On 16 October, as part of Birmingham Tech Week, techUK will be publishing the latest edition of our Local Digital Index. The Index and report will analyse the strength on the tech sector across the UK in fields such as digital skills, digital infrastructure, finance and investment and digital adoption as well as making recommendations for how the tech sector can be strengthened across the entire UK.
The UKs tech sector has a vital role in the growth of the UK economy and it’s through building stronger local economies that we’ll be able to ensure every area of the UK is improving productivity, creating jobs and supporting the growth of new and existing companies.
We are delighted that BT Group will be hosting this event at their new offices in Birmingham and the afternoon will include panel sessions focused on the Index results, making the whole UK digitally skilled, how tech companies are delivering for communities, and funding and financing the UK’s growing tech sector in 2023.
Speakers and panellists include the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Paul Scully MP, Shadow Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Alex Davies-Jones MP, West Midlands Tech Commissioner Martin Ward, BT Group Director for Data Platforms Kerensa Jennings, techUK Director of Markets, Matt Evans, CEO of School of Code Chris Meah, Programme Director for CivTech Mark Elliot, Microsoft’s lead across Greater Manchester Marie Hamilton, Co-Head of FinTech service at Shoosmith’s Prakash Kerai, Leeds City Council’s Head of Innovation Programmes Richelle Schuster, Founder of Piece Future Jason Loh, and Managing Director of Henham Strategy Nick King, and more!
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:
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Manager, Small Business Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, Small Business Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for Small Business 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.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience. We provide opportunities for our members and local stakeholders to meet, build relationships, and collaborate to drive forward local projects. For more information or to get in touch, please visit our Nations and Regions Hub and click ‘contact us’.
We are thrilled to present highlights from techUK's Nations and Regions programme of work over the past year, showcasing our key achievements, valuable insights, and defining moments. This year has been marked by meaningful discussions, impactful events, and collaborative initiatives—none of which would have been possible without your engagement and support.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison MSP, has presented her draft Budget to the Scottish Parliament, outlining the Scottish Government’s proposed tax and spending plans for 2025-26.
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Contact the team:
Matt Robinson
Head of Nations and Regions, techUK
Matt Robinson
Head of Nations and Regions, techUK
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:
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Learn more about our Nations and Regions campaign:
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