THE finalists are today revealed for the 2019 edition of The Herald Digital Business Awards, in association with DigitalBoost.

Now in their eleventh year, the awards are designed to highlight the impact made by Scottish businesses and public sector organisations in adopting the latest digital technology.

This year’s awards are being held in partnership this year with Business Gateway and SQA, with the winners to be unveiled at a gala dinner on Wednesday October 23 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

The 2019 finalists come from companies and bodies around the country. Thirteen awards in total are up for grabs, with the evening set to climax with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to the Digital Community Award.

Contested for the first time this year are the awards for Emerging Talent and Innovative Use of AI (artificial intelligence).

Hugh Lightbody of Business Gateway National Unit, sponsor of the Business Award, said: “The finalists for this award have all risen to the challenge of embedding digital technology into their business operations, demonstrating their understanding that digital innovation can help to promote business growth and efficiency.

“Each finalist is working to an exceptionally high standard and I am looking forward to hearing more about their ground-breaking digital business strategies.”

Derek Houston of SQA, which is sponsoring the Education & Training Award, said: “The quality of the entries has been impressive, making the judging very difficult.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating with the finalists and recognising the innovative ways that they use digital platforms to enhance education and training.”

Mr Lightbody, whose organisation is also sponsoring the E-Commerce Award, added: “Each of the finalists for this award has demonstrated exceptional understanding and implementation of e-commerce, setting a positive example for their respective industries.

“They have worked hard to meet the criteria of the E-Commerce Award and deserve our congratulations for reaching this stage.”

The winners of the 2018 awards included Glasgow-based Screenmedia, which was named Digital Agency of the Year for the second time in a row.

Andrew Conway of Blue2 Digital was named Digital Professional of the Year.

For more information on The Herald Digital Business Awards, including how to attend, visit www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/digibiz/ or call Holly Rutherford, events executive, on 0141 302 6019.