The eighth Scottish Digital Business Awards in association with DigitalBoost are now open for entries, as we hunt for Scotland’s best digitally-focused businesses at this year’s prestigious event awards.

Organised by The Herald, the awards offer a national showcase for the best in digital business whether through social media, app development or e-commerce sites.

This year’s awards are supported by DigitalBoost, Business Gateway, Enigma People Solutions, Wheatley Group, FanDuel, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and SQA.

The 12 awards recognise the success of organisations of all sizes in seizing opportunities offered by digital technology and the internet. Since their inception in 2008, the awards have grown in popularity and stature and have become a key date in the business calendar.

Last year’s winners include Digital Six for ETB Technologies for its responsive website; Spider Online for its work with myjobscotland; and Storm ID, which was crowned Digital Agency of the Year 2015.

Business Gateway is supporting the E-Commerce award this year, and chief officer Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at for the Business Gateway National Unit, said: “Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer for the Business Gateway National Unit said: “The rapid developments in digital technologies, and their applications for all businesses, can have a positive impact.

“The DigitalBoost programme, which is delivered across Scotland by Business Gateway, is about raising awareness, increasing knowledge, developing skills and assisting the adoption of digital technology amongst SMEs, enabling them to enter new markets and increase business efficiencies. To date, hundreds of Scottish SMEs have attended free DigitalBoost events and 1:1 adviser sessions bringing new expertise to their businesses and we would encourage more to do the same.

“DigitalBoost are proud to title sponsor the awards this year and would urge agencies and business to get involved.”

The Business to Business category which is supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise will reward an organisation that can best demonstrate the effective implementation of digital platforms and tools in a business capacity.
Stuart Robertson, director of digital at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “Stuart Robertson, Director of Digital at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “HIE is delighted to be sponsoring the Business to Business category. Technology and online products provide businesses of all sizes, and across all sectors in Scotland with huge opportunities to innovate the way they work. One of HIE’s roles is to show how digital services can be accessible to everyone, and to help businesses make the best use of them. We can’t wait to see the applications for this award, we’re sure they will be inspiring.”

The awards also place importance on showcasing Scotland’s commitment to learning through the Education & Training Award, supported by SQA.

Janet Brown, SQA chief executive said: “Harnessing digital technology can bring many benefits to business, including the upskilIing of employees. SQA is committed to working with the digital skills industry, business and the education and training sector to provide relevant qualifications and innovative ways of assessing them,that will help people and businesses to realise their potential and to achieve their ambitions.”

The awards will also highlight up and coming talent through the launch of the Student Award which will be supported by global leader in fantasy sports, FanDuel.

Eileen McLaren, vice-president of engineering at FanDuel, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Student Award again at this year’s Herald’s Scottish Digital Business Awards, last year’s entries set a high standard so we look forward to seeing more inspiring, creative ideas and projects. Scotland’s digital sector is full of talented individuals and companies who are producing world-class innovations, these awards help to recognise their hard work and achievements.”

The Charity and Social Enterprise Award is this year supported by the Wheatley Group to celebrate an organisation using digital technology to drive social good in Scotland and beyond.

Evelyn McDowall, digital lead at Wheatley Group, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Charity and Social Enterprise category at The Herald Scottish Digital Business Awards 2016.

“The digital world is ever changing and is core to everything we do at Wheatley Group: from online services for customers, social media, to free computer learning centres in our communities. We recognise the importance of digital connectivity and the positive impact it has on our customers’ lives.

“This award will showcase how digital technology, combined with creative and innovative thinking, can provide life-changing services and support to the people who need it most.”

Another key category is the Digital Agency Award, supported by Enigma People Solutions which will reward the agency that is judged to have carried out the most advanced digital innovation in Scotland.

David Mains, Director, Enigma People Solutions, said, “We are proud to continue our 8 year association with the awards – the Oscars of the Scottish digital world. The Herald Scotland Digital Business Awards are an integral part of the digital community in Scotland and we believe that it is important to recognise the contributions of businesses large and small to this vital part of Scotland’s economy.”

This year’s categories in full are: Business to Business Award sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise; E-Commerce Award, sponsored by Business Gateway; Charity and Social Enterprise Award sponsored by Wheatley group; Public Sector Award; Best Mobile Application (includes Games); Consumer Engagement Award; Education & Training Award sponsored by SQA; Student Award sponsored by FanDuel; Out of Home Award; Best Use of Social Media Award; Digital Professional of the Year Award; and Digital Agency Award sponsored by Enigma People Solutions.

The closing date for entries is August 25, 2016.

Full details are available at www.herald-events.com/digitalawards or by calling Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407.