CHIEF executive of Web Applications UK, Craig Dean, has won a regional tech industry award.

Craig, who is also chairman of Hack Oldham and a director of Oasis Community Learning, was awarded the Leadership Award at the Big Chip Awards organised by Manchester Digital.

Other winners on the night included household names such as Co-op Digital and BT.

Craig spoke of his surprise and gratitude for the support of his staff.

“What’s made me so happy is to see these tech companies recognise how important it is for us to actively support people into the industry – particularly young people,” he said.

The awarding body commented: “The values Craig has created in his organisation, his passion for the younger generation, and how he has created a culture of learning and innovation is really fantastic.”

Craig’s win continues a successful spell of accolades for Web Applications, who were also awarded the prestigious Investors in People hallmark earlier this year and the Princess Royal Training Award in 2017.

Craig’s dedication and innovative approach to employee learning and development was a key part of the win so it is fitting that it also comes as the 2018 Web Applications UK industrial placement cohort begins their training.

The placement students, on a sandwich year from university, will spend 12 months in industry and develop an intimate understanding of working at a software development house.

To-date the scheme has launched the careers of hundreds of young engineers, many of whom have gone on to occupy senior roles at Web Applications and throughout the sector.

: On 4 July 2018 Craig Dean, Chief Executive of Web Applications UK, won the Leadership Award at the Big Chip Awards, a regional tech industry awards competition organised by Manchester Digital. Craig, who is also Chair of Oldham makerspace Hack Oldham and a Director of Oasis Community Learning, spoke of his surprise and gratitude to his staff.

Other winners on the night included household names such as Co-op Digital and BT. Craig said: “What’s made me so happy is to see these tech companies recognise how important it is for us to actively support people into the industry – particularly young people.”

The awarding body commented “the values [Craig] has created in his organisation, his passion for the younger generation, and how he has created a culture of learning and innovation is really fantastic.” Craig’s win continues a successful spell of accolades for Web Applications, who were also awarded the prestigious Investors in People hallmark earlier this year, and the Princess Royal Training Award in 2017.

Craig’s dedication and innovative approach to employee learning and development was a key part of the win so it is fitting that it also comes as the 2018 Web Applications UK industrial placement cohort begins their training. The placement students, on a sandwich year from university, will spend 12 months in industry and develop an intimate understanding of working at a software development house. To-date the scheme has launched the careers of hundreds of young engineers, many of whom have gone on to occupy senior roles at Web Applications and throughout the sector.