Bishop Fleming & Spirent announced as key sponsors of MTI 12

Following the launch of this year's Hi Tech, Manufacturing and Innovation Conference - MTI12, the Torbay Hi Tech Forum and Torbay Development Agency (TDA), are pleased to announce leading South West accountancy firm Bishop Fleming, and global positioning systems manufacturer Spirent Communications, have signed up as key sponsors for the second successive year.

Bishop Fleming has again joined as headline (gold) sponsor, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting the hi-tech sector and related industries. Their contribution has enabled the TDA to start a widespread campaign to draw businesses in manufacturing, technology and innovation from across the South West peninsula.

World-class technology firm Spirent Communications has also repeated its position last year, having signed up as silver sponsor.

The event will once again showcase the best in local manufacturing and technology talent, with fantastic opportunities for networking with high-profile connections from the industry.

Businesses interested in signing up to sponsor or exhibit at the event can contact Torbay Development Agency’s Marketing Executive, Helena Davison on 01803 207915 or email . Those who sign up to exhibit before May 29 will receive an early-bird discount rate.

Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver said: "The early commitment from Bishop Fleming and Spirent is great news. Support from these two renowned businesses adds great value to work of the Torbay Hi-tech Forum and its annual event.

"Torbay Council and its economic development company - Torbay Development Agency, aim to build on the success of last year and showcase this thriving sector with a bigger and better event in 2012."

Tim Godfrey, Partner at Bishop Fleming said: "We are very excited to again be supporting the TDA in their Hi-tech, Manufacturing and Innovation event.

"This year looks to be bigger and better than ever, with plans for a much larger exhibition space, and more time to network and build-up contacts with key suppliers. Any businesses working in the related sectors, big or small, must get involved and help place the South West on the map for doing business."

Martin Foulger, Divisional Managing Director of Spirent and recently announced Chair of the Hi-tech Forum, said: "The event looks to be refreshed to better represent the needs of the industry, for us the association of the event is a vital part of our communications strategy, an association we hope to continue long into the future."

Jason Buck, Investment Development Officer at Torbay Development Agency said: "Its fantastic news Bishop Fleming and Spirent have again shown their support. Their sponsorship helps to strengthen an already growing relationship between local businesses in the hi-tech industry."

"In October 2010, TDA helped to establish the Torbay Hi Tech Forum, and it’s fantastic to see the big names in local business are continuing to support the event."

The full programme will be confirmed as the event develops. The TDA website will be regularly updated with further details: www.torbaydevelopmentagency.co.uk/mti12

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