South West tech for good companies set to hit global stage

29th September 2020

With the UK being voted the fifth most innovative place in the world, The Department for International Trade (DIT) is taking advantage of tech talent in the South West by connecting businesses with potential customers and partners in the US, India and Singapore.  

Tech for good businesses across the region are being invited to apply to join ‘Tech 4 Good South West,’ a brand-new initiative designed to stimulate international growth in the three markets. It will launch in November 2020 and applicants are invited to submit a pitch by October 23rd. The programme is the first of its kind and will be offered free of charge to 15 companies per market. 

The new initiative will offer selected companies 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. 

Delivered by DIT market specialists Ameeta Virk and Sarah Hildersley, the free export initiative will offer the opportunity for selected companies to understand the tech landscape, develop their export strategy and participate in virtual sales meetings in these fast-growing markets.  

Jack Churchill, Export Champion, Founder and CEO of Scanning Pens, and winner of BETT Exporter of the Year in 2019 said:

“Exporting is more important than ever during this pandemic. If you have an export presence in other countries, you are effectively balancing your sales as a business. More than 50% of Scanning Pens’ sales comes from overseas markets.

“With a business established in both the US and India and the recent opening of a warehouse in Singapore, we’re already starting to connect our reader pens with the education communities in these exciting markets. Our technology is even more relevant now due to people not being able to have human readers or teaching aids. 

“I would always encourage businesses big or small to look at exporting as an opportunity and if you’re unsure of how to start, get in contact with The Department for International Trade.”

The three overseas markets have been selected by DIT’s specialists for the breadth of opportunity each can offer and their marked interest in ‘tech for good’ products. 

The US is one of the most important partners for the UK. It also boasts the largest tech market globally and presents opportunities for companies across all areas including healthcare, environment, and social tech solutions. 

Meanwhile, exports to India have been growing exponentially and between 2017 and 2018 UK exports increased to the country by 39.2%. Tech has played a significant part in this growth and being the first country in the world with a corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirement, this creates a welcome environment for CSR companies looking to put forward tech solutions.

Singapore is a strong advocate of ‘tech for good’ and after China and India, tech start-ups in the region have attracted more venture capital than any other Asian market. 

Ameeta Virk, DIT Market Specialist for the US and India and creator of the programme, said:

“There has never been a better time to drive the growth of South West tech companies who are developing solutions for the environmental, health and social challenges we all face.

“The South West is known for its burgeoning tech scene and I am delighted to be championing such inspirational businesses.” 

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