Dynamo awards shine on North East talent

A North East awards ceremony has celebrated standout achievements across the region’s fast-growing technology sector.

The North East Tech Awards, known as Dynamo’s Dynamites Awards, returned to Newcastle for its twelfth year, drawing 450 attendees to the Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall despite heavy snow and sleet. 

Organised by Dynamo North East, the region’s largest tech network, the event recognised innovation, growth and excellence across 14 categories, attracting 88 entries.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian Gary Delaney and supported by headline sponsor Accenture UK.

The evening opened with remarks from Dynamo chief executive Dr David Dunn, who congratulated finalists and winners and announced the next Dynamo North East Tech Charity Dinner, set to take place in Sunderland in March 2026 to raise funds for the organisation’s Digital Inclusion Fund.

David, pictured below, said: “What a brilliant night celebrating the North East’s tech community, with 450 people coming together to recognise the region’s brightest talent and most innovative businesses.

“Events like the Dynamites are a brilliant way to showcase the achievements of those who are driving growth and flying the flag for North East tech across the globe, and last night certainly proved that, with so many remarkable people and businesses taking to the stage to share their successes.”

Judges’ chair and Hays Travel chief technology officer Taya Reynolds, alongside Accenture UK’s regional technology lead Helen Baker, also addressed guests, with Helen highlighting the global firm’s long-term commitment to the North East since establishing its Newcastle base in 1995.

Speaking passionately about the region, Helen said: “What a lovely evening honouring the achievements of some amazing organisations in the North East – a true showcase of creativity, digital expertise, and world-class innovation. 

“As Dynamo members we have a long relationship with the organisation and were incredibly proud to be the headline sponsors for The Dynamites for the first time. 

“We’ve had a wonderful time celebrating the worthy winners and can’t wait to come back next year!”

Awards were presented to a diverse mix of organisations, from major tech employers to emerging startups and businesses with impressive in-house digital teams. 

The Marketing Impact award, sponsored by Creo Communications, was one of two new categories for 2025 and was awarded to Seriös Group. 

Izy Herrera, head of marketing, was presented with the coveted stick of Dynamite and said: “When I joined Seriös Group at the start of this year, my goal was to grow our brand and share the amazing work that we're doing in the data space.

“Our partnership with Sunderland AFC was a key part of that strategy, and we created a campaign that not only has increased our brand awareness but also put our work with the Club on a global platform. 

“The results went beyond expectations, and it's such a career highlight for me to receive this award, and our work being recognised.”

Paul Callaghan CBE, co-founder and chair of the Leighton Group, was presented with the prestigious Tech Champion Award later in the evening. 

He said: “I’m genuinely honoured to receive this award. 

“Any recognition like this really reflects the brilliant people I’ve had the privilege to work with across Leighton Group companies and Sunderland Software City over many years. 

“I would like to thank Dynamo North East not only for this award but also for everything they do to support and grow our region’s tech community.”

The event once again showcased the strength, ambition and collaborative spirit that continue to drive the North East’s thriving tech community. 

The full list of Dynamites Awards 2025 award winners were as follows:

Best Use of Data & AI, sponsored by Neptune North

Winner – Transmission Startups

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, sponsored by UK Tech Cluster Group

Winner – Sunderland City Council

Growth Explosion, sponsored by LDC

Highly Commended – SafeCall

Winner – tombola

International Success, sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson

Highly Commended – mkodo

Winner – SaleCycle

Tech Startup, sponsored by Sage

Winner – OnlyCat

Project Excellence, sponsored by Leighton

Winner – Scrumconnect Consulting and the Department for Education (DfE)

Remarkable Innovation, sponsored by Lenovo

Highly Commended – OnlyCat

Winner – XR Therapeutics

Outstanding Workplace, sponsored by Gateshead College

Winner – Leighton

Rising Star, sponsored by Scott Logic

Highly Commended – Yevheniia Hutorova, LM Global

Winner – Benjamin Stringer, Bulien

Skills Developer, sponsored by Sunderland Software City

Highly Commended – Layers Studio

Winner – Gateshead College

Marketing Impact, sponsored by Creo Communications

Winner – Seriös Group

Tech Champion, sponsored by Accenture UK

Winner – Paul Callaghan CBE

Tech for Good, sponsored by tombola

Winner – FloKi Health

People’s Choice

Winner, with 14 per cent of the overall vote – Ian Tweedie of Capgemini

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