On Thursday 18th April, we launched entries for a place on our Yorkshire Tech Climber list. Hosted by BusinessCloud editor, Chris Maguire, the evening featured a line-up of founders and advisors who all discussed the opportunities and challenges of scaling in Yorkshire’s tech landscape.
As part of our regional campaign, we want to shine a light on the multiple, vibrant tech hubs across Yorkshire, so we worked with Sheffield Technology Parks to launch our 2024 campaign in the city, pulling together a range of panels and Q&As from across Yorkshire’s regions. Founders praised the decision to bring the launch to Sheffield, while also recognising there’s still work to be done to close the gap between Leeds and its surrounding cities.
A key theme that was mentioned throughout the discussion was the need to highlight and recognise the tech businesses across Yorkshire, with founders admitting that Yorkshire’s tech sector isn’t shouting about its achievements enough. Chris Iveson of Sheffield tech business, FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, said,
“Any opportunity to get together, share stories and shout about our successes is amazing. We don’t shout about our success stories enough in Yorkshire, making people believe it’s not possible. We need to keep the momentum going to pave the way for the next wave of startups.”
Our founder panel also discussed the challenges of raising funds in region, particularly as a female leader. Georgia Fairhall, founder of the Work and Communications app, spoke about her turbulent journey to investment. From contacting 2,000 potential investors through LinkedIn which resulted in raising £70k to her run in with a fraudulent investor, it’s fair to say she’s had a rollercoaster ride. However, she optimistically rounded off her experience, saying,
“It’s been a real hustle, but I’m living proof that it is possible.”
Today the WAC app has been downloaded over 300,000 times in 130 countries and Georgia’s raised £1m to date.
Our advisor panel added to the insights, serving up advice and guidance to help Yorkshire’s growth journey. From the grants and support available through Transform SY to communicating the return on investment in your pitch, to sorting your fundamentals to make it easier when it comes to exit, the panel covered a range of topics as they spoke out the opportunities and challenges ahead of the sector.
In comparison to other tech hubs, Jonathan Pollard, partner at Ward Hadaway praised the region’s collaboration with its universities, saying,
“I think there’s some really good work going on across Yorkshire’s universities. And when you look at the success across the region, it’s clear that the support from education through skills and collaboration is really important.”
Entires and nominations are now open
We ended the session on a high, opening entries and nominations for a place on our publicised Tech Climbers list, offering tech businesses the opportunity to gain regional recognition, expand their network and boost their profile.
Are you a product-led tech business that’s doing great things in your industry? Check out our criteria and enter today. Or, if a tech business springs to mind, make sure to nominate them today!
