South West Telecoms Showcase - Recap
On 16 June 2025, techUK was delighted to host the South West Telecoms Showcase in partnership with KPMG at their Bristol offices. The event brought together national and regional stakeholders from industry, government, academia and the wider innovation community to discuss the role of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving services across the South West.
This was the second in a series of regional digital infrastructure events being delivered by techUK as part of our Communications Infrastructure and Services programme, building on the success of our North West Showcase earlier this year.
A region of innovation and opportunity
The day began with opening remarks from KPMG and a keynote address from Professor Dimitra Simeonidou. Professor Simeonidou outlined the world-leading research taking place at the Smart Internet Lab, including pioneering work on quantum networking, Open RAN, and future 6G technologies. Her presentation highlighted the South West’s growing position as a centre of excellence for telecoms innovation, powered by academic and commercial collaboration.
Tackling deployment challenges
The first fireside chat featured Pat Coxen (Cornerstone), who explored the diverse and complex landscape of the South West and the implications for mobile network rollout. He addressed the specific barriers to infrastructure deployment in rural areas, including planning delays and inconsistent local authority engagement, and called for more coordinated public sector support to accelerate delivery. Pat also noted positive changes on the horizon, with reforms to planning rules creating new opportunities for collaboration.
In a second fireside session, Freyja Lockwood (West of England Combined Authority) spoke about the creation of WECA’s new digital office. The office is working to streamline internal processes, strengthen engagement with telecoms providers, and ensure that digital infrastructure is embedded within the region’s broader strategic priorities. Freyja’s remarks underscored the value of regional leadership and shared ambition in supporting digital rollout.
Supporting the UK’s digital transition
BT delivered an important update on the national PSTN switch-off and the accompanying digital switchover campaign, developed in collaboration with techUK. The session provided clarity on the timeline for withdrawal of legacy services and explored how BT is engaging with customers, local authorities and third-sector organisations to support a smooth and inclusive transition. This presentation was particularly timely as preparations for the 2025 deadline continue to accelerate.
Showcasing innovation across the region
Our first panel featured Freyja Lockwood, Rob Kearney (Plexal) and Peter Gradwell (Telet) and explored how local, regional and national priorities can be better aligned to unlock investment in digital infrastructure. Discussions focused on the importance of joined-up planning, the role of combined authorities in shaping regional digital strategies, and the value of platforms that bring government and industry together around shared goals. Examples of best practice amongst public and private sector stakeholders were shared with attendees during the session as well.
Ahead of the second panel, Plexal presented a spotlight on their work in Cheltenham’s Golden Valley project – a flagship initiative to develop a thriving cyber and technology campus in the South West. The presentation highlighted the importance of place-based innovation, underpinned by resilient connectivity and strategic public-private partnerships.
Developing the digital workforce
The final panel of the day turned attention to skills and workforce development, with contributions from Vicky Jewell (Satellite Applications Catapult), Richard Scutt (EPIC Centre, Paignton), Dave Williams and Su Crighton (KPMG) and Ginette Kilroy (Cornerstone). The panel examined current gaps in telecoms and digital infrastructure skills, the need to raise awareness of career opportunities for both school-leavers and career changers, and how industry, training providers and local authorities can work together to create a sustainable pipeline of talent across the South West.
What’s next?
The Showcase concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration across sectors, and an opportunity for attendees to network over lunch. The conversations throughout the day reinforced the region’s ambition, capability and potential to lead the UK’s digital future.
techUK will continue its work to support regional growth through digital infrastructure; bringing together members, policymakers and local stakeholders to deliver world-class connectivity across the UK.
Stay tuned for our next regional telecoms event later this year in the West Midlands.
If you are interested in learning more about this upcoming event, or have any questions, please contact [email protected]
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techUK brings together government, the regulator, telecom companies and stakeholders to help the UK maximise the benefits of adopting advanced communications services. We ensure our members have a clear understanding of market developments, customer requirements, and government priorities. Visit the programme page here.
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Meet the team
Tales Gaspar
Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
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Josh Turpin
Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
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