Key gathering for South West tech sector

Companies from across the South West have come together to shape plans for the region’s fast growing technology sector at Exeter Science Park. 

Tech South West Connect on 25 January saw more than 80 people, representing technology organisations, discuss and agree plans to develop the sector and help it thrive across the region.

Hosted by global procurement platform blur Group, whose headquarters are at the Science Park, the event saw organisations from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Bristol get involved.

As well as discussing and deciding activity, to support the tech sector’s growth in 2017, delegates also had the chance to discuss the Government’s new Industry Strategy unveiled this week. Investment, research, skills and cultivating a world-leading tech sector are amongst the priorities set out by Prime Minister Theresa May in her 10-point plan for UK business.

There are already more than 10,900 technology companies in the South West employing over 126,000 people. It is the region’s fastest growing sector, worth £2.8bn in 2015 and expected to be worth £4.2bn in 2020.

Philip Letts, CEO of blur Group and Chairman of Tech South West, said: “With the region already at the forefront of key technology-dependent sectors, including climate science, marine tech, agri-tech and aeronautics, there is huge potential for our technology sector.

“We certainly need to get better at connecting across the region, showcasing what we do to help secure investment, the commercialisation of research, developing the necessary skills of young people and removing some of the barriers, particularly in terms of attracting and retaining talent.

“It is clear from what people were saying and the actions for Tech South West to progress in 2017, there is an incredible passion and enthusiasm to drive our tech sector forwards.”

Companies joined tech hubs Software Cornwall, Digital Plymouth and Digital Exeter and organisations including Plymouth University, the University of Exeter, Exeter Mathematics School and South Devon College at the event.

Nick Sturge, Institute of Directors South West Chairman and Director of Engine Shed Bristol, spoke to delegates at the event.

He said: “There’s genuine interest and a real sense of community and confidence across the region’s technology sector. Tech South West Connect reinforces that with me. There’s lots going on but we can get better at sharing, collaborating and growing the sector.”

Key speaker Toby Parkins, founding Director of Cornwall-based software company HeadForwards, said: “The Tech South West collaboration is well underway. The growth and strength of the tech industry in the South West continues and this event showed, without doubt, we have the opportunity for different companies and organisations to work together to create a UK standard of excellence in tech.”

A report setting out the agreed actions for Tech South West in 2017 will be published next month. For more information www.techsouthwest.org.uk