Businesses unite in support of #21toWatch initiative
With less than a month to go until the award nomination’s deadline closes, the ecosystem in Cambridge and across the East of England has united in support of the #21toWatch 2021 campaign.
The #21toWatch campaign, initiated by PR and Communications agency cofinitive, raises the visibility of the inspiring and pioneering people, companies and ‘things’ across our region. The list of nominations has grown each year, as has the support from sponsors and partners.
Faye McDonough, Principal, BOOST&Co Cambridge said: “We’re delighted to once again sponsor cofinitive’s #21toWatch Awards, shining a spotlight on entrepreneurship across Cambridge and the East of England. The region’s stories of innovation have been a great source of hope in a challenging year, so we look forward to celebrating the achievements of its remarkably resilient people, as well as the companies and ‘things’ they create.”
Penningtons Manches Cooper are also proud to once again be supporting #21toWatch for the third consecutive year. Partner in the commercial, IP and IT team Rachel Bradley explained “As a law firm with innovation at its core, we are thrilled to once again be a part of #21toWatch! Penningtons Manches Cooper is dedicated to supporting the technology and life sciences sectors in Cambridge and the East of England and we are delighted to support this fantastic initiative celebrating the cutting-edge people, companies and ‘things’ from across the region.”
Founder of cofinitive, Faye Holland told us “What began as a campaign to help perhaps the lesser-known people and companies in the region, has developed into a highly respected and recognised initiative. We are privileged to receive such great support from our sponsors and partners”.
One of those partners includes James Parton who said “#21toWatch has quickly established itself as the perfect way to discover the future breakout stars in the world-renowned Cambridge entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Bradfield Centre are delighted to continue our support and good luck to all the shortlisted finalists!”
Speaking of the campaign, Faye explained “Not only are we highlighting all the amazing work going on in the region, but we are also seeking to facilitate connections and a network that will truly benefit those on the #21toWatch list. Whether they are Top21, shortlisted or longlisted, those featured have received new levels of funding, mentors, partnership opportunities, interest from new clients and more.”
She continued: “We are delighted to have returning sponsors and partners for 2021, but equally excited to also be welcoming a raft of new supporters in 2021 including Kao Data, Taylor Wessing and the globally-recognised programme for tech innovators, Impulse.”
Spencer Lamb, Vice President at Kao Data said “Kao Data provides the infrastructure that underpins innovation, which is why we are delighted to be sponsoring the #21toWatch Awards 2021, because what they are doing is truly ground breaking.”
Gemma Dorling, project manager of #21toWatch told us that as with previous years many submissions come from Cambridge-based companies. However, the campaign is open to all entrepreneurs and businesses across the East of England. So it is not surprising that cofinitive has gained support from partners around the region including Tech East, Engage East and Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor.
Tim Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at Tech East , said: “We love #21toWatch – year after year it spotlights the region’s hottest companies, killer apps and innovation leaders showing time and again that the East of England is one of only a select handful of places in the world where you can really make a dent in the universe.”
Other returners from 2020 include Cambridge Judge Business School , Foresight Group , Birketts , Impact Women’s Network , and here at Cambridge Independent we will continue our involvement as media partner for the campaign.
Nominations for entries close at midnight on Friday 15th January 2021 and can be submitted via the form on www.cofinitive.com/21toWatch. There are three categories – People, Companies and ‘Things’ from which the final #21toWatch (seven from each category) will be selected by an independent judging panel and announced at a bespoke hybrid event on Thursday 4 th March 2021.
The post Businesses unite in support of #21toWatch initiative appeared first on 21toWatch.
