Claire McBride, Account Executive at Fujitsu Northern Ireland, and recent judge at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards reflects on the awards and the sector’s up-and-coming talent.
Fujitsu was delighted to be part of one of the biggest celebrations of Northern Ireland’s technology sector at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards – from a sponsor, judge, and finalist point of view! Taking place last month at the MAC Belfast, the awards brought together the best of what NI has to offer, whilst also highlighting the up-and-coming talent that we have in our innovative IT sector.
As an organisation Fujitsu focuses on encouraging and empowering young people in IT roles through our various talent development and community engagement programmes, so it felt fitting that we should sponsor the ‘Young IT Professional of the Year’ award.
I was delighted to take part once again in the judging panel and find out more about the fantastic people and projects that are encouraging and inspiring progress in the sector. In the Young IT Professional category, we were looking for someone who demonstrated their commitment and initiative within their role and an individual who continues to make a significant contribution to their team or organisation.
Ellen Marks from ubloquity – a leading blockchain company - gained the top spot on the night, and we can’t think of anyone more deserving. In typical Ellen fashion, she became Young IT Professional of the Year and a new mum in the same week and Rob Chester, CEO at ubloquity said she was overjoyed to be recognised;
Congratulating Ellen, Rob Chester CEO of ubloquity said;
“Ellen is a talented up-and-coming leader and we’re chuffed that her star quality has been recognised. She was our very first employee when we launched the company a year or so ago and her confidence and skills set has gone from strength to strength.
"At ubloquity, we embrace smart people, smart processes, and smart tech, focusing our energy and resources on the things that matter. We have a flexible, family friendly culture, where the team is empowered to problem solve and be creative. Ellen epitomises that approach. She has thrived since joining us, showing real tenacity and determination to get things done. Alongside her natural people skills, she has continued to develop her understanding of IT, recently qualifying as a scrum master.”
This is a headliner award which will help inspire the next generation of tech talent. Through our own educational initiatives and client support across the Northern Ireland public sector, Fujitsu is committed to developing the next generation of IT professionals and empowering them with the essential practical skills to thrive in the ever-evolving digital sector.
Alongside my duties on the judging panel and our sponsorship of the Young IT Professional award, I was particularly proud of my fellow colleagues who were shortlisted. As a company we were thrilled to be shortlisted in the IT Services Company of the Year category. Fujitsu breathes innovation, we collaborate with customers to create new ideas and cutting-edge technology to deliver the best public services for our customers and we were delighted to be recognised in this category.
Our very own Neil Atherton was also shortlisted in the IT Professional of the Year category. A true role model committed to technical excellence, Neil is a prestigious distinguished engineer at Fujitsu, dedicated to helping organisations digitally transform and he thoroughly deserved his nomination.
Congratulations to the organisations and individuals who were deserving winners.
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