Delivering Growth: People, Place and Technology in a Devolved Economy
Following the success of our inaugural conference in Edinburgh in 2025, techUK’s UK Digital Economy Conference returns for its second year on Thursday 26 November, coming to Manchester.
With a new government setting out ambitious plans for devolution, growth in every postcode, reindustrialisation and regeneration, technology and the tech sector will play a vital role in turning these ambitions into action.
The 2026 UK Digital Economy Conference will focus on how devolved and local leaders can work with the technology sector, improve digital infrastructure and support innovation to drive economic growth, support regeneration and build competitive regional economies that benefit people and places across the UK.
The conference will bring together national, devolved and local leaders, technology businesses, policymakers, public sector partners and wider stakeholders to explore how we can collectively turn these ambitions into action.
Through a series of panels and discussions, we will explore:
- Digital infrastructure – building more connected, resilient and productive places
- Skills and talent – how devolution can shape the future workforce and support local growth
- Reindustrialisation – exploring the role of technology in driving reindustrialisation in the 2020s and beyond
- Investment and the economy – considering where investment is needed to support the UK economy and digital growth towards 2030
With action and delivery across these areas crucial to growing both the tech sector and the wider economy, join us in Manchester to hear from leading voices, share ideas and help shape the future of the UK’s digital economy.
Why attend?
- Gain insight into the latest discussions around technology, devolution and regional growth
- Explore how skills, investment and infrastructure can be aligned to accelerate local growth
- Hear from government and industry leaders on regional economic development, digital strategies and future opportunities
- Connect with peers and decision-makers helping to shape the future of the UK’s digital economy
Register now to be part of the conversation.
Event details:
Timings: 08:30 - 17:00
Venue: Manchester
Ticket prices:
- techUK member ticket: free
- Public sector: free
- Non-member ticket: If you are interested in attending the event, please email [email protected]
Please note: a refund will be given on cancellations received in writing 6 weeks prior to the event. Regrettably no refunds can be given after this date. Full terms and conditions can be viewed here.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Robinson
Matt Robinson
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.
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Luke Newcombe
Luke Newcombe
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Rebecca Tompkins
Rebecca Tompkins
Rebecca joined techUK in April 2026 as Head of Events and Sponsorship, leading the organisation's flagship events portfolio and sponsorship programme.
With over a decade of experience in event management, she is responsible for delivering a diverse range of events that bring together members, policymakers and industry leaders from across the technology sector, from flagship conferences and annual dinners to webinars, roundtables and networking events. She also leads techUK's sponsorship offering, creating opportunities that deliver value for members, partners and the wider technology ecosystem.
Before joining techUK, Rebecca established and led the events function at Perspectum, a University of Oxford spin-out and global medical technology company. She oversaw a global events programme that supported the organisation's international growth, building strong relationships with stakeholders across healthcare, industry and academia.
Outside of work, Rebecca can often be found at a gig or festival, or spending time with friends and her dog.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Dora Pass
Dora Pass
Dora joined techUK in October 2019 as an Events Assistant, coordinating and delivering our flagship events.
Prior to joining the team, Dora worked as a Senior Events Coordinator at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at Parliament Square managing conferences and high profile ministerial events.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2003
Patricia Gonzalez-Urbina
Patricia Gonzalez-Urbina
Patricia joined techUK in February 2026 as a Junior Events Manager, where she supports the delivery of our flagship events.
Prior to joining techUK, she worked at the International Tennis Federation as a Senior Development Coordinator (Performance & Events). Patricia supported the delivery of major international junior events - including Junior Grand Slams and the 14&U European Tour - and helped expand opportunities for players from developing countries to compete internationally. She has also gained experience working in an MP's Parliamentary and Constituency Office.
Patricia holds a BA (Hons) in Politics and Hispanic Studies from Queen Mary University of London and has a strong interest in international development, politics and current affairs.
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, socialising with friends, and staying active at the gym.
