Regional tech network Dynamo North East confirmed the winners of the annual Dynamites at its annual gala dinner at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on Thursday night.
The Dynamites are the North East’s foremost tech awards, showcasing the region’s talent and shining a spotlight on its best people and businesses. Opencast was named as the winner in both the 'growth explosion' and 'equalities, diversity and inclusion' categories.
In winning the 2023 growth award, Opencast became the first business to be honoured in that category in two consecutive years. The award, sponsored by LDC, celebrates “growth and success of IT and tech organisations in the North East – job opportunities, building companies, expanding through wider field projects”. Finalists alongside Opencast were Solutions Performance Group, Razorblue and Seriös Group.
The past year has seen rapid growth at Opencast, with significant increases in both financial performance and people numbers – and today the business employs almost 500 people. Opencast is aiming to be a £100m+-revenue, 1000-person business by 2026, hiring new people in more locations and opening more offices across the UK.
Welcoming the double award win, Opencast chief executive Tom Lawson said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been named as the winner of two awards at the 2023 Dynamites. I am immensely proud of the whole Opencast team for this double win.
“It is brilliant to have our growth recognised by Dynamo for a second year running. It has been another stand-out year for the Opencast business, despite challenging market conditions, as we have grown our client base and continued to respond to demands from clients and partners for help in tackling their challenges."
Sponsored by Gateshead College, finalists alongside Opencast were Marra and Gateshead Council.
Opencast head of culture Sheena Widdowfield, who leads the company’s work on diversity and inclusion, said: “It’s brilliant news to have our team’s efforts on equality, diversity and inclusion recognised as it is an absolute priority at Opencast. We work tirelessly to help achieve an equitable and inclusive business and aim to offer opportunity for all, in and beyond the North East. We hope that our work supporting everyone to thrive helps to show others what can be done on this crucial agenda.”
Opencast was also named as a finalist in the sustainability in tech category. “To be shortlisted on sustainability is recognition of the efforts of our team on this critical issue,” said Tom.
“This year we have taken a big step forward in achieving formal recognition as a purpose-driven business, after submitting an application to become a B Corp. Opencast has always been a purpose-driven business – and we want to make life better through the power of people and technology.
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at this year’s Dynamites. We will always be proud of our North East heritage – and it is a privilege to be part of a community that includes these brilliant organisations and individuals. Big thanks to Dynamo North East for the continuing work it does promoting technology business excellence in the region.”
Opencast provides services in user-centred design, software, digital & technical delivery, data architecture, DevOps, and cloud & platform engineering. With a team approaching 500 people, it supports clients in government, healthcare, and business, offering expertise in digital customer experience, data architecture and product and service innovation. The company was founded in Newcastle in 2012 and now has offices in London, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Key Opencast clients include HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions - and this year it has added the Department for Education and the Ministry of Defence to its list of government clients. It also works with health sector clients including NHS England, eConsult and GMDN.
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