Major new tech research project for South West

Tech South West is commissioning the first full region-wide report into the South West of England’s tech sector.

Led by Whitecap Consulting, the research project will draw together data and insight from across the sector, combining national and regional sources including key economic data. At its heart will be detailed analysis, case studies and recommendations, with a focus on sector strengths, weaknesses to address, opportunities, specialisms, tech hubs, themes and trends.

As the fastest growing sector in the South West, the tech sector generates over £2.5bn per year in the region and employs more than 75,000 people.

Tech South West co-founder Dan Pritchard says: “The report will help in our work to shine a light on some of the amazing developments, innovation and growth happening around the region, and emphasise some of the incredible facets of a fast-paced and ever-evolving sector.

“We will use it to spread the word ‘far and wide’ about the South West’s burgeoning tech scene, and to encourage debate and discussion on sector priorities and what, collectively, we must do as a sector to maximise opportunities regionally, nationally and internationally, to attract and nurture talent and to bring economic benefits in a sustainable way to the whole region."

Tech South West works with tech clusters and hubs across the region, and has over 2500 members from Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. It runs the Regional Tech Leadership Forum, annual Tech South West Awards, StartUp Studio virtual acceleration programme and the South West Tech Talent STEMM initiative. 

Toby Parkins, chair of Tech South West and Director of Cornwall-based software company Headforwards, said: “From marine tech and healthtech, to climate science and robotics, it is no exaggeration to say the tech sector is a critical component to the future prosperity of the region. 

“Gathering and examining the key economic data is essential if we are to be clear on what’s working and be clear on the impact and contribution that the sector is having to the UK economy at a regional and national level. That’s essential if we are to continue to build recognition, secure funding and attract the very best talent to make this the most dynamic and flourishing tech cluster we can.” 

Whitecap has led on a range of key research reports across the UK including regionally focused FinTech, LegalTech, accelerator and funding reports. Via its Bristol office, Whitecap has previously conducted analyses of the FinTech and LegalTech sectors in the Bristol & Bath region, and it is also involved in running FinTech West, which represents the FinTech community across the South West.

Richard Coates, managing director of Whitecap Consulting, said: “Whitecap is delighted to have been appointed by Tech South West to conduct this analysis of the fast growing tech sector in the South West. Over recent months we have continued to see an increased focus on the development of regional economies across the UK, with a strong focus on technology and digital capabilities. We look forward to engaging with the tech community across the region over the coming months, and helping put the spotlight on the key developments and critical growth strategies in the South West in our report.”

Dan Pritchard, who also runs tech marketing specialists Astley Media, added: “With their track record in tech research, Whitecap are great partners to be working with. Special thanks to Software Cornwall who’ve helped us develop the project and provided key support already. 

“I’m confident that the collaborative nature of the sector, combined with the clear direction of travel and general optimism we’re seeing, will ensure a vibrant and comprehensive report that will be a key asset as Tech South West and the many other tech clusters and hubs continue to champion and support the sector to help fulfil its full potential."

The project is now getting underway, with opportunities for sponsorship available. Email hello@techsouthwest.co.uk 

To learn more about Tech South West go to techsouthwest.co.uk