At the Xero Awards UK 2022, we’re shining a light on our Xero partners who have gone above and beyond – and not just for their clients, but also for giving back to their community.

For the second year running, we have the Community Impact Award, celebrating a UK-based accountant or bookkeeper for their impact on the community. This award will give you the warm and fuzzies, and it aligns with one of our core Xero values – human.

If this sounds like you, get your entry in before Friday, 10 December.

Introducing Together in Tech

To judge our Community Impact Award this year, we are proud to introduce Petra Higgins and Yota Trom from Together in Tech. Together in Tech is a London-based not-for-profit organisation, founded on the desire to create a community that resembles the world we want to live in – diverse, hopeful, empathetic and kind.

Since launching in 2019, Together in Tech – a team of optimists – have successfully created a community of 5,000+ empathetic and curious humans. Built on the premise of giving people a place to connect, they host workshops, meetups, talks and other events.

The aim is to encourage diversity in the sector and empower those to succeed in the business world by creating a space where people of all genders can come together, exchange knowledge, empower and support each other.

Petra is an Application Support Engineer at Zuora and volunteers for Together in Tech to help organise events to empower others to develop their careers in the tech sector.

Yota is the founder of Together in Tech, and a leadership coach, specialising in building high-performing teams and developing emerging tech leaders. Combined with 13+ years of leadership experience, Yota has held a variety of senior roles within high-profile companies, such as Amazon and Yahoo. She has a deep understanding of the tech industry and a passion for new technologies.

Community with impact

As guest judges for the Community Impact Award, Petra and Yota are both looking forward to partnering with Xero and learning about the positive work that our partners are doing.

“We can’t wait to meet the finalists – we know we are going to be completely inspired by what everyone has been doing. The chance to connect with some amazing people and companies is something we are really looking forward to.”

Like Xero, connection and community is at the heart of everything that Together in Tech do. Over the last two years, a sense of community has been fundamental to navigating the stress and uncertainty that has come along with the pandemic.

When we asked Petra and Yota what they were looking for when judging the Community Impact Award, they agreed: “We’re looking for companies with a genuine passion and desire to help out their community and make a positive impact on society. We would like to see companies going above and beyond their day-to-day so that those around them can benefit from their efforts.”

When asked what advice Together in Tech would give to any practice nominating themselves, their message remains clear – be authentic!

“You have already done the hard work, now’s the time to show off and capitalise on your efforts. Show us all the awesome work you’ve done and the positive impact you have made on those around you.”

Don’t be afraid to pick your best foot up… and then put it down forward

Together in Tech bring to light imposter syndrome. It’s something they have seen come up frequently within their community and wish to address when encouraging partners to put themselves forward for this award.

“Don’t be afraid to nominate yourself, even if you’re convinced that other organisations are out there doing bigger things than you have. If you have done something that contributes to your community, share it with us!”

Together in Tech put it perfectly – your actions will set an example for others to learn from and be inspired by. They, along with Xero, will cheer you on no matter what the outcome.

Entries are closing soon

Entries for the Xero Awards, including the Community Impact Award, close on Friday 10th December. Finalists will be announced virtually in early February, and winners will be announced in April. Dates and details coming soon.

Learn more about the Xero Awards and get your entries in today.