A major new business event is taking place in Somerset this month in a bid to support and promote the county's innovation economy.
The inaugural Somerset Innovation Exchange, which is being run by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT), is taking place at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton on September 27.
Stuart Brocklehust, chair of the Innovation Board for the Heart of the South West region and director of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), has been confirmed as the conference's keynote speaker.
The businessman, who is also chief executive of Applegate - a South West firm developing artificial Intelligence for use in procurement - will share his insights with Somerset businesses at the event.
He said: “Somerset has a proud history and a thriving future in innovation and this event brings together the innovators, businesses and communities that are both creating and can benefit from cutting edge technology and techniques. I’m delighted to be sharing my insights at this important event for the region.”
The full-day event will include sector panels, with business leaders sharing how they secured support and funding for their start-ups. A tech demo area will showcase the latest developments from Somerset’s leading innovators.
The event has been organised by SWT with support from Somerset County Council; The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HoTSWLEP); SWT Innovation Leadership Group; Tech South West; Innovate UK; and Barclays Eagle Labs. It is open to businesses at all stages of growth including entrepreneurs, designers, rising stars, inspirational founders and civic innovators.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, leader of SWT, will be opening the event. She said: “We are committed to supporting our diverse organisations, creating a dynamic business community and accelerating the growth of the innovation economy in the county.
“We have a packed day lined up which will bring inspiration, connections and opportunities to Somerset businesses, whatever stage of growth they are at, and are very pleased to welcome Stuart to share his valuable insights.”
Key themes for the event
- The future of transport and mobility
- Agri-tech
- Protecting the environment
- Securing food production
- Enabling digital health innovation in the South West
- Skills for business innovation
- The life stage of finance
- Legacy of nuclear and future energy
Tickets for the Somerset Innovation Exchange, which will be hosted at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton, are now on sale for £25 including a light lunch and parking. For more information, visit somersetinnovationexchange.co.uk.
