HEAR FROM 2024 WINNERS
Need help crafting your entry? We asked our 2024 winners what winning feels like and for their top tip for entering the awards. Who knows better about how to create a winning entry than the people who won last year!
Winner of Financial Services Project of the Year
KPMG
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
Winning UK IT Industry Award alongside our Client was an incredibly proud and rewarding moment. It felt like a true testament to the strength of our partnership, the trust we built, and the collaborative effort that went into delivering real impact. Being recognised together by such a prestigious body in the industry validated not only the innovation behind the project, but also the way we worked as one team with a shared vision. It was a milestone that highlighted what’s possible when client and partner are fully aligned—and it’s an achievement we’re both extremely proud of.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
My top tip would be: focus on the story behind the work. Of course, outcomes and innovation matter—but what really stands out is the journey. Be clear about the problem you were solving, how you collaborated (especially if it was a joint effort), and the impact it had on people or the business. Judges are looking for authenticity, not just impressive metrics. Show your passion, be honest about the challenges, and let your teamwork shine through—it’s often those real, human elements that make an entry memorable.
Winner of Rising Star of the Year
Grace Robinson, IBM
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
It was incredible to win the Rising Star category at the UK IT Industry award last year. I was immensely proud and felt a sense of accomplishment having my hard work, dedication and perseverance recognized by industry experts on a national stage. Becoming a winner gave me a surge of confidence and motivation to continue to develop myself, my skills and my career, driving me to move roles and take on more leadership within my organisation.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
My top tip for anyone entering the UK IT Industry awards this year would be to ensure that they spend time really understanding the criteria and expectations of each award they are nominating for and ensure that their application meets/showcases these criteria. It’s useful to include any stats or metrics that you can to help provide solid evidence of the impact you as an individual or the project you’ve worked on has had, helping you stand out above others.
Winner of Engineer of the Year
Pete Cornish, Deloitte
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
It was lovely receiving recognition from industry and acknowledgement of contributions both inside and outside the day job. I’ve been at the firm for 19 years, and an open source contributor for longer. Nowadays my motivation stems from how meaningful the work is – the ‘mission’ – and overcoming challenges in getting it done. When you’re moving projects every few years, the main source of feedback is our internal career process, which gives you a sense of how you’re doing in some aspects of your engineering contribution. It can be hard to understand the external impact you’re making without an independent perspective. The award was reassurance that I’m spending time on the right things and a prompt to reflect on what I want to do for the next couple of decades.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
In the interview with the judges, they seemed to hone in on a common theme running through the sections in my submission. In my case, this was ‘community’ – open source project maintenance and contributions, time growing the Engineering Craft community, and propagating and measuring good practice by creating and sharing internal tools. I’d love to say this theme was intentional on my part, but in truth, this was a thread the judges picked up during our discussion. My advice for future applicants would be: think about your common theme in advance of writing your submission, and craft the responses around it. Validate this comes through and makes the submission sections feel cohesive when reviewing your piece with the fantastic Deloitte team who support you through the process.
Winner of Digital Transformation Project of the Year
UK Power Networks
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
We are delighted to celebrate our award win which is a testament to the progress our IT staff have made. Whilst UK Power Networks is seen by many as an electricity company, our growing digital presence means we are continually advancing to meet the evolving demands of our customers and continue to provide a first-class customer service as the industry strives to meet Net Zero.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
Make sure you have real-life use cases and impact to the customer. In 2024, our Smart Connect portal reduced the waiting time for over 83% of applications from an average of 10 days to a matter of minutes - these are award-winning figures!
Winner of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award
Imran Mirza, Bank of England
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
I feel deeply humbled in winning the award. The recognition is not just about me but the collective efforts of the organisation to drive meaningful change within the DEI space; testament to the culture we are building; one of inclusivity, opportunity, and equity. The recognition has inspired me to continue pushing boundaries and advocating for positive change in the industry.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
My top tip for anyone entering this year is to be yourself and ensure your passion comes out throughout the process. Stick to the word counts and utilise resources within your organisation and on the BCS website. Authenticity and measurable results will set you apart.
Winner of Security Professional of the Year
Connor Morley, Glasswall
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
Winning a UK IT industry Award was one of the greatest recognitions of my work that I could strive to achieve. Being highlighted by my peers in the industry for the contributions I have made to help increase overall security capabilities was a humbling moment which I am not soon to forget.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
It is important to try and not undersell yourself, technical professionals tend to consistently underestimate their impact on the industry. Anyone who has passion for their work, likes to answer difficult questions with “I will find out” and always aims to better others understanding of complex subjects should have confidence to put themselves forward. Showcase your work, talk about it with vigour and don’t be afraid to get into the finer details with your peers.
Winner of Technology Refresh Project of the Year and Sustainable Innovation of the Year
BT Openreach Technology
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
Receiving the accolades for ‘Technology Refresh Project of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Innovation of the Year’ was both gratifying and inspiring, especially given the strong competition from leading industry peers. These awards further reinforce Openreach’s commitment to its vision of connecting homes and businesses through Full Fibre, driving broader economic and social benefits.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
It is important to adopt a holistic approach that encompasses not only the technological innovation but also the broader implications of the solution. Emphasis should be placed on the overarching vision, the contribution of the solution toward defined objectives, and its execution within the allocated budget and timeline. The citation should comprehensively detail the use cases and substantiate the technological, commercial, and social impact of the solution with relevant data, while also highlighting the distinctiveness of the product or programme.
Winner of Best Place to Work
Aviva
How did it feel to win a UK IT Industry Award?
Our hard work was validated. Always doing the right thing has paid off, filling us with pride and showing the strength of our teamwork. It highlighted the impact we've made and let the team see the positive impression they've created in the industry. The whole experience was a genuine career highlight.
What is your top tip for anyone entering this year?
My top tip for people entering this year is to just be yourselves. All the hard work has already been done, the judges are fantastic at putting you at ease, and your impact will speak for itself. Our submission was strong because we involved the whole team, and it was a true reflection of our journey. We used data and portrayed our authentic journey. I felt proud presenting that, and I already felt like a winner there and then!