Shaping a Tech and Innovation Enabled Workforce

Join us at the University of Cumbria for an exciting event, "Shaping a Tech and Innovation Enabled Workforce," designed to bring together digitally innovative, engaged, and influential business leaders from across Cumbria. This event is a unique opportunity to:

Voice Your Needs: Share the specific skills and knowledge your organisation needs.
Collaborate: Engage with other leaders to discuss and identify key areas for development.
Influence the Future: Help us design learning that will equip the workforce with the right tools for success.
Connect, Grow and Amplify: Support the cross-industry digital ecosystem in Cumbria

The event will take place at The Bridge, Portland Walk.

05 Mar 2025 - 05 Mar 2025

Event Overview

Event Agenda

9:00 – 9:30 Registration and Refreshments

9:30 – 10:30 Speakers
Claire Aindow, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development, University of Cumbria
Matt Robinson, Head of Programme – Nations and Regions, techUK

10:45 – 11:30 Panel Discussion - Exploring the enablers and barriers to digital adoption an innovation in Cumbria – specific focus on skill and talent development

11:30 – 12:30 Breakout discussions and close

Opening Welcome: Claire Aindow, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development University of Cumbria

Claire has a background in both higher education and industry, having owned and managed a communications consultancy for 13 years, Claire brings a hybrid mix of academic ability and commercial experience. Her deep-rooted connection with the North West means she understands Cumbria’s history, with its remarkable advantages and unique challenges.

Keynote Speaker: Matt Robinson, Head of Nations & Regions, techUK

Matt Robinson, leads techUK’s engagement with Devolved Government, Combined Authorities, and Elected Mayors, will share his insights on growing and strengthening the digital economy across the UK. With his extensive background in regional partnerships and public service, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion (Read Matt’s full bio below).

Panel Discussion and Breakout Groups

Engage in a panel discussion with digitally engaged business leaders from Cumbria, exploring what works well in the region's tech ecosystem and what needs to happen for it to grow. In breakout groups discuss key questions about current and future skill needs, preferred methods for skills development, and the challenges and opportunities facing your business.

Don't miss this chance to shape the future of the tech and digital workforce in Cumbria. Register now and be part of the conversation!

Event Information

Matt Robinson, Head of Nations & Regions, techUK

Matt joined techUK as Head of Nations & Regions in Summer 2021, he leads techUK’s engagement with Devolved Government, Combined Authorities and Elected Mayors across the UK. He works with techUK’s members on growing and strengthening the digital economy across the UK including developing and growing techUK’s Local Digital Index (a tool to map and demonstrate the strength of the tech sector across the UK). He also leads on Devolution, Local Growth Plans, and related policy matters.

Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. Matt has previously been a Mayoral candidate and serves as an elected Councillor. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.

techUK is the trade association representing the UK technology industry, a not-for-profit organisation comprised of around 1030 member companies ranging from the world’s largest tech brands to a long tail of mid-sized and small UK firms. This diverse membership gives techUK a unique perspective on the issues and opportunities facing the UK tech sector and is fundamental to our reputation as a relevant, credible and influential industry body. A full list of our membership can be found online here.