Chamber News: TechEast to give ‘one voice’ for technology firms in Norfolk

TechEast was unveiled at a glittering launch, held the BT Tower in London this week. TechEast aim to create ‘one voice’ for technology firms in the East and will link Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge.

Their vision is to be “Recognised as one of the Top 5 clusters in the UK” and their mission is “To accelerate the growth of the digital tech economy in the East, through promotion, excellence and support”

Tech East Manifesto is:

1. To promote digital tech growth and excellence in the East using local tech businesses as examples in order to attract new business and talent from other parts of the UK and internationally.
2. To establish a TechEast ’embassy’; a physical presence in London showcasing businesses and the sector, aiding business development and encouraging inward investment.
3. To galvanise the sector by speaking with one voice to amplify the benefits for tech companies in the East.
4. To excel by sharing best practice between members ad ensure that TechEast companies are amongst the best run tech companies in the UK.
5. To be recognised as the UK’s most open and collaborative digital tech cluster where new companies and entrepreneurs can thrive and grow in a supportive environment.
6. To work with local and national educational partners to develop the relevant sector skills and benefit from cutting edge research.

It is hoped by succeeding with the above manifesto, TechEast will create a further 5,000 jobs, generate an extra £650m GVA of economic growth in the East and be one of the UK’s Top 5 tech clusters by 2020.

Commenting on TechEast, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber, said:

“The increasing national significance of Norwich as a tech cluster, highlighted in this year’s Tech Nation Report, is very encouraging. We will continue to work with our neighbouring counties, to speak with one voice in the East to investors, business and government about unlocking further growth across the digital tech cluster – which will underpin the great businesses and start-ups already thriving in Norfolk.”

For Norfolk digital tech companies wanting to find out more and how to get involved visit either the TechEast website or email: Angela Silburn on: [email protected].