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New Chair of Torbay Hi Tech Forum Chosen

Spirent MD has been chosen as the new Chair of Torbay Hi Tech Forum. Martin Foulger, Divisional MD of Spirent Communications Global Positioning in Paignton will take over from Jason Buck of the Torbay Development Agency (TDA).

Spirent has been a world leader in the provision of Global Satellite Navigation Systems for over two decades. "I am delighted to take over the reins for this important next stage of growth for the Torbay Hi Tech Forum,” said Foulger. “The Forum is keen to continue to look at expanding the local supply chain, working with the local college and universities to ensure our skills needs as employers are being met, and the talented individuals within our local workforce are able to engage with us so they can see the excellent career opportunities that exist right here in Torbay. We also hope to continue to work with the TDA on sharpening the investment offer for the sector and ensuring the environment is right for encouraging more investment."

Last year, the forum held the first ever Manufacturing, Technology & Innovation event, which was a huge success. The Forum recently announced MTI ‘12 will be held on 18th October at the Riviera International Conference Centre. Based on last year’s event, MTI ‘12 will have increased exhibition space and more time for networking.

"Advanced Manufacturing is an important sector for Torbay, and it is a central aim of the Council, TDA and our local and regional partners to generate a first-class environment for its continued growth and success," said Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver.

The Torbay Development Agency will soon implement a marketing campaign for the Advanced Electronics sector, promoting the R&D, quality of life, and business class credentials of Torbay as an investment location. "We looked at the feedback from last years delegates and exhibitors and we think enlarging the exhibition and increasing networking time provides even greater business benefits,” said Jason Buck, Investment Development Manager at the Torbay Development Agency (TDA).

He added, "We want to ensure that the industry sectors and potential investors identify that opportunities exist in Torbay – we have the existing skills in the local workforce, competitive costs and quality of life that are important to so many of these firms. The South Devon Link road and forthcoming developments such as Whiterock Business Park, Claylands, & the third phase of the TDA Innovation Centres all add to the fantastic investment offer Torbay has."

South Devon Link Road given Government Approval

The South Devon Link Road has been given the go ahead in the Government’s Autumn budget announcement, and Torbay Council, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council aim to commence work within a year.

"There has been considerable speculation over the last few days that we have at last got the green light for the link road,” said Mayor of Torbay Gordon Oliver. “However, speculation is different to confirmation, so, after an anxious wait, I am absolutely delighted that we have at last received confirmation, and we can start to celebrate this momentous news.”

Chancellor George Osborne confirmed that the Link Road would go ahead, as well as 19 other major new transport infrastructure projects throughout the UK. The scheme has received Government endorsement of £76.4 million toward the £110 million cost of the 5.5-km dual carriageway, which will by-pass Kingskerswell, awarding.

Devon County Council and Torbay Council have committed £33 million towards the scheme costs from their budgets, and Teignbridge District Council will contribute a £500,000.

"Today’s announcement marks a key milestone in the half-century history of this proposed scheme,” continued Mr. Oliver, “and indeed there are still some issues that need to be resolved before construction can finally get underway. However, the important thing is that we are now better placed to attract new investment and jobs, with this new road helping us towards our goals for a healthy, prosperous and happy Bay.”

The Secretary of State will soon announce the outcome of the Public Inquiry and confirm the Scheme Orders. The design and build construction contract is to be awarded in March 2012, and the main works are planned to start on site in October 2012, and to be completed by December 2015.

“This has been an excellent example of councils, businesses, MPs and the wider community working in partnership,” said Devon County Council Leader John Hart. “Even in these financially-straitened times, we have hopefully proved that by combining our resources and our expertise we can still achieve significant developments that will improve the lives of thousands of people and provide a major boost to the whole economy of South Devon. I am delighted with the way that key stakeholders like the Local Enterprise Partnership, the Police, healthcare services and public transport operators have backed our bid”

Councillor Jeremy Christophers, Leader of Teignbridge District Council, added, “As a long term supporter of the bypass, Teignbridge welcomes this news wholeheartedly. It will bring a massive boost to the area, making us more accessible, helping encourage new jobs and economic growth, and building a stronger link between popular South Devon tourist areas."

The new road will remove an estimated 95% of traffic away from Kingskerswell, restoring and revitalising the heart of the local community. Steve Parrock, Torbay Development Agency Chief Executive, said, "We are especially pleased that Torbay’s potential has been recognised. The new road not only addresses today’s congestion, but will be a major factor in determining future inward investment and economic growth. With so many young people currently unemployed and leaving Torbay to seek work, this good news should give hope and encouragement."

