Tech Leaders in Lancashire: Start-up, scale-up, sell-up: Round Table Discussions

We are excited to launch the 2025 Tech Leaders Round-Table event, bringing together industry experts and innovators from across Lancashire.

This unique event, hosted by Silicon Lancashire, Northern Reach, FHunded, and Chorley Council, will provide a dynamic platform for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among technology leaders in Lancs.

Event Highlights:

Three Expert-Led Tables: A host/facilitator who is a recognised expert in the subject matter. Topics will cover key technology, innovation, and leadership areas in the tech sector.

Engagement and Networking: You will have the opportunity to engage with fellow leaders, share insights, and address challenges in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Duration: The session will run for 2 hours, with ample time for meaningful discussions and networking.

Topics for Discussion:

• Start-Up – Funding Options, Grant Access, Business Support Services, an Investor’s perspective 
• Scale-Up – Business Planning: Acquisition, Finance, Product/Marketing, R&D Finance, and a Senior local IT expert to discuss his multiple scale-up journeys.
• Sell-Up – Legal, protecting your IP and Commercial Diligence, Corporate Finance, Business Planning, Strategy & Road Map, Acquisition, MBO. Why Attend? Gain insights from industry experts and peers.

Contribute your experiences and solutions to key challenges facing the tech industry in Lancashire. Forge valuable connections and explore potential partnerships.

Help shape the future of tech leadership and innovation in the region.

⇐ Table 1. Start-Up: ⇒

Hosted by: Rory Southworth is a highly regarded “early-stage connector” deeply linked to Lancashire’s ecosystem, who drives inward investments and fosters regional growth. 

Experts attending:

• Sue Denver, As part of the Boost Lancashire Growth Hub, brings over 20 years of expertise in helping SMEs access the right business support.
• Angela O’Neill, helps start-ups and small business owners uncover grant funding opportunities across Lancashire.
• Dan Dudley is always looking for and working with high-growth start-ups. As the Commercial Director at Solid Bond, he invests in and actively supports great founders to help them grow and scale their businesses. 

⇐ Table 2. Scale-Up: ⇒

Hosted by Gary Keay, the founder of Silicon Lancashire, who has been assisting Lancashire IT companies in scaling up their teams with the highest-quality talent.

Experts attending:

• Craig Whiteside, has spent many years leading engineering teams through high growth. Bringing technical innovation and business strategy, product delivery, and engaging with funders.
• Dr Lloyd Humphries, a founder and leader of global health tech companies; is recognised as a top 100 health tech influencer and a frequent speaker at global health conferences on strategy, innovative technologies and “no code” platform solutions. 
• