Celebrating Tech Success

The 2022 South Coast Tech Awards have revealed the top tech businesses in a region rapidly gaining global recognition for its growing expertise in the tech sector.

The gala dinner, hosted by The Business Magazine and attended by over 170 finalists, sponsors and guests, was held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl on 23^rd June.

Richard Thompson, Managing Director at The Business Magazine, highlighted the calibre of entries to the awards. He said: “A few years ago, tech was never a sector that you could say was synonymous with Southampton and the South Coast. But that has all changed. We have been truly impressed with the companies who entered this year’s awards. They are shining examples of the diversity of tech in the South Coast.”

Host for the evening, comedian, podcaster, playwright and BBC Radio 4 regular Lucy Porter had the audience in stitches from the start and maintained a steady stream of one-liners throughout the evening as she introduced each award category.

Southampton Science Park, a long-term supporter of these awards, sponsored two categories.

Business Development Director, Jane Holt, presented the award for Tech Start-Up of the Year, which was won by Lifelight developed by Xim, a former Southampton Science Park Catalyst company. Judges applauded its “impressive technology and proven benefits, clearly evidenced to us and with scalable solutions. We can’t wait to see what this company does next.”

Chief Executive, Robin Chave (our very own ‘silver fox’ according to Lucy Porter!), was delighted to present Giganet with their award for High Growth Tech Company of the Year. Judges commented that this was, “a high-growth business that has proactively reacted to the increased need for the infrastructure to be put in with funding, growth in employee base and increasing contract base. A really strong entry with impressive growth figures.

Reflecting on the evening, Robin remarked: “I congratulate the whole team at The Business Magazine for bringing the tech community back together for what was a really good night. There was so much talent from across the region clearly in evidence that I believe there’s a real case to make it even bigger and better next year.

I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the companies that were shortlisted or announced as winners in what proved to be a tough competition. In particular, I would like to highlight the success of companies associated with the Science Park, namely: Science & Technology Company of the Year Absolar, double award winner Xim, and finalists AccelerComm, Maverick Aviation and OTB Vendors. Well done to all.”