The winners of this year’s Leeds Digital Festival Awards have been revealed, with individuals and organisations across Yorkshire recognised for their contribution to the region’s growing tech scene.
Hosted by talent specialists byProduct and law firm Ward Hadaway, the awards brought together businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders to celebrate progress in digital innovation.
Entrepreneur of the Year went to Sarah Pawson, founder of Fruition Group and tech consultancy Enablis. Having launched Fruition IT in 2008 and Enablis in 2020, Pawson has spent more than 25 years working in the sector from her base in Leeds.
The Lifted Project won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award. The initiative supports underrepresented groups, particularly high-growth female founders, by providing mentoring, access to networks and routes to investment.
Start-Up of the Year went to Doza Consulting, a Leeds-based firm launched in 2023. The company has experienced early growth through its work in cloud, data, and full-stack engineering, already securing projects across multiple industries.
Andrew Maeer, founder of byProduct, said: “This year’s awards have been the strongest yet. The sheer quality and variety of entries underline just how far the awards have come in eight years. We’ve seen everything from large corporates like Lloyds Banking Group showcasing cutting-edge data innovation to early-stage companies such as Doza Consulting proving they can grow fast and deliver for clients. At the same time, individuals like Sarah Pawson are showing how leadership, vision and sustained effort can create lasting impact across the community.
“What makes me proudest is the sense of collaboration that runs through every winner and finalist. Leeds is at its best when it brings people together and that’s what these awards are all about, recognising those who are building, mentoring, investing and creating opportunities that will carry this region forward.”
Other winners included Lhasa, which was named Best Tech Place to Work, reflecting its reputation as a not-for-profit organisation with a strong culture and a mission-led approach to serving the pharma, cosmetics and chemicals sectors.
Lloyds Banking Group took home Tech Innovation of the Year for its data-driven work through its Centre of Excellence, while White Label Loyalty was named Growth Company of the Year following its international expansion with enterprise clients in retail and consumer brands.
Bill Goodwin, partner and head of IT/IP at Ward Hadaway, commented: “It’s always inspiring to see the drive and creativity of the people and companies behind our region’s digital economy. This year we also want to recognise Stuart’s huge contribution. His energy and commitment have been central to the festival and the awards from the very start.”
The evening also marked a milestone for Stuart Clarke, co-founder of Leeds Digital Festival, who is stepping down from his role as Festival Director after a decade.
Stuart Clarke said: “The awards have been a real highlight of my year since they began, and it’s bittersweet to be stepping back from my role as Festival Director after 10 years. But it’s also exciting to see both the festival and the awards continue to go from strength to strength. I’m hugely proud of what we’ve built together and look forward to seeing the next chapter.”
The ceremony took place at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, bringing together the people who continue to shape the digital future of Leeds.
