The finalists have been announced for The Herald Scottish Digital Business Awards 2016 in association with DigitalBoost, with projects from across Scotland and beyond featuring in an eclectic shortlist that celebrates the important role that digital technology plays in business.

For the past eight years, the awards have rewarded organisations and agencies who have successfully developed their business and client base through the use of digital technology. The Herald is delighted to be working with DigitalBoost, Business Gateway, Enigma People Solutions, Wheatley Group, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), SQA, FanDuel and s1jobs to continue to celebrate the tremendous talent in Scotland by hosting the awards, on Thursday, October 20 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

Hugh Lightbody, on behalf of DigitalBoost said: “Congratulations to every business that has been shortlisted across all categories. The standard of entry has, yet again, been extremely high and reflects well on the quality of the digital sector in Scotland. The final will be a real celebration of the work that Scottish SMEs are doing in this exciting industry.”

This year saw a record number of entries and judges said they were overwhelmed with the innovative projects and calibre of the entrants.

This year’s panel were heartened to see projects created for the greater good of charity organisations with many campaigns seeing massive growth on social media.

The expansion into international markets, and work with clients such as EDF Energy, World Health Organization, Financial Times, Edinburgh Festival and Glengoyne Distillery reiterates the importance of the industry and the talent within it.

David Mains, director, Enigma People Solutions, offered his congratulations to this year’s finalists for Digital Agency of the Year. “As ever, this category is a celebration of digital leaders with impressive client lists,” he said. “I continue to be in awe of Scotland’s digital agencies capacity to innovate and excite.

Eileen McLaren, vice president of engineering at FanDuel, added: “Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted for this year’s awards. Once again, the standard of entries was very high, showing that Scotland is continuing to lead the way in digital excellence and innovation.”

Evelyn McDowall, digital lead at Wheatley Group said: “We would like to congratulate all the finalists in the Charity and Social Enterprise category at the Scottish Digital Business Awards. At Wheatley Group, like many other successful businesses across the country, we are always looking for new ways to engage with our customers online.

“We know digital technology, combined with creative and innovative thinking, can provide life-changing services and support to the people who need it most. The shortlisted entries in this category are outstanding examples of what is possible in a digital world and we wish all of the finalists every success.”

Kelly Milford, regional manager at SQA commented: “The quality of the entries for the 2016 Herald Scottish Digital Business Awards has been impressive, making the judging very difficult. We have read about some great work in large and small businesses across Scotland and how they make the most of the opportunities that digital technology can bring to them and their customers.

“I’d like to add my thanks to all those who submitted entries and congratulate those who have been short-listed as finalists for the awards ceremony in October.”

Stuart Robertson, director of digital at HIE, commented: “Congratulations to all the businesses shortlisted across all the categories. There is a fantastic breadth of new and exciting work being created using digital platforms. The final will be a showcase both for the quality of the creative work in Scotland and to highlight the benefits of digital for the SMEs who are embracing it.”

All finalists are listed on the website.