Growing Tech in the West Midlands

Martin Ward, Tech Commissioner of the West Midlands

Martin Ward, the first Tech Commissioner appointed for the West Midlands, stands as a beacon of technological advancement in the UK. With an impressive 35 years of experience in B2B technology, his journey has seen him at the forefront of digital transformation, working with industry giants like Fujitsu, Oracle, and SAP. His extensive career has also seen him co-founding startups, navigating their evolution from inception to trade exit, and now, leveraging his expertise to foster growth in the West Midlands' tech sector.?

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The West Midlands has emerged as the second fastest-growing tech sector in the UK, just behind London. This remarkable growth can be attributed to several factors, including the region's rich industrial heritage and its adaptability to new technological paradigms. The area's economic landscape, once dominated by traditional industries, is now being transformed by digital innovation. Martin Ward's appointment as Tech Commissioner (the only one in the UK currently) signifies a pivotal moment in this transformation, where technology is being harnessed to drive economic recovery and growth post-pandemic.?

One of Martin's primary roles as Tech Commissioner is to advocate for tech businesses within the region. His efforts are geared towards creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures startups and helps them scale. This involves engaging with national and global stakeholders to attract investment, foster collaboration, and promote the West Midlands as a hub of technological innovation. Martin's advocacy extends to ensuring that tech businesses in the region have access to the resources they need to thrive. This includes everything from funding and mentorship to infrastructure and regulatory support. By working closely with local government, educational institutions, and industry leaders, Martin is helping to build a robust support network that can sustain long-term growth.?

A key goal for Martin in his role as Tech Commissioner is to boost innovation and job creation in the West Midlands. The region's tech sector is already a significant contributor to the local economy, and there is immense potential for further growth. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Martin aims to create an environment where new ideas can flourish and be transformed into viable businesses. One of the initiatives that Martin has championed is the creation?of a ?founders club for exited tech founders. This group serves as a platform for experienced entrepreneurs to share their knowledge and insights with the next generation of tech leaders. By facilitating this exchange of ideas and experiences, Martin is helping to create a cycle of continuous learning and innovation.?

The West Midlands is home to some of the UK's top universities, producing tens of thousands of graduates each year. This talent pool is a critical asset for the region's tech sector. Martin highlights the importance of retaining this talent within the region, ensuring that the skills and knowledge developed at local universities are repurposed back into the local economy.?

Collaboration between industry and academia is essential to achieving this goal. By working closely with universities and other educational institutions, Martin is helping to align educational programs with the needs of the tech industry. This includes promoting STEM education, supporting apprenticeship programs, and creating pathways for students to transition into tech careers.?

Birmingham Tech Week has become a key event in the West Midlands' tech calendar, serving as a catalyst for growth and innovation. This initiative has been instrumental in raising the profile of the region's tech sector and attracting attention from investors and industry leaders. This year marks a pivotal scale-up year for Birmingham Tech Week, and Martin's involvement has been crucial to its success. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including tech founders, investors, and policymakers, Birmingham Tech Week provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The event showcases the best of what the West Midlands has to offer and helps to position the region as a leading tech hub.?

Looking ahead, the future of tech in the West Midlands looks bright. Looking ahead, the future of tech in the West Midlands looks bright. One of the key objectives Martin aims to achieve is to position the West Midlands on both the national and international AI scene. Ensuring this is done correctly, Martin plans to launch a festival, codenamed Future Fest, in the region. These initiatives are expected to significantly advance the regional tech ecosystem to the next level and provide continued support for businesses whether they're starter, SME, medium, large enterprise.

The region is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging trends in technology, such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, and digital health. Martin Ward's leadership as Tech Commissioner will be instrumental in guiding the region through this next phase of growth. Key to this future success will be continued investment in infrastructure, talent, and innovation. The West Midlands must also continue to foster a supportive environment for startups and scale-ups, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By building on its strengths and embracing new opportunities, the West Midlands can cement its position as a leading tech hub in the UK and beyond.?

Martin Ward's appointment as Tech Commissioner marks a significant milestone in the West Midlands' journey towards becoming a tech powerhouse. His extensive experience and strategic vision are invaluable assets in driving the region's digital growth. By advocating for tech businesses, fostering innovation, and leveraging the region's rich talent pool, Martin is helping to shape a vibrant and dynamic tech ecosystem in the West Midlands. As the region continues to recover from the pandemic and navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape, the role of technology will be more important than ever. With leaders like Martin at the helm, the West Midlands is poised to thrive, creating new opportunities for businesses, and driving economic growth for years to come.?

But you’ve guessed it, that’s not all. Tune in below, and listen to the insights from this truly impressive giant in tech.?