Region’s tech firms come together at Tech South West Connect

Companies from across the South West will shape plans for the region’s fastest-growing sector, technology, at Exeter Science Park in January.

Tech South West Connect will explore and agree plans on Tech South West’s main priorities for 2017, including showcasing the region’s technology sector, attracting and retaining talent, working with schools and the commercialisation of university research.

The event, on Wednesday January 25, follows a series of consultation workshops in Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth in Devon and Pool in Cornwall, where the views and ideas of hundreds of people from across the sector were gathered.

Philip Letts, Chairman of Tech South West, said: “Having spoken with hundreds of people across the region, we are now clear what Tech South West needs to focus on. Tech South West Connect is an opportunity to finalise and agree the plans for 2017, based on the priorities agreed by members, and bring organisations from across the region together to continue to connect and share knowledge and ideas.

“There are nearly 11,000 technology companies in the South West, and we need to do all we can to showcase their work to ensure the sector continues to grow and thrive, attracting investment, opportunities and the very best people.”

Philip Letts, CEO of Devon-based global Enterprise Services Platform blur Group will be joined by Nick Sturge, Director of Engine Shed in Bristol and Institute of Directors South West Regional Chairman, Toby Parkins, Founding Director of Cornwall-based software company HeadForwards and Director of UKNetWeb and Kerry Burnham, Headteacher of Exeter Mathematics School, who are all speaking at the morning event, which is free to attend.

Results of the first region-wide technology survey run by Tech South West will also be revealed.

Toby Parkins, Director of Headforwards in Cornwall, said: “It’s important that the technology sector comes together across the wider region to showcase the fantastic work happening in so many areas, help attract the best talent, encourage more young people to develop the right skills and consider how we can create the very best conditions for tech firms to thrive.”

Tech hubs including TechSPARK in Bristol and Bath, Software Cornwall, Digital Plymouth and Digital Exeter have all helped support Tech South West, which was launched at the end of 2015, including running joint events.

Nick Sturge, Director of the Engine Shed, in Bristol, said: I’m delighted to be a part of Tech South West Connect 2017. We need to showcase the technology sector across the South West, and do all we can to provide a dynamic and supportive environment for businesses to thrive and create a larger voice for the South West. I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback from the 2016 events and being able to help drive forward Tech South West, in the right form, in 2017.”

As well as speakers, the event will include sessions on:

● ‘Joining the dots’ – Joining up tech across the South West
● ‘Simply the Best’ – Attracting and retaining tech talent
● ‘Tech Transfer’ – Commercialisation of university research
● ‘Teach Tech’ – Improving tech learning across schools, colleges, universities

Tech South West is connecting organisations throughout the South West, including Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

To book a free place at Tech South West Connect and sign up for free Tech South West membership go to www.techsouthwest.org.uk