The new link road will also create almost 8,000 jobs throughout South Devon, with 3,600 of those in Torbay. Research indicates that for every £1 invested into the construction of the bypass, a £9 stimulus to the South Devon economy will be generated.

“This is the big regeneration news that many of us have been waiting for,” said Parrock. “It is a major step forward in our economic strategy to deliver growth and jobs, not only in Torbay but across South Devon.”

He added, "We would like to thank the hundreds of businesses and individuals who supported the SDLR campaign from letter writing through to the numerous meetings with government ministers and representatives. The Business Forum and local Chambers of Commerce were especially active. Devon County Council, Torbay Council and all the partner organisations deserve to be congratulated."

"Torbay is fortunate to have so many successful businesses and an unrivalled quality of life; soon we will have much better road access which will help existing businesses grow and new businesses join us in the regeneration of the New English Riviera."

Support from MPs:

"I am delighted to hear the announcement that thanks to much needed funding from the Treasury, the South Devon Link Road has the green light to go ahead. This will provide a tremendous boost for investment and jobs in Torbay and is particularly welcome news for Brixham and Paignton. Congratulations and thank you to all those who have put so much time, effort and teamwork into this project over many years." Dr Sarah Wollaston MP

"Getting the money to finally make the South Devon Link Road a reality has been a priority of mine since being elected to Parliament last year. This has been a real team effort however and my thanks go to Devon County Council and colleagues who represent South Devon seats who have worked hard on the campaign. This represents a significant investment not just in my constituency, but for the whole of South Devon and I am delighted that this long-discussed road looks set to finally get the green light.” Anne Marie Morris MP

"The Government’s decision is also a tremendous vote of confidence in South Devon.  This will be the basis for rebuilding the local economy, which has been overlooked for too long." Adrian Sanders MP

​See Torbay Development Agency's Development Plans for other developments in the area.

Torbay's First Hi-Tech Forum Conference a Success

Torbay’s first ever Hi-Tech Forum Conference took place last week at the Riviera Centre in Torquay, opened by the Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver. The event was the first of its kind in South Devon and its success is good news for the area and the industry, who will benefit from future conferences now that it will become an annual affair. The conference brought together major leaders in the south Devon hi-tech industry for the first time and is set to continue in this new tradition.

The 200 delegates attended seminars and heard several key speakers throughout the day. They were able to meet exhibitors from the hi-tech industries and form new links with each other and developing supply chains.

“The first ever Hi-Tech Forum Annual Conference was a resounding success,” proclaimed Steve Parrock, Torbay Development Agency Chief Executive. “Nearly 200 delegates came and the break-out seminars were well attended. The speakers were excellent and the event will really help to put Torbay on the map as a prime destination for the hi-tech sector to invest in.”

BBC presenter David Fitzgerald was the compère for the day and kept the audience entertained with links to the diverse programme of speakers. He also chaired a thought-provoking Q&A session for the day’s finale, with panellists from the TDA, Bishop Fleming, Spirent, Syntech and Jeremy Filmer-Bennet, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West LEP.

Mr. Filmer-Bennet said in his keynote address that Torbay has much opportunity to work with the LEP to bring new investment into the area through the high tech sector. He said that Torbay has a strong voice within the LEP, due to its representatives on the board and the executive consistently making the case for Torbay with integrity and intelligence. He said that real growth comes through collaboration, and cited the Hi-Tech event as being an excellent example of how collaborations can build strengths by companies talking to each other and working together.

Brian McCarthy from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) talked about TSB’s work and how it can assist innovative businesses with investing in R&D to generate growth. Last year alone, the TSB awarded £36million to a range of UK businesses, and helped to develop 60,000 knowledge transfer networks throughout the country.

Exeter University’s Professor John Bessent gave an entertaining speech about innovation, telling anecdotes of business successes and failures to illustrate the importance of achieving the right balance of innovation, technology and business acumen to bring products profitably to market. Businesses need more than the right product; they should keep an open mind and constantly adapt to the changing market environment. Professor Bessent proffered some useful ideas about doing things differently and harnessing opportunities to reach markets through new technologies in marketing.

