Cosmic wins national BT technology Award

A company in Honiton has won a national technology award from BT for innovation in technology.

Cosmic, (www.cosmic.org.uk) a social enterprise offering IT services across the South West, was announced as the winner of the BT Get IT Together Award in this year’s Technology4Good Awards, organised by AbiltyNet.

The award, sponsored by BT, recognises inspiring UK-based organisations which are supporting digital inclusion activities by enabling and encouraging people to get online.

Cosmic, of East Devon Business Centre, Heathpark Way, is an ethical IT company which offers a diverse range of services including web development, tech support, training and consultancy. All profits are directed back into the community helping to fund projects that enhance internet use and computer skills among local people.

Julie Hawker, chief executive at Cosmic, said: “Cosmic is passionate about sharing IT skills and the services we provide to the community drive our work. We are always looking for new, innovative ways of spreading IT knowledge in order to provide the best possible support to others.

“We are very proud to be chosen as the winner of the BT Get IT Together Award and we can’t wait to continue sharing our research and best practices with people all over the country and the world.”

Anna Easton, BT’s programme director, Connected Society, said: “The quality of applications we received this year was outstanding. We believe in the power of digital connections to improve society by creating access to information, education and employment opportunities. It is hugely encouraging to see organisations across the UK working together to help people gain the skills and confidence they need to share these benefits.

Cosmic stood out as a pioneering, innovative and inspiring example of a social enterprise creating wide spread impact in the community.”

Over the course of 16 years, Cosmic has carried out numerous projects in the community. These pioneering projects include ORBIT Space Shuttle, a mobile vehicle which provided training across rural areas and recently, a more skills-based approach called Digital Mentoring which is a user-centered teaching approach.

The scheme has seen great success and is now being replicated locally, regionally and nationally.