WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2005 by serial entrepreneur Nicky Wake, Don’t Panic started life as a small team working from a second bedroom. Since then, the company has grown steadily into an international events business, shaped by a long-standing commitment to creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
Today, Don’t Panic delivers a wide range of events, including award ceremonies, conferences, networking events, and exhibitions. Alongside client projects, the company also owns and produces its own portfolio of established awards programmes, many of which are recognised worldwide. Everything the team delivers is supported by hands-on experience, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for bringing people together through well-crafted events.
THE NORTHERN DIGITAL AWARDS
The Northern Digital Awards were launched in 2015 to celebrate the outstanding digital talent across the North of England, shining a spotlight on the agencies, brands, and in-house teams delivering exceptional work in a fast-growing and highly competitive industry. What began as a regional celebration quickly became a recognised mark of quality, championing the creativity, innovation, and technical excellence that define the northern digital sector.
Since their launch, the awards ceremony has been hosted in key northern digital hubs including Manchester and Leeds, bringing together agencies, brands, and technology leaders from across the region to celebrate success, share ideas, and recognise the work shaping the future of digital.
In 2026, the Northern Digital Awards expanded to reflect the strength of the wider northern digital community, opening entries to organisations across the North of the UK, including Scotland, and continuing to champion the vibrant digital clusters throughout England. This evolution allows the awards to better represent the scale, diversity, and influence of digital talent across the region, while staying true to the original mission of celebrating work created in the North.
