Tech South West Connect (TSWC) 2017 is set to commence on 25 January at Exeter’s Science Park, with an exciting initiative to build on the regions already thriving tech sector – and you can get your hands on some free tickets today!
Bristol-based firms will be attending the event and contributing to plans to shape what South West tech will look like this coming year. Some of the priorities established are likely to include showcasing the region’s technology sector, attracting and retaining talent, working with schools to train new talent and the commercialisation of university research.
“We need to… do all we can to provide a dynamic and supportive environment for businesses to thrive”
Hosted by Tech South West, TSWC emerged from a succession of meetups that took place in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Pool. These meetings saw hundreds of ideas from across the sector being discussed and a need to exhibit all the wonderful things happening in the region was realised. With over 11,000 tech companies based here in the South West, TSWC are in no shortage of things to celebrate!
Showcasing the South West
The event will include keynote speakers, one being Nick Sturge, Director of Bristol’s Engine Shed, who’s looking forward to the day. He tells us, “I’m delighted to be a part of Tech South West Connect 2017.”
Nick goes on to explain what he thinks should happen next in the South West, “We need to 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.”
“Tech South West Connect is an opportunity to finalise and agree on the plans for 2017”
The Chairman of Tech South West and CEO of Devon-based global Enterprise Services Platform blur Group, Phillip Letts (pictured left), will be joining Nick on the panel. Phillip remarks that the discussions have been invaluable, “we are now clear what Tech South West needs to focus on.
“Tech South West Connect is an opportunity to finalise and agree on 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.”
“It’s important that the technology sector comes together across the wider region to showcase the fantastic work happening”
Other speakers include Kerry Burnham, the Head Teacher at Exeter Mathematics School, who is eager to get young people more engaged in tech and Toby Parkins, the founding Director of Cornwall-based Headforwards. Headforwards prides itself in attracting the very best talent to the region; this community support ethic is what drove it to get involved with TSWC 2017.
Toby tells us why he thinks TSWC is so crucial, “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.”
So, why not pop along? Check out Tech South West’s website if you want to find out more about what they do, you can also give them a follow on Twitter: @TechSWofficial
