With support from Business Gateway and SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority), the awards seek to recognise the achievements of businesses, public bodies and charities in seizing the opportunities offered by digital technology, while applauding those who are excelling in their digital transformation journey.

There are 12 contested categories in this year’s competition, with the breadth reflecting the extent to which digital technology has become integral to business and public life in Scotland. Categories cover areas ranging from charities and social enterprise via education and training to apps, social media and artificial intelligence.

And there is also an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Digital Community.

One of the biggest winners last year was Screenmedia, which was named Digital Agency of the Year for the second time in succession. It was one of three awards lifted by the agency on the night, alongside its success in the Best Mobile Application and Consumer Engagement categories.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at the Business Gateway National Unit, said: “The 2019 Scottish Herald Digital Business Awards offers a fantastic opportunity through a wide range of categories and acknowledges the breadth and depth of digital expertise within Scottish business communities.

“As Scotland’s national digital skills programme for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), DigitalBoost are thrilled to be sponsoring the awards once again. Small and medium enterprises are fundamental to the growth of the Scottish economy. Given this important and valuable role, it’s vital that the people and companies driving this forward and embracing the opportunities offered by digital technology are recognised properly for their success.

“I would encourage any business to seize this opportunity to showcase their excellent digital strategies by putting themselves forward for the awards.”

Business Gateway will be supporting the E-Commerce award this year.

Since their inception in 2008, the awards have grown in popularity and stature and have become a key date in October for the Scottish business community.

Those entering this year will hope to follow last year’s winners, which included Blackwood Homes and Care, which walked away with the Charity and Social Enterprise Award, and Giglets Education, winner of the Education Award.

Back supporting the Education Award again is SQA. Derek Houston, regional manager at SQA, said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the transformative impact which technologies can have on learning experiences.”

The awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner on Wednesday October 23 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

The categories are: E-Commerce Award (sponsored by Business Gateway); Business Award; Charity & Social Enterprise Award; App of the Year; Consumer Engagement Award; Public Sector Award; Education & Training Award (sponsored by SQA); Emerging Talent Award; Best Use of Social Media Award; Innovative Use of AI Award; Digital Professional of the Year Award; Digital Agency Award; Outstanding Contribution to the Digital Community.

The closing date for entries is Friday August 16, 2019. Full details are available at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/digibiz/ or by calling Holly Rutherford on 0141 302 6019.