SOMERSET businesses that showcase innovation in the technology sector have been encouraged to enter the annual South West Tech Awards. 

The awards are returning for their fourth year to celebrate the region's fastest-growing sector. 

Awards on offer include Best Start-Up, Women in Tech, MarineTech, Commitment to Diversity, Workplace Culture, AgriTech, Tech For Good, FinTech, and Commitment to Talent.

Businesses from Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset are eligible to enter. 

Last year, Singer Instruments, a Watchet-based biotech firm, won the Workplace Culture Award. 

CEO Harry Singer said: “The Tech South West Awards are the biggest event in the tech calendar for anyone working in or around tech in the South West of England.

“Our team was delighted to win the Workplace Culture Award last year in recognition of our flexible working arrangements and staff benefits including our ‘Equity for Nerds’ scheme, and zero-notice time off policy for last minute surfing opportunities.

“The South West is fast becoming one of the top destinations in the UK for ambitious tech organisations to grow.

“The Tech South West Awards are testament to the depth and breadth of innovation, talent and boundary-pushing creativity that make the South West tech ecosystem such a key player on the global stage.”

Last year’s Tech South West Awards took place at the immersive dome in Devonport’s Market Hall after over 200 entries were received. 

Other winners included Brixham-based firm ARC Marine, Bristol microplastic pioneers Matter, Cornish offshore specialists Feritech Global, and Bristol ecommerce fulfulment company Huboo. 

Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming will be the headline partner for this years awards, having been involved with the annual event since its creation in 2019. 

Pippa Clarke, Head of Technology, Innovation, and Growth at Bishop Fleming, said: “Relationships are a hugely rewarding aspect of our work with tech businesses.

“We know so many people across the sector, it’s right for us to support the community, and we’re delighted to increase our support for Tech South West. 

“As Headline Partner for the awards, which we have supported from day one, we will continue to help the community celebrate success.”

PR Agency Astley Media will be this year's first supporting partner, while tech recruitment specialists CA Tech Talent will be the drinks reception sponsor. 

Alongside the main categories, the Cluster Awards will celebrate tech initiatives and organisations operating in particular local areas. 

The launch of this year's awards come shortly after Tech South West released a report estimating that the region's technology sector could create nearly 125,000 new jobs and contribute around £20 billion a year to the economy by 2026. 

Local businesses can enter the awards at www.techsouthwest.co.uk/awards-2022. 

Shortlists will be announced in September and details of the awards ceremony will be confirmed during the summer.