Kim Leary, the founder of Squibble, a creative design agency based on Colmore Row in Birmingham, has been recognised as one of the 100 most influential people in the UK’s digital industry. This accolade was awarded by the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA), a leading organisation representing the tech and creative sectors in the UK.
Kim, who founded Squibble in 2010, was honoured in the CEO and leaders category for businesses with annual turnovers of up to £5 million. Her recognition on the BIMA 100 list for 2024 highlights her significant contributions to promoting the technology industry in the Midlands.
In addition to her role at Squibble, Kim is a co-founder of the Midlands Marketing Awards and serves as the chairperson of Tech WM, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the tech sector in the West Midlands. The BIMA 100 list is an annual recognition of individuals shaping the future of the UK’s digital industry, with this year’s winners celebrated at a central London ceremony on May 21.
The citation for the CEO and leaders category commended Kim’s outstanding leadership, noting how she has fostered an environment of support and excellence within her company, leading to significant advancements.
Squibble, under Kim’s leadership, offers a range of digital services and has collaborated with prominent clients, including the Birmingham City Council for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Forensic Pathways, and GRG Executive Search. Kim’s involvement with Tech WM includes efforts to address gender imbalance in technology and promoting the West Midlands as a hub for innovation. She is also among the senior leaders promoting Birmingham Tech Week, the UK’s largest regional tech festival, set to begin on October 21 this year.
The Midlands Marketing Awards, co-founded by Kim, celebrated its inaugural event last September in Birmingham, bringing together 150 local marketers. The awards focused on inclusivity and diversity, with over half of the judges being women.
Kim said:
“I am committed to driving innovation, promoting diversity and making a real difference in the technology and marketing sectors of the West Midlands so I am delighted to be placed among the individuals who are shaping the future of Britain’s digital industry on the BIMA 100 list for 2024.
“As a female business founder, I continue to encourage women to progress in tech in the Midlands and the wider UK so I hope this recognition will encourage others to join an industry which can provide stimulating and rewarding career opportunities.
“It means a lot to be recognised in this prestigious way by such a well-respected organisation as BIMA and I will build upon it by continuing to foster a collaborative and innovative ecosystem.”
Kim Leary
BIMA, known as “the voice of tech and creativity,” represents members across business, charity, and education sectors in the UK. The association aims to drive innovation through knowledge sharing, showcasing best practices, and developing talent.
