Winner: 9xb

Finalists: Teleware, Detectamet

INTRODUCING a new award for 2014, the Technology Business of the Year title was awarded to digital agency 9xb.

After years developing websites and marketing campaigns for customers, Harrogate-based 9xb has created its own content management system.

For the past two years the company, which employs a team of 38 staff, has been building Peracto, an enterprise level content management system and e-commerce framework.

The judges said 9xb has innovation at the centre of what it does, and how it operates.

They praised the company for having fostered a culture where employees are encouraged to take ownership, and are rewarded for sticking their head above the parapet, which has clearly been a major part of their success.

Prior to creating Peracto, 9xb has worked with a number of high profile established digital clients including Marks & Spencer, which the firm has worked with since 2009, and Hi-Tec which it has worked with for six years.

The Harrogate Business Park-based company has also work with Bathstore, Whittard of Chelsea, PING, BHS, Post Office as well as local brands such as Cityvisitor, Eddisons Chartered Surveyors and Harrogate Spring Water.