A Bournemouth-Based Digital Agency Nominated for Prestigious Award
A digital agency based in Bournemouth has been shortlisted as a finalist at the National Digital Awards 2026. Cold Banana, located on Poole Road, was established by Bournemouth University alumni Luke Fribbens in 2015. The company is now competing for the Best Agency Team (Small) category in this year’s awards.
The National Digital Awards aim to celebrate and recognise organisations and individuals who are making significant contributions to the UK’s digital sector. These awards serve as a platform to highlight innovation, creativity, and leadership within the industry.
Cold Banana has been acknowledged for its collaborative culture, commitment to nurturing emerging digital talent, and its impact across enterprise digital platforms. The recognition reflects the agency’s dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment.
Luke Fribbens, founder and CEO of Cold Banana, expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating: “This really belongs to the team. Cold Banana has always been about the people behind the work, and the way they support each other to get things done.”
He added: “We have a brilliant group of developers, strategists and web support specialists who collaborate across disciplines and across our UK and Dubai offices. That togetherness is what makes the difference. Making the final round for Best Agency Team means a great deal to all of us.”
Expanding Reach and Strengthening Expertise
Cold Banana provides enterprise web development and digital solutions to organisations globally from its offices in Bournemouth and Dubai. In 2025, the agency relocated its head office to Westbourne to enhance team efficiency with larger meeting rooms and breakout spaces.
The company has also expanded its industry credentials by maintaining its Umbraco Gold Partner status. It was recently recognised as a Gold Umbraco Contributing Partner for 2025 and has formed partnerships with Sitecore, Optimizely, and Shopify.
International collaboration remains a key factor in Cold Banana’s success. The agency regularly travels to Dubai for leadership alignment and shared project development, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between teams.
Educational Partnerships and Talent Development
In addition to its business operations, Cold Banana runs a structured placement programme with Bournemouth University. This initiative offers students hands-on experience in front-end and back-end web development, accessibility, security, and performance over a 12-month period.
This partnership not only benefits the students but also allows the agency to engage with fresh talent and contribute to the growth of the digital sector.
Public Voting and Final Ceremony
Cold Banana’s shortlisting places it among a select group of agencies that have been recognised for their outstanding collaboration, innovation, and delivery. The public is now invited to vote for their preferred winners until Sunday, April 12, 2026, via the National Digital Awards website.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on Friday, May 22, at the Birmingham Conferences and Events Centre. This event will celebrate the achievements of those who have made a significant impact on the UK’s digital landscape.
Conclusion
Cold Banana’s journey from a small digital agency to a finalist in one of the most prestigious awards in the industry highlights its dedication to excellence, teamwork, and innovation. As it continues to grow and expand its reach, the agency remains committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and supporting the next generation of digital professionals.
