I woke op this morning with a slightly bad head after Chicken Club’s monumental win at the annual Teesside Charity quiz, thankful to whoever invented flexi time but also pondering how much Teesside’s digital sector has personally given me. It’s given me a career. It’s how I met my wife. And it’s how I met some of my best friends.
When I speak to people about Teesside’s digital tech sector I always talk about the community. I talk about deal flow, knowledge transfer, collaboration, spinouts, and I touch on how much of a friendly bunch we are - but I don’t often delve further than that. Digital businesses often look at planting roots in Middlesbrough, in particular, on the back of our shiny buildings in close proximity to Teesside University, but it’s the community that cements them here. I think it’s something that we often take for granted (I certainly do) but should be extremely grateful for.
Now in my never ending quest to try and segue from my ramblings into something you want to read, this week TechNExt opened a call for fringe events as part of this year’s festival - with Steve Cole leading the charge for more Tees Valley activity this year. For me, this is the opportunity to celebrate our digital tech community, to welcome those from the wider North East to Tees Valley, and equally an opportunity to jump on the rattly train up to Newcastle or Sunderland to experience theirs.
Last year I think I only managed to make an event in Flok and a virtual session, but all of the feedback I read lauded the whole thing, so I’m excited to see what’s in store this year. If you’ve got any ideas for an event, or you’d just like some more information, you can check it out here.
Teesside University announces £40m Digital Life building
It’s been a long time coming, but this week Teesside University unveiled plans for a new £40m Digital Life building - due for completion in Spring 2025. I remember this being touted when I worked at Teesside University, so it’s great to see that they’ve got this over the line. The building will feature ‘state-of-the-art’ AI and robotics suites, virtual reality and cybersecurity laboratories, and animation and visual effects studios.
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, Professor Paul Croney OBE noted: “Digital Life will provide a vital cross-university asset for digital innovation, firmly cementing Teesside’s reputation as a future-facing University.”
Let’s level up on policies
This week, The QT went live and featured a cracking piece from regional tech ambassador Jamie Hardesty. Jamie believes the Government needs to live up to its slogans and do more to drive tech start-ups with the potential to scale up if the North East is not to be left behind. I won’t add any more to this as I think you should all read the article -> Let’s level up on policies
Events
Rob Smedley has 30 years of experience in the world of F1, having spent time at multiple F1 teams including Jordan, Ferrari, and Williams before assuming the Director of Data Systems role at Formula 1 from 2019 to 2021 where he developed and deployed the data strategy for the sport. He now works with some of the world’s leading technology brands helping them deliver technical data solutions including the deployment of AI and ML.
DOTS Networking - Discussion on the spot networking
⏱️ Here's how it works: Find a dot opposite a fellow business leader, once the clock starts ticking, you'll have a set amount of time to engage in conversation, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations before moving one place to left 🤝
Tees Business Live: Talking Tees Tech
This edition of Tees Business Live will focus on the region's digital tech sector. Join to hear from a panel of industry experts that all celebrated success at last year's Tees Tech Awards; Bob Makin, Behaviour UK - North, Imran Anwar, Alt Labs & Middlesbrough College, Scarlett Reeves, Aero Commerce & Brave Bold Digital, Rich Himsworth, Salesfire UK