Find support and useful resources, make new contacts and discover events in your local community
Our Entrepreneur Engagement Managers (EEMs) are helping to build a national network of ambitious tech entrepreneurs.
I’m Thea Goodluck, your EEM on the ground in the East of England.
I’m genuinely excited about the digital tech ecosystem in the East of England. I’m focused on facilitating collaboration across the region, along with celebrating success stories locally. Through connections, signposting and a listening ear, I am here to support founders on their growth journey.
This page is your directory to help you find the best resources available in the region.
Need something else? Email or tweet me for help with plugging into our UK-wide entrepreneur network, applying for Tech Nation’s growth programmes, and everything inbetween.
Also check out: Scotland | Yorkshire | North East | North West | Northern Ireland | Midlands | Wales | South West | South East | London
Hear from ecosystem leaders
Swipe right (or tap the dots) to cycle entries
Opportunities in Cambridge?
For me, opportunities in Cambridge lie in strengthening collaboration. That applies at the city level, in encouraging the overlap in sectors like data science and biotech (for example). At a regional and national level there are initiatives like the Cambridge–Milton Keynes–Oxford Arc and the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor, internationally demonstrated by the growing Cambridge relationship with China.
Challenges in Cambridge?
When you have a truly world-class University in your city, talent is theoretically on your doorstep. However, the reality is that local startups and scaleups are in head-to-head competition with the likes of Google, Amazon, Facebook and other blue-chip organisations. We are trying to do our own small part to encourage entrepreneurial avenues as an alternative. Alongside the people problem, to avoid companies outgrowing the area as they scale, more work needs to be done around the cost of living and local transport infrastructure to support a commuter workforce.
Swipe right to hear from another community leader
Opportunities in Ipswich?
The tech community in Ipswich is really thriving at the moment. There is a real buzz here which is being driven right from the grassroots by organisations such as Creative Computing Centre, who run technology skill sessions for eight-to-16-year-olds. There are a really committed group of people and organisations who are driving growth in the tech sector in our region, with small local events and meet-ups, networking groups and larger-scale industry events.
Challenges in Ipswich?
A challenge which we face here in Ipswich, and it’s one which is being played out across many areas of the country, is recruiting candidates with the right digital and tech skills. We’re delighted to hear about the new STEM centre which is planned for Bury St Edmunds and demonstrates the commitment to growing tech skills in our region. Also, like all organisations, the uncertainty of Brexit has had an effect on businesses within Ipswich and the wider region of East Anglia. We have a strong shipping and logistics sector in our region and these organisations are being particularly affected by the Brexit process.
These companies are championing the region
Swipe right (or tap the dots) to cycle entries
Measured Brilliance has created Echoleft, a web-based service for charities and good causes focussing on event registrations and ticketing for events, online fundraising pages for supporters and in-memory giving and online memorials for charities.
What challenges do you face in Ipswich?
It’s a tough one and Ipswich in the past has not been the best place to be a tech founder. However, necessity is the mother of invention and it’s meant that we have thrown ourselves into community building to access resources together. Ipswich’s community is largely design-focussed, which offers a unique organic growth opportunity.
National & international focus?
Our initial aim is national, then international. As a development agency, we have worked internationally, white labelling for agencies in webdesign and development which we are keen to explore. We are focusing on building a sustainable code base which is able to handle authenticated transactions and gift aid claims.
Swipe right to read another case study
Why Cambridge?
The Cambridge ecosystem is unique. We are surrounded by the university, the great hospitals, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, as well as digital health and biotechnology companies, all working together towards a common goal of improving patient outcomes.
National & international focus?
In the UK, Ieso is looking to strengthen its partnership with the NHS as it continues to deliver world-leading treatment for mental illness. In the US, we are working with a number of leading healthcare providers to improve access to treatment. Beyond the US, we are exploring how we can use our technology to improve access to mental healthcare for those markets that are less developed than the UK.
Swipe right to read another case study
Why Norwich?
We have an excellent talent pool to draw through the University of East Anglia. The Local Enterprise Partnership has also invested in the company. As a result, we are committed to building a global company with Norwich as its HQ.
National and international focus?
We have a number of major opportunities that we are currently working towards both in the UK and overseas, so we are having to maintain a balance and focus on both.
Swipe right to read another case study
Why Norwich?
The business was founded by people already based in Norwich and there is now an excellent local talent pool driven by many fast-growing local tech businesses. There is also a fantastic grassroots local meet-up and event scene, which culminates every year in a 54-Hour hackathon called SyncTheCity.
National and international focus?
We are currently working with many UK businesses, while also working for many global brands. We also have sales presence in New York and Sydney, have manufacturing partnerships in China and expect increasing international business.
Swipe right to read another case study
Why Ipswich?
Ipswich has amazing links to London, and international Airports are within easy reach. The area is diverse with amazing countryside and beaches on its doorstep, making it a great place to work and live. We have found an amazing talent pool living here, who don’t want the pressure of working in a stressful city. Home/work balance is important to building a strong company competing on the international stage.
National and international focus?
We are a multinational business with a strong presence in Asia and Europe.
Why Cambridge?
Cambridge produces strong engineers and has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem of founders & suppliers. And the work/life balance is great, with people having only a short bicycle ride between work and home.
National & international focus?
Although our HQ is in Cambridge and employs 40 people, we also have four staff in North America. We are a UK export success: the US is our largest single market with 50% of our total revenue – and we have customers in 30 other countries.
Swipe right to read another case study
Research shows that collaborative tech ecosystems with thriving meetup scenes are more likely to succeed.
Have a suggestion? Let Thea know
Coworking is a more flexible alternative to working out of traditional office space and brings the benefits of being part of a community.
Have a suggestion? Let Thea know
Helping your team brush up on its digital and soft skills can be financially rewarding while reducing reliance on others.
Have a suggestion? Let Thea know
Securing finance and raising investment can be vital when it comes to taking your startup to the next level.
Have a suggestion? Let Thea know
Whatever your stage of growth, we’ve got a programme for you >
