Exclusive Leadership Event

Last year we were named the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector and this year our tech and digital sector has continued to go from strength to strength. However, in order to realise our true potential, we must work together to build on our already solid foundation. At this Exclusive Leadership Event, we will chart the course for the West Midlands to become a global tech hub.

Supporting Local, Thinking Global

Our Speakers from 2023

Paul Scully MP
Minister for Tech & Digital Economy

Ian Stuart
CEO

Carolyn Dawson OBE
CEO

Andy Street CBE
Mayor of the West Midlands

Erin Platts
CEO

Melissa Snover
CEO & Founder

Martin Ward
West Midlands Tech Commissioner

Kim Leary
Chairperson

Yiannis Maos MBE
CEO & Founder

Matt Hammond
Chair

Simon Walsh
CEO

Agenda

08:00-08:35 - Arrival & Networking

An opportunity to network and speak with other tech leaders and stakeholders from across the West Midlands.

08:35-08:45 - Official opening of Birmingham Tech Week 2023

Yiannis Maos, Founder of Birmingham Tech Week will give his opening remarks and official start the festival.

08:45-09:05 - Opening Remarks and Welcome

Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK will welcome guests to HSBC HQ and give his opening remarks.

09:05-09:25 - Why the region's tech sector is so important

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street CBE, will say why the region’s tech sector is so important for future innovation and economic growth.

09:25-09:40 - Relaunch of Tech Nation

Carolyn Dawson OBE, the CEO of Founders Forum, will officially relaunch Tech Nation and tell the audience why this is so important for the UK tech sector. Carolyn will also say what this means for tech scaleups up and down the UK.

09:40-10:25 - Tech Leaders Panel Discussion

Carolyn Dawson OBE will host a panel discussion with tech leaders, including, Erin Platts, CEO of HSBC Innovation Bank (previously Silicon Valley Bank UK) and Melissa Snover, Founder & CEO of Nourished.

10:25-10:35 - What's next to the region's tech sector?

The West Midlands Tech Commissioner, Martin Ward, will offer is thoughts on what’s next for the region’s tech sector and will reveal plans for how the West Midlands can become a global tech hub.

10:35-11:05 - Ministerial fireside chat

Kim Leary, Chairperson of TechWM will conduct a fireside chat with Paul Scully MP, the Minister for the Tech & Digital Economy (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology).

The Minister will be joined by Simon Walsh, CEO at Advanced.

11:05-11:15 - Final thoughts

Matt Hammond, Chair of the West Midlands Growth Company will offer his final thoughts and summarise the Tech Leadership Breakfast.

11:15-11:45 - Networking

A final chance to network with peers before attending other Birmingham Tech Week events.