The UKTCG’s conference – Mission Tech – brought together tech clusters, business leaders and policymakers from across the regions and nations of the UK, to Manchester city centre yesterday.
In addition to formally launching the 14 Regional Tech Booster programmes, we brought over 70 people together to share best practice and discuss how best to build and strengthen tech eco systems.
Katie Gallagher, MD of Manchester Digital and chair of the UKTCG, welcomed guests and said: “For the UK Tech Cluster Group, the Regional Tech Boosters speak directly to our mission – ensuring local strengths are recognised, nurtured and connected into the national conversation on growth, skills and innovation.
“At this conference, we want to engage in practical discussions about how we can develop ecosystems, share best practice and ensure every part of the UK has the platform it needs to thrive.”
A keynote speech was given by DSIT Deputy Director Louise Sheridan PhD, who talked about how important the nation’s tech clusters were to the Government, and this was followed by a number of panel discussions as well as interactive round tables.
David Dunn, CEO at Sunderland Software City, chaired a panel titled ‘How does investing in regional tech ecosystems deliver long-term returns’, with thoughts and discussion from Sinead Crowley from Awaken Hub; Dan Knowles from Northern Reach, Damilare Orgunleye from TN Naija; Karen Meehan from ScotlandIS.
This was followed by another insightful panel, called ‘How does investing in regional tech ecosystems deliver long-term returns’. This panel was hosted by Stuart Clarke, Leeds Digital, with input from Katharine Fuller, Tech WM; Henry Whorwood, Beauhurst; Ben Davies, Praetura and Nick Sturge, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
David Dunn, who is leading the Regional Tech Booster programmes, said: “The event in Manchester demonstrated the huge desire of ecosystems from across the UK to share learning. It was brilliant to hear on the panel the commitment from the pilots to be open on how they work and the conversation in the room brought some brilliant new ideas the UKTCG will work on over the next few months”
Thanks to everyone who came along and contributed to the discussion. There is a huge amount of potential at the moment for all of our tech regions and we’re looking forward to being a part of the journey.
