News / Tech
Rising stars of Bristol’s tech scene to reach global markets
A cohort of Bristol tech firms can potentially reach untapped markets in the US, India, and Singapore, thanks to a new virtual scheme.
The Department for International Trade (DIT), in partnership with Business West, has selected 50 companies across the South West to take part in the initiative, which is designed to stimulate international growth and expansion into these countries.
The Tech for Good virtual trade missions start on March 8 and offer participants a series of virtual masterclasses, commercial meetings and networking events, culminating in the opportunity to showcase their technology to key players in the US, India, and Singapore.
Britain is ranked as the 5th highest digital tech services exporter in the world, at £23.3bn in 2019. With Bristol renowned for its innovation and world-class tech hubs, the new initiative is seen as an opportunity for more SMEs to tap into a thriving international market.
Tiscreport, a company that provides a digital platform to increase transparency in the supply chain to ensure companies comply with the Modern Slavery Act, is in the first cohort.
Founder Jaya Chakrabarti (main photo) says: “Our social enterprise has reached a point where we need global connections to scale our impact.
“The Tech for Good trade mission programme has come exactly at the right time. As a working mum, virtual missions enable me to fulfil the company’s aspirations whilst also being able to look after my family.
“This alone makes it one of the most impactful things I can possibly do to further our social mission.”
Delivered by DIT market specialists Ameeta Virk and Sarah Hildersley, the free initiative will offer the opportunity for companies to understand the tech landscape, develop their export strategy and participate in virtual sales meetings.
Ameeta Virk hopes the programme will help companies reach their global ambitions – photo supplied by Business West
Ameeta says: “Having announced the Tech for Good initiative in early September, we were overwhelmed with the high level of interest
“I’ve been truly impressed with the sheer number of South West companies who are leading the way in delivering world-changing solutions.
“I am incredibly proud to have created a programme that will help these businesses move closer to realising their global ambitions.”
Welcoming the scheme, Graham Stuart, the minister for international trade, adds: “Using technology to allow fantastic UK solution providers to help people around the world is an inspiring thing to be part of – even as we negotiate trade deals to cut the barriers to trade.
“The Tech for Good South West Initiative uses government convening power to allow even small tech companies in the South West to reach global markets in a way which, frankly, before the pandemic, might not have been possible.
“We are determined to use every tool we have to help innovative UK firms grow their international sales, help the end customer and create opportunity and jobs in the South West and elsewhere.”
Main photo supplied by Business West
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