BIMA not only made me feel included but also rewarded for the all the work I’ve been trying to do to push digital and user experience in the North. Tom
1. Describe how it felt to be named as one of the BIMA 100?
For the last few years, I’ve felt like I’ve had my head down, plugging away at organising design meet-ups, coming up with talks, mentoring students – all sorts of things to interest people in digital design in the North East. Sometimes it feels like there’s so much to do and so little time. When I found out I’d won it really took me by surprise and really made me take a step back and look at some of the things I’ve accomplished over the last few years. It was a nice pat on the back from the industry and just what I needed to keep me going and make me want to do even more in the future.
It feels great to be included in such an elite group of people, and humbled as there are some really impressive people on the list.
2. What’s the single biggest impact being part of the BIMA 100 has had on you?
In my day-to-day life it’s really helped give me that extra confidence boost I needed. I moved out of London five years ago and moved to Newcastle, at times it can feel like the far end of the world and cut off from the heart of the industry in London. BIMA not only made me feel included but also rewarded for the all the work I’ve been trying to do to push digital and user experience in the North.
3. How have you benefitted from interacting with other BIMA 100 members?
I certainly benefitted from meeting and interacting with the other members on the BIMA 100 night and certainly made some useful contacts. Up in the NE I am a little cut off from other members and events that go on in London – they always look so interesting in the emails!
4. Complete the sentence: I would recommend nominating someone you know for the BIMA 100 because…
Our industry can be a thankless place at times and it’s easy to get lost or forget what a valid contribution you’re making to the world. We’re genuinely making the world and people’s lives better and the hardest working or the most inspiring should be acknowledged for that commitment.
5. Complete the sentence: Being a part of the BIMA 100 has been an invaluable experience because…
It has inspired me to keep going and continue to mentor and inspire people about the exciting opportunities in digital. I’ve felt like I’m in an incredible company and it’s made me want to keep going above and beyond 🙂