2023 has been another incredible year for innovation in our community. We wanted to take a moment to champion and celebrate our members and some of their remarkable achievements by hosting the Plus X Innovation Awards 2023.
The awards stand as a testament to the relentless pursuit of positive impact and creativity within our community and brought together our visionaries, industry leaders, and groundbreaking innovators to spotlight their most exceptional successes and growth from this last year.
“Our innovation community is bursting with passionate people who have chosen to take the exciting and challenging path of entrepreneurship. They want to improve people’s lives, strengthen our communities, and make our planet a better place. The Plus X Innovation Awards recognises this, celebrates their incredible work and shines a spotlight on all they have achieved over the last year.” - Toby Kress, Innovation Director, Plus X Innovation
With six different categories spotlighting a range of different achievements, our Brighton member base nominated their own colleagues, friends and community players for each award, with our Co-CEOs making the final decision on the winners.
Take a look at the winners below.
Innovation in Business
This award recognises businesses that have made significant strides in their field, be it developing a new product or introducing a new process or system to an existing business.
Nominees:
Naurt
Cast Iron CAD
CmdShiftR
Studio Bosk
MarinaTex
Gomi
Simpler with AI
Volume Creative
WINNER: Simpler With AI
Founders Gareth and Mary have had a phenomenal year, including pivoting their business and engaging with businesses and individuals to empower them to gain back precious time by understanding how to utilise AI technology for their specific business needs.
Sustainability Champion
This award recognises businesses or individuals that have made a consistent commitment to sustainability, the circular economy, and the planet in their current business/role.
Nominees:
Fugu
Mint Interactive
MarinaTex
Gomi
Studio Bosk
Major Digital
Volume Creative
WINNER: Gomi
Gomi embody this award. From using plastic waste, to repairable products specially made from recycled materials, complete with a lifetime repair service is a gold standard of what all businesses should look like and strive for.
Business Growth Award
This award recognises businesses that through outstanding vision and leadership have achieved significant and sustained growth over the last year.
Nominees:
Naurt
Cosaris
CmdShiftR
Studio Bosk
Digital Khaos
Gen Z Media
Spared
Simpler with AI
Gomi
Silverstone Communications
WINNER: Cosaris
Cosaris’s remarkable vision and leadership have driven significant expansion over the past year. Despite challenges, it has successfully onboarded new team members, with plans to hire three more in the upcoming year. Its commitment to fostering a diverse and talented workforce reflects its dedication to sustained growth, building a robust team that actively contributes to expanding its network across industries.
Social Impact Hero
This award recognises businesses or individuals whose contribution to society has made a substantial positive difference to the lives of others within the last 12 months.
Nominees:
AudioActive
Kineo
Epiphany Content
Studio Bosk
Fugu
Make Real
Simpler with AI
Mint Interactive
WINNER: Fugu
Fugu, led by Managing Director Vicki Hughes, have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to positive change through their impactful work. Their recent double Gold awards win at the 2023 Pride awards for the innovative campaign for "The Big Shift," which advocates for sustainable energy practices, exemplifies Fugu's dedication to creating a substantial, long-term impact on public policy and the global community.
Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognises an extraordinary team member, employee, colleague or friend who has gone above and beyond to achieve outstanding results within their role within the last 12 months.
Nominees:
Naurt
Spared
Volume Creative
Cast Iron CAD
MarinaTex
Kineo
Mint Interactive
Fugu
WINNER: Dave Lock, Founder of Cast Iron CAD
Dave is an asset to the Plus X Innovation community. As he celebrates his 18th collaboration, and 53rd project working with others within our community it is only fitting that this innovative approach to collaboration be rewarded.
Leadership Award
This award recognises a CEO, Founder, leader or manager that has demonstrated strong leadership and excellent performance (financial, reputational, and/or employee engagement).
Nominees:
Remy Beaumont, Gen Z Media
Jack Maddalena, Naurt
Mary Kemp, Simpler with AI
Carl Clark, Digital Khaos
James and Jenny Kelly, CmdShiftR
Callie Tedder Hares, Volume Creative|
Kris Mitchell, Kineo
WINNER: Jack Maddalena, CEO of Naurt
Jack was nominated for the leadership in business award as he consistently motivates his team to achieve goals by showing up in a professional yet relatable way.
“I'm so proud of our community and the successes and challenges they've overcome this year. We appreciate that 2023 was a difficult year to navigate in many ways, so it was so joyful to polish off the year by celebrating collaboration, innovation and the brilliant businesses we have here. We look forward to celebrating once again at the 2024 awards!” - Kerry Lockwood, Location Manager Plus X Innovation
If you’re interested in joining our community of innovators and changemakers, then book in a tour of our Brighton hub.