SCREENMEDIA has lifted the top prize at the 2014 Herald Digital Business Awards, which took place before an audience of more than 250 industry professionals at Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel last night.

The Glasgow-based company was named digital agency of the year in recognition of its design strength, client base and continued growth.

It was one of 10 winners on the night, and overcame competition from Equator, LEWIS and Storm ID to take the overall title, sponsored by Enigma People Solutions.

The Herald Digital Business Awards, now in their sixth year, celebrate companies which develop their business and client base through digital technology.

This year the judges reserved special praise for Scottish agencies which are making an impact in international markets.

They were impressed by entrants who had used crowdfunding to bring projects to life, and companies who have developed their own intellectual property and even physical products.

This year's awards were presented by BBC Scotland's Catriona Shearer, who announced the winners after a record number of entries were received.

Winning the business to business category award, sponsored by Jumpstart, was Nucleus, the financial services firm.

It was one of two awards won on the night by the company, which also triumphed in the best use of social media category thanks to its Star Wars figures campaign.

This year a new award was introduced for an individual making waves in the digital technology sector.

And the digital professional of the year award went to Scott Walker, of Edinburgh agency LEWIS, in recognition of his work on clothing brand Hunter.

As well as rewarding established companies, this year's awards aimed to recognise the next generation of talent with a student prize, sponsored by metadigital. This went jointly to Ryan Allan, Mark Phillips and Jordan Pollock for their Lockdown campaign at The Royal Albert Hall, which impressed the judges with its innovative, creative and distinctive branding.

The consumer engagement award, sponsored by Hillington Park Innovation Centre, went to Chunk for its work on Channel 4 show "The singer takes it all", while the education and training award, sponsored by The University of Glasgow, was lifted by StormID for its work with the National Trust for Scotland.

The other winners were Dojo Design Studio (retail/e-commerce award), Blue2 Digital (public sector award), and 21awake (best mobile application). CalMac Ferries received a commendation in the public sector category.

David Mains, director of Enigma People Solutions, said: "Congratulations to all the winners and the finalists on the night! It is the work of these individuals and business which reaffirms my belief in the exceptional talent that Scotland's digital industry has to offer.

"The awards are, as always, a fantastic celebration, honouring the hard work, commitment and talent of those working in the sector. By supporting the awards, Enigma People Solutions is proud of its contribution towards promoting and helping to grow the digital industry in Scotland, which is such a major contributor and employer to our economy in Scotland and an important part of our future."

Jumpstart managing director Brian Williamson said: "We very much enjoyed our evening at the Herald Scottish Digital Business Awards event. It was impressive to see the talent coming through the industry and celebrate their achievement and innovation with so many others on the night.

"Awards don't come easy, and it was obvious on the night, that the hard work and dedication has been worth it.  The awards saw a celebration of all the effort (and probably a few sleepless nights) that the winning businesses went through.  As award-winners ourselves we can appreciate what it takes. We just wanted to say well done to all winners from Jumpstart - here's to an award-winning 2015!"

Professor Jon Cooper, vice principal for knowledge exchange at The University of Glasgow, said: "The University of Glasgow would like to congratulate all the finalists in the Herald Scottish Digital Business Awards; the calibre of the candidates and the projects shortlisted were all of an outstanding quality.

"One of the main missions of the University is to support the dissemination of knowledge and we were delighted to sponsor the Education and Training category which showcased innovative platforms to embed new skills in digital businesses."

John Macfarlane, managing director of metadigital, said: "This was our first year supporting the awards, thoroughly enjoyed the evening which was well attended and well organised, good to see so many old faces and a few new ones too.

"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, the quality of the entrants was exemplary."

Jamie Cumming, commercial director from Hillington Park Innovation Centre, said: "Congratulations to Chunk.  The high standard of entrants was exceptional and a clear indication of the quality of companies within the digital community in Scotland.

"The Hillington Park Innovation Centre has a long history of being home to exciting and creative technology businesses so we were delighted to support the Awards this year.  The buzz at the event for all of the finalists and their work made it not just a recognition of achievements but a celebration of Scotland's digital sector."