SUNDERLAND businesswoman Victoria Smith has been recognised by Innovate UKโs Women in Innovation Awards for her game-changing software platform, which will revolutionise the live events sector.
The North East entrepreneur and mother of two is one of 50 women trailblazers chosen by Innovate UK to drive forward their business idea, benefitting from a ยฃ75,000 grant and one-to-one business coaching to help scale-up their innovation.ย
The 37-year-old was inspired to develop Gig Lab after seeing first-hand the challenges that venues and promoters face in the live events industry. From time poverty and complex logistics to disconnected systems, these hurdles often hold back independent venues from reaching their full potential. Gig Lab is her answer to these challenges; a transformative software platform designed to simplify event planning, streamline operations, enhance visibility and empower venues to focus on what really matters: creating unforgettable experiences for their audiences.
Victoria has always had a passion for live events, starting her career at 16 as a Box Office Assistant at Sunderland Empire. Her years working across the country for industry leaders like Live Nation, MAMA, and Academy Music Group taught her invaluable lessons in operations, strategy, and financial scrutiny, providing a solid foundation for her career.
Over time, she felt a pull back to her roots and independent venues where she spent her teenage years soaking up the sense of community and creative energy. Inspired by the freedom and agility of grassroots spaces, she embraced the chance to work in a world where decisions are made for the love of music and local culture, not just profitability. Itโs this passion for championing creativity, emerging talent, and the unique spirit of live events that drives everything she does today.
โIโm incredibly honoured to win the Innovate UKโs Women in Innovation Award and humbled to share my recognition alongside such incredible women developing scientific and medical innovations.
โThis award isnโt just about me, itโs about the incredible team at Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events, whose expertise and passion have been the foundation of everything we do. Iโm fortunate to work with such a talented group of individuals who share my vision of empowering independent and grassroot venues, and I couldnโt have achieved this without their dedication and support.
โThe timing of this award feels especially significant with Sunderland recently being named a Music City, a recognition that highlights the cityโs vibrant culture and its commitment to supporting the creative industries. Relocating Ghostwriter from Oxford to Sunderland has been a game-changer for us, opening up opportunities we couldnโt have imagined. With the backing of North East BIC, Innovation SuperNetwork, Creative UK, and Sunderland Culture, weโve been able to maximise this award and move forward with Gig Lab in a way thatโs truly transformational.โ
Victoria, Finance Director at Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events
โInnovate UKโs Women in Innovation Awards spotlight the UKโs most groundbreaking women entrepreneurs. This yearโs winners have shown incredible leadership and creativity. Weโre thrilled to support them in scaling their businesses and inspiring the next wave of women innovators. Their success stories will undoubtedly pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the world of innovation.โ
Emily Nott, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Innovate UK
The Innovate UKโs Women in Innovation Awards received 1,452 applications from women founders across the country, along with up to ยฃ3.75 million in funding to support them in developing inspiring solutions to pressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
Victoria encourages music venues and promoters to register their interest in Gig Lab at www.giglab.co.uk
