We've Done It: FOIL Wins 'Climate Change Initiative of the Year' at British Data Awards 2025
We're proud to announce that, alongside our partners Ground Control, FOIL has won the prestigious 'Climate Change Initiative of the Year' at the British Data Awards 2025. This recognition feels especially significant as we're just over a year into our journey, validating our commitment to building client self-sufficiency and delivering meaningful impact.
Making our mark with data innovation
The British Data Awards celebrates the UK's most innovative data success stories, with a record 448 entries this year competing for recognition. Against FTSE 100 heavyweights and established tech unicorns, our work with Ground Control stood out for delivering tangible environmental impact while empowering client independence.
We're particularly proud of our Intelligent Quoting App (watch the video), which is transforming Ground Control's operations with impressive results: predicted reductions of 310,000 miles in annual travel and 37,000kg GHG CO2e emissions. Beyond environmental benefits, the app delivers quotes in 48 hours, will save 10,000 work hours annually, and is expected to unlock an additional £250,000 in revenue.
James, CEO and Josie, Chief Innovation Officer with Jo Caulfied, comedian and host of the British Data Awards
Enabling self-sufficiency
What makes this win truly special is our approach. We didn't just create a solution – we embedded knowledge and capability that empowers Ground Control for the long term.
James, our CEO, shares: "This validation means the world to us. It confirms that our model, approach, and the exceptional team we've assembled can achieve astonishing results."
The app went from concept to production in just six weeks – a testament to the agility and human-powered innovation that defines us.
A partnership to celebrate
We were pleased to have the Ground Control team celebrate alongside us at the awards ceremony, proud themselves of the success they deserve. While we are pleased to receive the award, our partnership has always been equal, working shoulder to shoulder to solve every obstacle along the way.
It’s a real pleasure to see the foundation develop for Ground Control to make better, more sustainable decisions that align with their ambitious growth plans and net-zero targets.
True partnership. The Ground Control and FOIL team.
Reflections from FOIL
For our team, this recognition is incredibly rewarding. Juliet says: "It felt crazy to be recognised for the work we've done with Ground Control. The journey has been one of curiosity, challenge, and genuine collaboration."
As a Lead Engineer on the project, Harry shares honestly, "In a market where consultancies all tend to speak the same language of buzzwords and promise, this award has validated why I joined FOIL."
Mish, Head of Strategy, talks of the significance: "Being named finalists in three categories at the British Data Awards, and winning in one as we celebrate our first birthday, feels like an incredible validation of our approach. That's what makes tonight so meaningful – it's recognition that we're delivering on our promise to transform how organisations build and maintain their technological capabilities without creating dependency."
Ambitious Next Steps
This award sparks our enthusiasm for what's next. The work with Ground Control has laid the foundation for future innovations, including tools that will provide clients with detailed insights into the environmental impact of each job.
As James confidently states, "this award isn't just a milestone; it's fuel for our continued commitment to solving the interesting problems. The best is yet to come."
The British Data Awards 2025 ceremony took place at The Brewery in London and was hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield. The judging panel included leaders from organizations such as Bank of England, Marks & Spencer, Department of Health & Social Care, and many others.