Innovation on show at OpenCo

FIRMS in Manchester and Liverpool have joined the line-up for OpenCo, a nationwide “festival of innovation”.

Among the Liverpool businesses taking part are the software developer Draw & Code, digital agency Uniform, property developer Peel, video game producer Starship, retailer Shop Direct, and music rights business Sentric.

In Manchester eight firms are involved including 3D technology firm Eon Reality, data centre business UKFast and Bright Futures Software.

A total of 100 businesses are taking part on October 2 when simultaneous events are held in Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, London, Manchester and Sheffield.

Each company will hold a 45-minute session with delegates to explain to explain their story. The event is backed by Tech City, an agency which promotes the UK as a centre of technology and innovation. Liverpool’s involvement has been organised by ACME the digital business support team of economic development agency Liverpool Vision. In Manchester it is backed by inward investment agency MIDAS.

Liverpool Vision’s head of creative and digital Kevin McManus said: “As a city we need to communicate how our companies are becoming leaders in their field. These cool companies are opening their doors to unveil how they are using tech to advance their business, our experiences and in many cases our lives. In the coming days we will be releasing an open invitation for people to attend Liverpool’s OpenCo in person but everyone can get involved through the event’s digital media platforms.”

MIDAS chief Tim Newns said: “OpenCo Manchester will present a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors and future influencers to see the inner workings of some of our most innovative digital companies.

“Over the course of one day attendees will be privy to invaluable insights into a city with an unsurpassed track record for invention and innovation and a culture which is inherently collaborative. We look forward to welcoming attendees and showcasing why Manchester is home to one of Europe’s largest and fastest growing digital hubs.”