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: - Engage with employers and industry leaders - Understand the current and future skills needed in the tech and digital sectors - Connect, grow, and amplify a cross-industry digital ecosystem in Cumbria.
05 Mar 2025 - 05 Mar 2025
Event Overview
Keynote Speaker: Matt Robinson, Head of Nations & Regions, techUK
Matt Robinson, who 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.
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. Participate in breakout groups to 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!
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.
Event Information
09:00 - Registration & Refreshments
09:30 - Introduction, Claire Aindow, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development
09:35 - techUK (National Picture), Matt Robinson, Head of Programme – Nations and Regions techUK
10:00 - UoC (Local Picture) Explore pre-event survey results
10:15 - Q&A
10:25 - Refreshments & Networking
10:45 - Panel Discussion, exploring the enablers and barriers to digital adoption an innovation in Cumbria – specific focus on skills
11:20 - Q&A
11:30 - Breakout group discussions:
- What skills do you need now?
- What skills do you need for the future?
- How do you and your staff want to access skills development?
- What challenges do you face as a business?
- What would you like to see happen in the future?
12:20 – 12:30 - Feedback and Close