THAMES VALLEY
TECH AWARDS
2023

Winner: Bridewell

“Organisations and their infrastructures are struggling with the increase in cyber threats, so demand for our services has increased. This, combined with our reputation as a strong employer that is focused on developing our staff has culminated in us being one of the fastest-growing cyber businesses. Another factor is that we try to be like an extension of our customers’ organisations. We make sure we are listening to them, which I think can be overlooked. We are not just delivering cyber solutions but also helping them to evolve. We are giving them what they want rather than what we think they need. One of our latest developments is cyber threat intelligence research which we use to prioritise attacks.” Scott Nicholson, Co-CEO

Bridewell
CyberCrowd
Cydea
Falanx Cyber
UTP Merchant Services
Xeretec

Winner: SafeToNet

“We’re thrilled to win. Our growth is being driven by new technology developed by Jesse Nicholson, our Chief Technology Officer. Our technology is keeping kids safe online by avoiding seeing or carrying out things they are going to regret. We have had lots of positive feedback from parents, including one couple who thanked us for helping to save their child’s life. We think our technology is unique as it can block video of child abuse taken in real time. The technology is being adopted in the UK and the US, but it’s a worldwide problem that we need to solve.” Ted Hailey, Chief Finance Officer

ALL.SPACE
Eseye
measurable.energy
Tapeeno
SafeToNet

Winner: AVK-SEG

“We’ve concentrated in the last four or five years on building strong client relationships and partnerships with companies like Rolls Royce. As demand for cloud storage has grown our power back-up services have expanded in line with that. We’ve expanded recently in Europe, particularly in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Cyprus. We have moved from using a lot of subcontractors to making acquisitions that bring the skills we need in-house. We’re also moving away from diesel generators to gas and battery storage so we can provide greener solutions.” Stephanie Dean, Services Contract Manager, Jon Norris, Head of Human Resources

AVK-SEG
CV-Library
MCS Rental Software
Square Health
WorkBuzz

Winner: Brainomix

“We started as a University of Oxford spin-off and our first commercial AI-based software for stroke treatment was available in 2016. In the last few years, we've seen major and broad adoption of the software. Our software takes a brain scan and in one minute generates outputs that allow physicians to understand where the stroke is and how severe it is. When the clock is ticking and physicians have to make decisions very quickly they have found our software makes them more confident and allowed them to take faster actions that give patients better outcomes. We are now using the technology to treat lung fibrosis.” Jeff Wyrtzen, Chief Marketing Officer

ALL.SPACE
Brainomix
Eden Research
Oxford nanoSystems
QBox Corp
SafeToNet

Winner: Wireless Logic

“We are expanding in Europe, Asia and the US by acquiring high-growth business start-ups. We add them to our business by working collaboratively. Our approach is to leave them as they are because the reason we bought them was we liked their culture. At the same time, we also integrate them so they feel part of our company. Our global expansion has been about following demand. Around 200 of our staff are in the UK out of a total workforce of about 500.” Rachel Stedman, Group Human Resources Manager, Tracey Sullivan, Group Learning and Development Manager

Eseye
ESP Global Services
IgniteData
Iris Software Group
Navtech Radar
Wireless Logic Group

Winner: Brainomix

“Winning this award reflects the pioneering work we are doing with AI in stroke treatment. We’ve taken the technology from a concept to something that has been clinically adopted in the UK, with the government very supportive of our rollout. We have recognised great opportunities in Europe, where we have had success in the last couple of years. In February, we achieved US Food and Drug Administration clearance which allows us to enter the US market. Having an Oxford heritage that is very much grounded in scientific and academic excellence is something the US market recognises.” Jeff Wyrtzen, Chief Marketing Officer

Brainomix
IgniteData
iLoF - Intelligent Lab on Fiber
OMass Therapeutics
Oxford BioTherapeutics
RSSL

Winner: Wirth Research

“Our next-generation refrigeration technology uses our EcoBlade. It is fitted to the edge of the shelf of a supermarket's open refrigerator display cabinet and limits the flow of cold air that goes into the aisle. It pays back within two years so has a strong competitive advantage. We’re rolling it out to more supermarkets. We're also developing the AirDoor. It's an air curtain around an entrance with sensors inside and out that measure the wind coming to the building and ramps airflow up and down to improve interior comfort. It removes the need for an overdoor heater. It is being trialled by a number of major brands.” Mark Fieldsend, Finance Director, Rob Roswell, Engineering Director

Highly commended: Eden Research

“2023 has been a good year for us as we achieved several important commercial and regulatory milestones. Progress has been seen in the number of new markets we have entered, the growing number of crop uses for our first two products, significant development progress on our next two products, and increased year-on-year sales growth. We are pleased to have unveiled our new sustainable seed treatment, Ecovelex, which will be applied to maize seeds to help protect this valuable crop from significant damage caused by birds, helping farmers to maintain their yields and manage their costs. This project is the result of three years of intensive development alongside our partner, Corteva Agriscience. The registration process is now underway with regulatory applications submitted in the UK and EU. We are working closely with the regulators and Corteva to bring this product to market as soon as possible.” CEO Sean Smith

Eden Research
MCS Rental Software
measurable.energy
Wirth Research

Winner: FSP

“Our values and people orientation has always been really important for us. We’ve realised that being a purpose-led, values-led company has given us rocket fuel and momentum that we didn’t expect but are really proud of. We have a human and inclusivity aspect coupled with excellence and ambition. The two sides are not mutually exclusive. Being in a profitable company that’s thriving is amazing, but doing the right thing is also really important to us. Our new headquarters in Reading has been impactful – our heart is in the Thames Valley.” Simon Grosse, CEO

FSP
IRIS Software Group
Perspectum
Planet-IT
Reaction Engines
Wireless Logic

Winner: Wireless Logic

“The biggest thing for us is how our CEO Oliver Tucker leads the business. It’s hard to put into words, but he is the culture of the business and the leadership team follows his example. He wants everyone to have a great career and be engaged at work. He makes sure everyone is taken care of. Our senior leadership team of four has an extended team of around 18 globally. Oliver and the senior management team visit all newly acquired businesses to meet everyone and talk about our plans. It’s a very open leadership team with good communications.” Rachel Stedman, Group Human Resources Manager, Tracey Sullivan, Group Learning and Development Manager

FSP Consulting Services
IgniteData
IRIS Software Group
Roc Technologies
Wireless Logic Group

Winner: measurable.energy

“Our turnover has increased significantly following Series A fundraising that allows us to expand and grow. The combination of hardware, software and machine learning in our plug sockets allows companies to automatically detect what is plugged in and where they can make savings. People are often shocked by how much they are spending on small power and by how cost-effective our system is. The payback period is less than a year. We’re looking to expand in Europe this year and the US at the end of next year.” Josh Eadie, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer

1-Fix
Cydea
measurable.energy
Oxford BioTherapeutics
Oxford nanoSystems
The School Photography Company

Winner: Reaction Engines

“Our growth plan is happening faster than expected. It’s being driven by the thermal management technology we have developed and the people we have recruited. They are amazing. We’ve attracted investment and have some fantastic backers supporting our growth. With that comes the ability to attract talent. Diversity and inclusivity is a massive part of our business – it underpins everything we do. Having a diverse workforce gives you that edge over other companies. Our workforce allows us to grow quickly and develop our technology.” Mark Wood, Chief Operating Officer

Brainomix
Bridewell
CV-Library
Eseye
Oxford BioTherapeutics
Reaction Engines
SafeToNet