21 Feb 2022

The techUK podcast - Local Digital Dialogues - Leeds

techUK · The techUK Podcast - Local Digital Dialogues - Leeds

As part of techUK’s work to develop our Local Digital Capital Index a number of ‘digital dialogues’ took place with members, partners and stakeholders all across the UK. However, the publication of techUK’s LDC Index wasn’t the end of our work. We will also be looking to speak with regional leaders who are making a difference to develop the local tech ecosystems.

techUK members across the UK are engaging with their local tech ecosystems helping to create jobs, develop new innovative products and change the way business and public services operate. The strength of the UK’s tech sector cannot just rely on one region but on the diversity of companies, work, talent and tech that’s operating across the UK.

In this digital dialogue, we will be focused on Leeds. I’m joined by Stuart Clarke, Founder of Paceline and Festival Director of the Leeds Digital Festival. Sarah Pawson, MD and Founder of Fruition IT. Adam Hildreth, CEO of Crisp. And Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer for Economy and Culture with Leeds City Council.

As part of this discussion, we cover a range of issues including the Leeds Digital Festival, the tech sectors resilience through the pandemic, the WILD’s racial diversity in digital report, levelling up and more.

Leeds Digital Festival has grown year on year and in 2021 for the first time, the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy addressed the festival, a mark of the success and reach of the festival. techUK has and continues to support the Leeds Digital Festival and do look out for techUK events as part of the mini-festival 25 -27 April and 19 - 30 September. You can find you can find out more here.

For more information please contact:

Matt Robinson

Head of Nations and Regions, techUK

Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions.

Matt joined techUK in June 2021 and 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 devolution, regional growth and developing tech ecosystems.

Matt was a City Councillor for 16 years (2010-2026), a former Parliamentary candidate and West Yorkshire mayoral candidate, he brings a first-hand understanding of how national policy is received and delivered locally.

Matt sits on a number of boards and bodies to help the tech sector including as a Non-Executive Director for the Tech for Good Alliance and a member of Manchester Digital Strategy Advisory Board.

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. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.