First Torbay Hi-Tech Forum Event a resounding success

The inaugural Hi-Tech Forum Annual Conference took place October 20 at the Riviera Centre in Torquay, bringing together major players in the South Devon hi-tech industry for the first time.

Nearly 200 people enjoyed a packed programme of seminars and speakers, delegates were able to meet exhibitors from the hi-tech and related industries with the view to forming new links with each other and developing supply chains.

Brian McCarthy from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) gave an informative presentation on the work of the TSB and how it can help innovative businesses invest in research and development to generate growth. The TSB awarded £36million to a variety of UK businesses last year and helped to develop 60,000 knowledge transfer networks throughout the country. Brian said he looked forward to the businesses at yesterday’s Forum getting in touch with him to see how the Torbay sector can benefit from the expertise and financial help of the Technology Strategy Board.

Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West LEP, Jeremy Filmer-Bennett, said in his keynote address that Torbay has much opportunity to work with the LEP to bring new investment into the area through the high tech sector. He said that Torbay has a strong voice within the LEP, due to its representatives on the board and the executive consistently making the case for Torbay with integrity and intelligence. He said that real growth comes through collaboration, and cited the Hi-Tech event as being an excellent example of how collaborations can build strengths by companies talking to each other and working together.

Professor John Bessant of Exeter University gave an entertaining speech on innovation. Citing key events from history and familiar anecdotes of business success and failure, John illustrated how important it is to get the right mix of innovation, technology and business acumen to bring products profitably to market - it’s not just about having the right product - businesses need to keep an open mind and constantly adapt to a changing market environment. John inspired the delegation with some thoughtful ideas about doing things differently and harnessing opportunities to reach markets through new technologies in marketing.

BBC presenter David Fitzgerald, compere for the day, kept the audience engaged with entertaining links to the diverse programme of speakers, as well as chairing a thought-provoking question and answers session as a finale to the day with panellists from the TDA, Bishop Fleming, Spirent, Syntech along with Jeremy Filmer-Bennet.

Torbay Development Agency Chief Executive, Steve Parrock said “The first ever Hi-Tech Forum Annual Conference was a resounding success. Nearly 200 delegates came and the break-out seminars were well attended. The speakers were excellent and the event will really help to put Torbay on the map as a prime destination for the hi-tech sector to invest in.”

Headline sponsor Bishop Fleming’s Partner Tim Godfrey said “We are very pleased with how it all went, there was a real buzz about the place and it was interesting to speak to the delegates about how we can work together to leverage the finance to generate growth in this important sector. I look forward to working with the TDA on other events in the future to help to reposition our area as a leading destination for business.”

Torbay Development Agency’s Investment Development Officer Jason Buck said: “It was a great event at the Riviera Centre yesterday; the feedback from the delegates and the sponsors was very positive and many of them said they are already looking forward to being part of next year’s event and making it even bigger and better. As a place to invest, Torbay has a lot to offer this sector and we are increasingly getting this message out through our networks in the hi-tech sector and their related suppliers. This sector offers well-paid and fulfilling careers for young talented people so it is encouraging to see the education sector working in collaboration with the industry to make sure their future recruitment and skills needs are met. It is our aim to improve the economic prosperity for Torbay by generating better employment opportunities and we can only do this by attracting further investment from the key sectors that can benefit from such a location as ours. This event was a real landmark in our achievements towards this goal. Thank to you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors and delegates in ensuring the event was a success, I am already looking forward to building on this success in preparation for next year’s event.

For more information about the Hi-Tech Forum or to discuss involvement in the programme for next years event please contact Jason Buck on 01803 208799 or .