Q1 has been absolutely buzzing with energy and connection! Our client relations manager, Kat Plant has dived back into the world of in-person events and truly experienced the power of collaboration again.
February kicked off with a fantastic evening at Fintech North in Manchester dedicated to growing the Northern FinTech ecosystem. The event was a hub of insightful conversations and networking, setting a really positive tone for the rest of the month.
The momentum continued at the South Yorkshire Tech Summit in Barnsley, organised by TechSY. It was a brilliant showcase of the region’s thriving tech scene, highlighting the importance of connecting businesses and nurturing local talent. Mayor Oliver Coppard’s emphasised that while Yorkshire has a strong technical foundation, we need to amplify that on a global stage to attract more investment.
Thursday saw Kat off to London for The Tech Show, an impressive event filled with cutting-edge technologies and thought-provoking discussions. The reception was warm, and the conversations with exhibitors, attendees, and partners were inspiring. Dara Olayebi from Spotify focused on cultivating a growth mindset in her presentation covered “Thriving in Tech: Navigating self-doubt and embracing growth.” The Women Trailblazers session brought healthy discussion around practical advice on advocating for yourself.
Not one to miss a networking opportunity, the Women in Tech networking was invigorating, with engaging discussions on cybersecurity, data center tech, and the undeniable value of face-to-face interactions – fuelled by a glass of wine.
Throughout these events, some positive themes emerged, reinforcing the direction of tech investment and collaboration:
- The North’s understated tech strength: Orla Browne from Dealroom.co shared data from their latest report, revealing that there’s a staggering £75 billion worth of tech startups in the North of England!
- Smart and strategic funding: Richard Bearman from the British Business Bank emphasized the importance of broadening funding networks and aligning funding with specific needs, encouraging businesses to explore Angel networks.
- Attracting global investment: There was a strong consensus that we need to collectively showcase the excellence of our tech businesses to attract greater international investment.
- Embracing growth: The importance of cultivating a growth mindset for success in the tech industry.
- Empowering women in tech: The Women Trailblazers session and Women in Tech networking were dedicated to providing actionable advice and fostering a supportive community for women in the field.
These experiences have reaffirmed the importance of in person meetings to building strong relationships and driving tech investment through collaborative initiatives.
