Britain’s leading technology proponents are gearing up for the fifth annual FDM everywoman in Technology Awards, created to drive awareness of the sector’s career opportunities and to encourage higher numbers of women to work in the industry. Entries are now open and there are awards for women at all stages of their career – from young high-fliers to start-up founders and leaders within large corporate organisations.
The tech industry is considered one of the most exciting and forward thinking career paths and one which is crying out for fresh talent; statistics show that the UK tech sector witnessed the greatest increase in business activity in the fourth quarter of 2013 for almost a decade and nearly 44% of UK tech firms stated they planned to hire more staff in 2014. Yet, despite the recruitment necessity and the rewards that a career in technology offers in terms of fast pace, diverse opportunity and high earning potential, the sector continually struggles to attract women.
Recent research into women in technology reiterated the importance of role models, citing a strong correlation between having a role model and having leadership aspirations, along with the importance of networking. For too many women in IT there aren’t enough role models in their own companies, so the FDM everywoman in Technology Awards play a key role in uncovering women working in the industry who will inspire others to excel in their careers.
The FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are free to enter and two new categories have been launched for 2015. Categories for 2015 are:
- Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by ARM
- Inspiration of the Year – sponsored by VMware
- Leader of the Year – sponsored by BP
- Rising Star of the Year – sponsored by American Express
- Start-up Founder of the Year – sponsored by salesforce.com
- Innovator of the Year
- Team Leader of the Year
And new for 2015:
- The One to Watch
- International Leader of the Year
Entries are open from 2 September until 3 November 2014 and full details are available online.
Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman comments: “Previous winners have shared with us the impact their award win has had on their business and their careers with many being promoted on the back of the recognition it has brought. The awards have grown exponentially since launch five years ago and have uncovered dozens of role models that will inspire future female tech stars to follow in their footsteps.”
Sheila Flavell, chief operating officer of title sponsor FDM Group states, “FDM is delighted to continue sponsoring the everywoman in Technology Awards, allowing us to recognise and reward outstanding women and their achievements in the industry. Gender balance in the workplace is vital to the UK’s economy; it improves communication, accelerates productivity and drives innovation. It is inspiring to see more women taking on high powered positions and becoming role models to females at the beginning of their IT careers. At FDM, we are committed to supporting our workforce regardless of gender and recognise the lack of women in the industry as a whole. This is why we launched our global Women in IT campaign, which is already encouraging and supporting more women to enjoy a long-lasting and rewarding career in IT.”
The 2014 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards ceremony will take place at a dinner on 17 March 2015 at the Hilton Park Lane preceded by an all-day conference where key figureheads in business will debate the issues affecting women in technology.
