New business network for region’s IT and telecoms sector

CONNECT Yorkshire has won a contract to run a new business network for the region’s IT and telecoms sector.

The contract, which has been awarded by regional development agency Yorkshrie Forward, will see Connect Yorkshire manage techmesh – an umbrella organisation that will bring together existing networks and signpost firms to other sources of funding information, market intelligence, emerging technologies and development opportunities.

Key aims are to grow the IT and telecoms industry within Yorkshire and increase the number of businesses participating in the network.

Techmesh will run a series of events across the region over the next 12 months bringing members together at informal networking events as well as larger events.

Connect Yorkshire’s chief executive Nick Butler said: “techmesh enables members to share knowledge, exchange ideas, meet like-minded companies and ultimately win more business.

“The aim is to help create a commercial ecosystem where innovative, ambitious companies can thrive and give members a means of forming profitable relationships.”

Jim Farmery, assistant director of business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “Techmesh will be an industry-led strategic organisation that will bring together all the fragmented strands of the IT and telecommunications sectors in our region and provide focus, leadership and direction.”