Press Release:
13th Big Chip Awards extends range into North East and across the North Calls for entries for digital excellence from North East companies by 7th March
The Big Chip Awards for companies excelling in the use of digital technology are calling for entries from the North East for the first time. The awards, now in their 13th year, have extended their reach from their North West origins to cover the North of England.
The organisers are inviting companies from all sectors across the North to submit their entries for the 2011 awards online at www.bigchipawards.com
Since the gradual introduction in previous years of specific awards for companies outside the North West, interest outside the region has been has been growing.
In response, this year’s awards call for entries from any company, organisation or initiative in the North of England – anywhere north of Derby and south of Scotland.
Following their most successful year yet in 2010, which attracted a record 257 entries, 2011’s awards ceremony looks to be the biggest and best to date. Categories will be judged by a panel of leading industry figures chaired by New Media Age Editor in Chief Michael Nutley.
The call for entries is to digital companies and creative agencies and any organisation or business which has undertaken digital initiatives in the past year – everything from a company website to digital marketing to an iPhone app. Two new categories reflect important sector changes - Best Use of Mobile, Best Use of Social Media.
Entries are submitted online at www.bigchipawards.com. The first two entries are free. Subsequent entries cost £85. The closing date for entries is Monday 7th March 2011.
The Big Chip Awards will be announced at a luxurious awards dinner on Thursday 16th June at the Palace Hotel, Manchester. The awards’ progress can be followed on Twitter @BigChip2011 and with hashtag #BigChip2011.
Organised by trade association Manchester Digital, with support from regional bodies such as Liverpool Vision and the Manchester Digital Development Agency, the awards are open to any organisation based in the North that has designed or commissioned any digital projects in the past year. This can include website, DVD, animation, wireless, and SMS projects.
Chair of Manchester Digital, Shaun Fensom, said: “This year it is time to respond to the interest outside the North West and to extend the reach of the Big Chips into the North East and right across the North.
“Despite tough economic conditions, it’s very exciting to be ushering in the 13th Big Chip Awards – digital excellence has never been so important both to the health and competitiveness of our economy, and in the way we live our lives.
“The move this year of five BBC departments into MediaCityUK, including Future Media and Technology demonstrates the growing importance of the North to national and international digital sector and provides a host of commercial opportunities for Northern companies.
“Last year’s awards were the largest ever for submissions, sponsorship and attendees. “The growth of The Big Chip Awards celebrate how forward thinking digital companies and creative agencies across the North are taking the lead in creating the technology that will define our future.”
“I’m especially proud of our new Little Chip Award, the North of England has an incredible range of excellent higher education institutions and a large pool of talented students and it’s really important to recognise their achievements – today’s students are the creative talent of tomorrow.”
For further media information and images please contact Andrew Spinoza or Max Howard at SKV Communic
