On 20 November, techUK's Digital Economy Conference will explore the importance and role of digital innovation in driving economic growth, business competitiveness, and global talent development. This forms part of techUK's wider initiative focused on the digital economy’s role in boosting productivity, investment, and skills, for people, towns and cities across UK and the need to grow the economy.
Local Digital Index:
As part of the Conference, techUK will launch the latest edition of our Local Digital Index. The Index is developed in collaboration with The Data City, and provides an annual update on the strength of the UK’s digital economy. It benchmarks the performance of the entire UK across three critical pillars for growth: digital skills, investment, and infrastructure. It also sets out recommendations for how to unlock opportunity and ensure every part of the UK can thrive in the digital age.
Speakers:
We are pleased to announce that the opening keynote address will be delivered by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP. We are also pleased to welcome:
- Anna Ashton-Scott, Head of Skills, The Data Lab
- Paul Connell, Executive Chair, The Data City
- Professor Steven Drost, Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) , CodeBase Scotland Ltd
- Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland
- Hollie Hodgson, Head of Account Management, Tussell
- Paul McKean, Director of Further Education, Skills and Training, JISC
- Jill Mckinney, Director of Delivery & Head of Skills, Sunderland Software City and DSIT Digital Skills Council
- Andrew Purdy, Data Analyst, The Data City
- Mark Sterritt, Senior Investment Director, British Business Bank
Why attend?
- Gain insight into the latest Local Digital Index findings on regional digital strengths and challenges.
- Explore how skills, investment, and infrastructure can be better aligned to accelerate local digital growth and impact the wider economy.
- Hear from leaders across government and industry on the next steps for regional digital strategies.
- Network with peers shaping the future of the UK’s digital economy.
Join us to explore how the UK’s nations and regions can build stronger, more inclusive digital economies through targeted action on skills development, coordinated investment, and world-class infrastructure. This event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with peers over lunch.
Please get in touch with the below team for details:
Matt Robinson
Matt Robinson
Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
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.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- techuk.org,,techuk.org,
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]
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/