Tech talent needed

A new advisory group to help shape the future development of the tech sector in the South West of England is being launched and is now open for applications.

Facilitated by Exeter-based Tech South West, the group will comprise 15 senior representatives from business and academia, to help progress the strategic direction of the technology sector in the region.

The application process to join the South West of England Technology Sector Advisory Group is now open.

Established to foster sustainable growth, innovation and technological advancement, the advisory group will consider how the region’s tech sector, which has over 17,500 companies, can be best supported, through developing a strategic and collaborative approach based on agreed priorities.

Toby Parkins, chair of Tech South West, who also helped found Software Cornwall, Agile on the Beach festival and FibreHub Cornwall, said: “The tech sector contributes hugely to the region's social and economic prosperity. We are global players in marine, environmental and climate tech, with major hubs in Bristol and elsewhere.

"The sector has already created over 100,000 jobs, numerous career opportunities, and continues to secure investment from across the UK and overseas. We have leading universities, research and tech centres, business accelerators and more.

“The sector benefits from a collaborative approach, which is why we believe an advisory group, packed with exceptional talent, people with experience across industry and academia, could really help us define future direction and to progress activity.”

The group will have a chair and vice-chair, and covers the region incorporating Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, with administrative support provided by Tech South West.

Dan Pritchard, Founder of Tech South West, said: “The South West is already making a fundamental difference globally because of the science and technology that is developed here. But equally, we need a thriving ecosystem that supports early stage startups, engages with students, helps non-tech companies adapt and adopt relevant technologies, and is working at every level to tackle and solve real-world challenges. We need more diversity in the sector, more visibility of what it offers and the positive impacts it creates, and a clear direction for the next decade.

“The group’s work to shape, monitor and support progress across what is an incredibly broad and varied tech sector, could be key to ensuring we fulfil our potential, helping the South West of England become a vibrant and leading UK hub for technological advancement, opportunity and prosperity.”

Tech South West works alongside the likes of universities, Software Cornwall, Digital Somerset, UWE Future Space, TechSPARK, Plymouth and Exeter Science Parks, Tech Exeter, Silicon South in Dorset, British Business Bank, Innovate UK, SETSquared, Microsoft, Plymouth Freeport, EPIC and many others, to help the sector thrive.

The Advisory Group is seeking 15 external members with expertise across the tech industry and a South West regional focus. The group will also include representatives from Tech South West, public sector bodies, innovation accelerators, tech hubs, and other sectors within the tech industry. Applications are welcomed with emphasis on ensuring a mix of geographic location, diversity, specific technology knowledge, and business experience.

The full Advisory Board will convene bi-monthly, with optional subcommittee meetings on special topics. The meeting schedule and agendas will be coordinated by the Tech South West Executive.

Applications can be made via https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/sw-advisory-group/