Celebrating Excellence in Culture: Answer Digital's Triumph at the GP Bullhound Northern Tech Awards
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We are absolutely delighted to announce that Answer Digital has been honoured with the Judges' Award for Cultural Excellence at the 2024 Northern Tech Awards, hosted by GP Bullhound. This accolade is not just a win for our team; it's a celebration of our unwavering commitment to nurturing a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being and development of our people.
The ceremony was held at the historic Manchester Cathedral, serving as a gathering point for the tech community and highlighting the dynamism and innovation of the Northern tech ecosystem. The event drew 250 notable CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from the region, providing an insightful display of talent and ingenuity.
Presenting to the award panel, our CEO, Richard Pugmire, shared insights into our unique culture, emphasising what makes Answer Digital a truly special place to work. The judges recognised our efforts in creating an environment that fosters not only professional growth but also personal well-being, embodying our philosophy that 'the answer is always people.'
Employee Ownership: Building Together, Sharing Success
One of the key differentiators of Answer Digital is our unique ownership structure. Unlike most consultancies, we are an employee-owned business. This means that our success is built by our people, for our people. Instead of creating a massive wealth divide, we have crafted a culture that rewards teamwork and challenges the traditional business models prevalent in the industry. Beyond moral or ethical reasons,our approach is designed to help us better understand, and consequently deliver, superior results for our customers.
Employee ownership ensures that everyone at Answer Digital has a stake in our collective success, fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued. This ethos directly challenges traditional hierarchical business structures, allowing us to cultivate a workplace culture that prioritises inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.
The Answer Academy: Empowering Career Changers, Graduates, and Returners
Our commitment to people is further exemplified through The Answer Academy. For the past 10 years, this programme has been empowering career changers, graduates, and returners with the tools and support they need to thrive in the tech industry. The training doesn't stop at 12 weeks – we continue to offer support and learning opportunities well beyond the initial programme.
Three of our principals have progressed through The Answer Academy, showcasing the potential for career growth and development within Answer Digital. The Academy isn'tjust about imparting technical skills; it's about helping individuals find their passion, supporting them on their journey, and nurturing their long-term careers.
Championing Diversity: A Dedication to Hiring the Best People
We believe that diversity is crucial to building a strong, innovative team. In the last year, 60% of our hires have been women, bucking the trend for the tech industry anddemonstrating our dedication to recruiting the best people. This achievement is a testament to our inclusive hiring practices and reflects our commitment to creating a diverse workforce that drives creativity and innovation.
Continuing Our Journey
The Northern Tech Awards' eleventh edition was a memorable night that celebrated the success stories of tech firms across the North of England and Scotland. As a part of the tech community, we at Answer Digital are inspired by the spirit of resilience and innovation that thrives here. We extend our congratulations to all the winners and participants of the awards, whose contributions help make our region a powerhouse of technological progress.
We are proud to be recognised for our cultural excellence and are excited to continue our journey, creating an empowering and supportive workspace that resonates with our values and mission. Learn more about our mission and efforts to embody a culturally rich, innovative environment: