Bristol’s tech sector is being urged to get involved with a new group that aims to promote the South West as a global hi-tech and digital centre of excellence.
Tech South West is holding its first event in Bristol on Thursday morning at the city’s Engine Shed innovation hub at Temple Meads, pictured. 
Launched in March with a mission to put the region on the international map – as reported by Bristol Business News – Tech South West wants to connect with Bristol’s tech innovators to showcase their expertise. A number have already signed up as ambassadors.
Thursday’s event is held in partnership with TechSPARK, the organisation that brings together Bristol and Bath’s tech community, and Engine Shed and runs from 8.30am-10.30am.
Tech South West has been set up – and is being chaired- by Philip Letts, CEO of Exeter-based technology company blur Group.
He said: “I believe this is an incredibly exciting opportunity. The South West already leads the world in ground-breaking technology and innovation in global markets including aeronautics, climate science, marine and agri-tech.
“Bristol and Bath are among the UK’s leading tech hubs and across the region there is an emerging wave of technology companies intent on growth.
“Tech South West wants to support the great work that is already happening, providing a platform to grow the reputation and create opportunities that would allow us to do better business, attract more investment and recruit the very best talent in the world.
“I’m convinced that Tech South West has the potential to help the region build on and showcase its technology credentials on a national and international platform. Now, we are keen to talk to like-minded business leaders to shape this and make it a reality.”
Latest figures reveal that the South West’s tech sector is growing at its fastest ever rate, with more than 10,900 companies and 5.2% of the region’s workforce. It generates £3.3bn in goods and services a year and supports more than 135,000 tech jobs.
TechSPARK managing director Ben Shorrock said: “As Bristol and Bath’s biggest tech network we feel it is important to continue to build and aim to bring even more collaboration into the region. It would be great to work more with other local South West hubs in Exeter, Cornwall and throughout the South West to enhance this offering.”
Engine Shed director Nick Sturge, one of the figures backing the initiative, added: “There is a huge richness of tech activity across the wider South West region and it is important for us to help businesses, entrepreneurs, clusters and hubs to help themselves and to better connect.
“It is also important for us as a region to raise our combined profile nationally and internationally to help attract investment, in whatever form, and make it easier for companies to attract world-class talent.
“That is a common challenge for companies with potential and aspiration to scale-up, and initiatives like Tech South West will surely help that.”
For more information go to www.techsouthwest.org.uk