“We are very pleased with how it all went,” said Headline sponsor Bishop Fleming’s partner Tim Godfrey, “there was a real buzz about the place and it was interesting to speak to the delegates about how we can work together to leverage the finance to generate growth in this important sector. I look forward to working with the TDA on other events in the future to help to reposition our area as a leading destination for business.”

“It was a great event at the Riviera Centre,” said Jason Buck, Torbay Development Agency’s Investment Development Officer. “The feedback from the delegates and the sponsors was very positive and many of them said they are already looking forward to being part of next year’s event and making it even bigger and better.”

He added, “As a place to invest, Torbay has a lot to offer this sector and we are increasingly getting this message out through our networks in the hi-tech sector and their related suppliers. This sector offers well-paid and fulfilling careers for young, talented people so it is encouraging to see the education sector working in collaboration with the industry to make sure their future recruitment and skills needs are met.”

“It is our aim to improve the economic prosperity for Torbay by generating better employment opportunities and we can only do this by attracting further investment from the key sectors that can benefit from such a location as ours. This event was a real landmark in our achievements towards this goal. Thank to you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors and delegates in ensuring the event was a success, I am already looking forward to building on this success in preparation for next year’s event.”

Torbay Hi Tech Forum - Manufacturing,Technology & Innovation Inaugural Event - 20th October 2011

Generating growth in Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology in Torbay.

Torbay Development Agency (TDA) and the Torbay Hi-Tech Forum are launching a Torbay first: an event focusing on Innovation, Manufacturing & Technology in the South West, to take place on 20 October at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay. Backing this important inaugural event as headline sponsors are leading accountancy firm, Bishop Fleming.

The event aims to bring together those involved in the thriving Hi-Tech sector in the Bay, along with other Hi Tech businesses in the wider peninsula and suppliers, support industries, students and job seekers with an interest in the sector.

The TDA and Hi-Tech Forum also hope that key business support partners, including education and training partners, will also look to participate, in order to build on the strengths of this important sector and generate economic growth.

Torbay is already home to world-class industries in healthcare research, marine environmental research and electronics. The Bay has a lot to offer for this sector and its related industries: Competitive costs; high staff loyalty; and an excellent quality of life are benefits that have already helped the sector develop, as these businesses don’t need to be in a metropolitan centre to succeed as a world leader in their field.

Torbay High Tech Forum was established in January to raise the profile of Torbay, and potentially the wider south Devon area, on a national and international stage. It has already made progress in building links with HE and FE sectors and other key partners such as the SW Manufacturing Advisory Service and developing strength in numbers, with membership increasing month on month.

Alan Denby, Director of Economic Strategy at Torbay Development Agency said: “We're excited about this new event, and to be working with Bishop Fleming. It will enable the Hi-Tech Forum to establish a platform for sharing expertise, developing a strong lobby, providing networking opportunities, establishing supply chains and building links with the further and Higher Education sector.
“We aim to develop the event into an annual feature on Torbay’s business calendar, helping to raise the profile of Torbay as an excellent place to invest.”

Torbay Development Agency’s Investment Development Officer, Jason Buck, said: “We aim to attract delegates and exhibitors from any business or organisation involved in the Hi-Tech arena in the Bay or the wider south west: Hi-Tech businesses, suppliers, support industries, graduates, undergraduates, colleges, six formers and job seekers with an interest in the sector, along with the TDA’s key business support partners, are all encouraged to be part of this exciting step forward in promoting Torbay’s potential as a leading Hi-Tech destination.”

Tim Godfrey, Partner at Bishop Fleming said: “We are delighted to support Torbay High-Tech Forum, as we recognise the importance of this small but thriving sector in Torbay. These businesses have real potential for growth and through our experience of working with business owners in the sector we know that we can assist in their growth plans. We look forward to being part of the Hi Tech Forum Annual Event and working with its members.”

The event is FREE to delegates. The TDA and the Hi-Tech Forum are targeting business involved in the Hi-Tech sector to attend, as well as key business support partners, including education and training partners.

The event will take place from 9am to 5pm with keynote speakers, breakout seminars and a range of sector related exhibitors. A buffet lunch is included; details of the venue are available at the Riviera International Conference Centre.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available, with an early-bird offer until 10 July, more information is available by contacting Torbay Development Agency’s Marketing Executive, Helena Davison on 01803 207915 or helena.davison@tedcltd.com.

More information about the Hi-Tech Forum and to discuss involvement in the programme for the event is available by contacting Jason Buck on 01803 208799 or jason.buck@tedcltd.com.