International grassroots tech community Global Tech Advocates has launched the Tech West England Advocates group to champion the tech ecosystem in the West and South West of England.
The private sector-led advocacy group will exist as an independent organisation designed to address and campaign around challenges faced by tech companies, such as access to talent, access to funding and tackling diversity and inclusion issues.
Tech West England Advocates, led by Richard Lowe, managing director at Hewlett Rand, will enable West England tech innovators to scale up and expand internationally. This is facilitated by tech leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to build partnerships, encourage investment, collaboration and scale-up opportunities in the region.
The group also has plans underway to run an annual trade mission with delegates representing the West of England heading to Hong Kong and the China Greater Bay Area to connect the group to leading global tech hubs.
Global Tech Advocates has now expanded to over 30,000 members and has networks across five continents, with groups in China, Mexico, Japan and Australia. Tech West England Advocates is the 6th group in the UK, joining partner groups across the country including Tech London Advocates, Tech North Advocates, Tech Scotland Advocates, Tech Wales Advocates and Tech Belfast Advocates.
Tech West England Advocates will create a platform for the expanding digital community in the region to convene and work towards solving many of the world’s biggest challenges. The community has established a Steering Group to guide the strategic direction of the group and Ambassadors in each city and county too.
“It’s brilliant to be able to launch Tech West England today in two of our region’s most exciting tech hubs – Bristol and Birmingham,” said Lowe.
“Collaborating with our tech leaders, entrepreneurs and investors and connecting them to the world will give the West of England the support it needs to flourish into a globally significant tech ecosystem.
“That is the unique differentiator of Global Tech Advocates; it’s a truly international community.”
Russ Shaw CBE, founder of Global Tech Advocates, commented: “There could not be a better time to launch a group in the West of England – a region that is home to a thriving tech sector that is only going from strength to strength.
“From Bristol to Warwick to Birmingham, this area is now a major player in the UK tech scene. I’m delighted to announce this as our sixth group in the UK, giving us truly national coverage across the country.”