A distinguished panel of speakers has been confirmed for an upcoming event addressing Birmingham’s rapidly growing tech sector. The event, set for October 23 at the iCentrum building within the Innovation Birmingham Campus, promises to deliver insightful discussions on the future of technology in the region.
Dr David Hardman MBE, CEO of Innovation Birmingham, Rob Valentine, head of Birmingham at a prominent property company, and Sallie Allen, operations director at Enploy, are among the noteworthy figures scheduled to speak at the event.
Joining them will be Julian Dennard, fund principal of the senior management team at a tech investment firm, Jess Jeetly MBE, managing director, and Chris Meah, CEO of an educational institution. Additionally, David Maidment, development lead at a digital engagement company, and Joel Blake OBE, founder of a solutions-based firm, will contribute to the discussion.
The event, entitled ‘Could Birmingham’s tech sector rival London?’, aims to explore various issues such as the high property prices and rising staff costs in London, which are driving numerous companies to consider cities like Birmingham.
Birmingham is already home to over 3,000 tech firms and 41,500 digital tech jobs, drawing tech graduates from London more than any other UK city.
The city’s appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to 18 universities and the future prospect of a 49-minute train journey to London with the initiation of HS2. This positions Birmingham as a formidable contender in the digital landscape.
A recent acquisition by a property company has bolstered the strength of the regional tech sector, which includes significant hubs such as Silicon Canal and the Custard Factory, all contributing to the vibrant digital ecosystem.
The event, scheduled for a breakfast session from 8am to 9.30am, is expected to attract considerable interest from those involved in the technology sector.
With a stellar line-up of speakers and the promise of critical discussions on the future of Birmingham’s tech industry, this event is set to be a significant milestone in the city’s technological advancement.