The newly built Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation (FCDI) was a hive of activity last week when it played host to the successful Somerset Tech Showcase event, organised by Business West and techSPARK.

A chance for businesses to experience the latest technology and hear from the experts about solutions to help increase efficiencies in their organisation, the showcase welcomed over 50 attendees, with innovative businesses exhibiting their products and services.

Jane Purdy, Head of Enterprise at Business West, commented, “We created the event alongside techSPARK to give businesses, education providers and stakeholders in the region the chance to get together, hear what is happening within the tech space in Somerset, exhibit to a room full of potential clients, network with peers and discover collaboration opportunities within the region.”

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Exhibitors had the chance to pitch their product or service to attendees, a free lunch was provided by Cullens Catering and attendees enjoyed the chance to be hands on with the products, have beneficial conversations with others, plus a tour of the building.

Jane continued, “The room was buzzing with energy and there was a great atmosphere – businesses were keen to start building new relationships and explore collaboration opportunities in the region. We had the chance to listen to some exciting and thought-provoking presentations and see some of the products in person. 

Exhibitors included Snugs, manufacturers of custom-made and fitted earplugs for a range of applications, Apollo IQ – creators of an app that improves efficiency of healthcare by notifying patients of test results sooner, AutonoMe – mobile technology platform helping neurodiverse and disabled people live independently and Our Rainwater – innovative rainwater management that limits overflow and environmental damage.

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Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive. James Kellock of Telet – the 5G company helping businesses and residents in rural areas access high-speed internet – reflected: “My presentation did lead to a very busy lunch break for some valuable conversations with attendees, which was incredibly useful and hopefully some good introductions for future.”

Richard Everard – Course Leader in Computing at Bridgwater & Taunton College – said: “It was so great to meet new faces working across the region in the tech space and the chance to get my students to meet them was amazing.”

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Digital Somerset, a network supporting Somerset’s digital and tech cluster, shared the positive reactions, commenting: “There were lots of exciting exhibitors showing off the incredible tech talent in our region.”

Lucy Paine of techSPARK said: “There were some great conversations taking place,”

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The event was held as part of the Somerset Innovation Network - a fully-funded programme driving innovation and collaboration to forward-thinking, and growth-driven businesses in the region.

Bringing together three innovation centres in Somerset - iAero in Yeovil, FCDI in Taunton and SEIC in Bridgwater, the network aims to encourage collaboration and innovation between businesses, whilst helping them grow and develop through a variety of tailored 1-2-1 support, informative workshops and networking opportunities.

Other exhibitors included:

• Teapot Creative – brand-growth focused web design and graphic design company 
• Angel Investor Programme (Tech South West – helping businesses to understand what technology investors look for outside of London
• Martin Barnes (8 Seconds 2 Connect) – getting the most out of public speaking and audience engagement

Speaking on the opening of the new centre Jane commented, “The FCDI will encourage businesses to relocate to Somerset, or international companies to set up a UK presence in Taunton. It’s a great building offering event space, hot desks and even a podcast studio ”

If you think you could benefit from collaboration-focused business support, find out more about the fully-funded Somerset Innovation Network support programme. Get in touch with a Business Advisor to check if you’re eligible.