southern tech 100
“This will change the way we work”
The core principle behind the ‘Business Agility Concept’, is the use of software robots to automate the running of businesses. This is not the same as the latest ‘push’ by certain companies to reduce the number of jobs available, but should instead be seen as a redeployment of existing resources to maximise efficiency.
“We want to put humans on the stuff they should be doing, and robots on the stuff they should be doing”
So, cloud-based Robotic Process Automation ‘RPA’ will enable companies to use software robots to do the jobs they do best – the repetitive, process-driven tasks – whilst redeploying humans onto more interesting, value-added activities. Ultima feel that RPA will be a ‘game changer’ in the way technology can be used to improve service levels, by using automation within a cloud-based Software as a Service ‘SAAS’ model.
The award winners
Innovative Tech Company (under £50m), sponsored by Moore Stephens
Winner: Roc Technologies. Daniel Henwood, director at Moore Stephens announced the first award of the evening, presenting it to Nigel Kilpatrick while highlighting the following reasons for the decision: “This firm managed to almost double its turnover to £15 million in 2016, having developed a culture of continuously challenging the norm. It was able to demonstrate numerous examples of innovation, both externally for its clients, and internally for its own processes.”
Innovative Tech Company (over £50m), sponsored by Marks & Clerk
Winner: Prodrive. Pete Tibbles collected the award from Julian Asquith, partner, Marks & Clerk.
“All the finalists were very impressive, but the one which stood out for us has been involved in diversifying beyond its core
Miles Hewitt Boorman, Lee Atkinson, Scott Dodds, David Murray, Claire Vyvan, Stephen Ridley, Duncan White
business into a wide range of different fields. For example, it recently launched a carbon-fibre commuting bike which could go on to become the next Brompton bike.”
Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by Moore Stephens
Winner: ByBox. The winner, Stuart Miller, was not able to attend in person, so Miles Hewitt-Boorman, partner, Moore Stephens, accepted the award on his behalf.
“It was very difficult to come to a decision in this category; they were all fascinating business leaders. However, the winner has managed to build a team which is capable of running the business, allowing him to spend more time on development and growth. He has created a culture of curiosity, and actively engages and recruits people who want to be ‘disruptive’ in order to deliver best value to their customers.
“However, it’s not just about business – he also contributes to the wider economy by chairing a local business group, and being entrepreneur in residence at a local business school. He truly is a worthy winner.”
Ones to Watch, sponsored by Hiscox
Winner: Feefo. Alex Wheal, commercial client manager, Hiscox, presented the award to Kirsten Mclean.
“We were hugely impressed by the growth, ambition, and expertise of all three companies, but decided to give it to a brand which has deep roots in transparency, and is trying to help the world make better decisions. We are confident that this company will enjoy great success, and expect it to be one of the highest risers on next year’s Southern Tech list.”
Emerging Technology Company, sponsored by Barclays
Winner: DB Fusion. Tim Eltze accepted the award from Lee Atkinson, relationship director Tech Sector, Barclays, who said: “Although this is still a relatively small business, it regularly works with global companies to help resolve their problems with incompatible legacy IT systems, and hence punches far above its weight in solving complex issues”
Software Developer of the Year, sponsored by Hiscox
Winner: Neural Technologies. Stephen Ridley, senior development underwriter tech & cyber, Hiscox, presented the award to Luke Taylor.
“Any one of these finalists would have been a worthy winner, but the company which stood out for us continues to innovate and is able to use its core technology in new and interesting ways. It has managed to grow by self-funded acquisitions, without detracting from its core business focus.”
Future Stars Competition Finalist, sponsored by Southern Tech 100
Winner: Gold-i. David Murray, publisher of The Business Magazine, presented the final award of the evening to Tom Higgins, CEO Gold-i.
“This software company has demonstrated impressive growth and through its innovation continues to disrupt the Retail FX industry. Its success has already been recognised nationally, by National Entrepreneurial awards, and also as a winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2017
businessmag.co.uk 49
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