Tech Gym to boost company innovation in Shropshire

Working with University Centre Shrewsbury and local businesses, the Tech Gym will allow individuals and business to pay a fee to access the services.

The first Tech Gym will be in Shrewsbury and it is then hoped to be rolled out to other parts of the county.

Details of the project were given at Shropshire’s first technology conference, which looked at how technology may help solve many of the challenges faced by councils and businesses across the UK. The TECH Severn 2018 Conference attracted influential speakers when it was held at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on July 17.

Speaking at the conference, Councillor Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council portfolio holder for economic growth, said: “One of the things I have noticed is the amount of businesses that could do with support. What we are launching gives the businesses in Shropshire great opportunity to get the support that they need to develop their business ideas and grow their businesses. One of the key things we need to focus on in economic growth is not only bringing in new business, but we have to help and support businesses here and get them to that next stage.

“There are some innovators out there in this county. There is such a wide range of people out there and it is only right that we support them.”

Dr Paul Kirkbright, deputy provost from University Centre Shrewsbury, told visitors to the conference people’s ideas are needed to help get the Tech Gym off the ground.

“If we are going to create high value and highly skilled jobs to revitalise the economy it is vital we innovate – and research and development is a key part of that,” he said. “Let’s stop looking at other places and focus on what is good here. By doing that and focussing on the research, innovation and development that is already present in this county we can actually look to bring other businesses here as well.

“What we want to do with the Tech Gym is actually start creating places that those like-minded individuals can start collaborating in, share stories and share resources. That could include things like 3D printing – technology that most start-ups don’t have access to. They can collaborate on the actual creation of ideas.

“What we are asking for is help to make it work. Tell us what we should be doing, tell us what is holding your business back from innovation and undertaking research and development. Hopefully the first one will be in Shrewsbury and then roll it out like a ripple effect.

“Basically we have a logo, what we need now is people to populate that with ideas.”