of Tech in a Public/Private Sector Project. Young talent will also be recognised with Rising Star and Apprentice accolades handed out on the night.
Last year’s winners include Frankie Lewns, Co-Founder of Bloomwise Ltd – an app that supports mental health in the workplace – who picked up the Start-Up Founder of the Year. Natalie Scarlett, Founder of Black Heritage Support Service received the Tech for Good award for helping to provide large numbers of women in hard-to-reach communities with knowledge and training to enable them to start careers in the tech sector.
Paula Bedborough was crowned Tech Entrepreneur at the 2022 event for Secure Socialising, a smart keyless locker system that aims to provide women with safer experiences in hospitality venues. Paula helped to launch this year’s Midlands Women in Tech Awards on International Women’s Day. She spoke at the launch event, which took place at STEAMHouse; Birmingham’s new 100,000 sq ft facility that boasts five storeys of state-of-the-art facilities, office space, and business support.
Speaking about the return of Midlands Women in Tech Awards, Paula comments: “The Midlands Women in Tech Awards is an amazing event that is revolutionising the tech industry by recognising the exceptional talent and achievements of women. Although as a group we are vastly underrepresented in this field, the awards offer a platform for women to showcase their skills and make their mark in this rapidly advancing sector.
“Winning last year’s award was a defining moment for me. Not only did it boost the exposure of my product, but it also paved the way for me to advance in my career. As a proud recipient, I urge all women in tech to seize this incredible opportunity and apply for the Midlands Women in Tech Awards.”
The Midlands Women in Tech Awards is organised by BEvents, who run other established awards ceremonies across the region. This year also sees the return of Birmingham Awards; Midland Property& Investment Awards; and the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards. In addition to the introduction of the inaugural Inspirational Youth Awards, which is taking place next month.
BEvents co-founder, Anita Chumber, comments: “Women are making moves in the tech industry, and it’s something that needs to not just be recognised but celebrated. That’s why we’re so passionate about delivering an event that shines a spotlight on the innovative and pioneering women who are establishing themselves within the tech ecosystem.
Despite the gains, women are still only raising 15% of the total VC funding in the UK – last year reaching £3.6bn. It’s not enough, and we hope that by hosting this event and showcasing the true impact of female founded tech, we can add to the narrative that the region is not just a global tech player, but one that has women at its heart.
BEvents prides itself on delivering events that matter – events that bring together communities, encourage collaboration, and put the Midlands into the national spotlight! I can’t wait to see the fantastic entries for this year’s awards.”
Nominations for the Midlands Women in Tech Awards are now open, with 12 categories* up for grabs. To find out more about the event, which takes place at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on 9 October, and to apply, visit: www.womenintechawards.co.uk.
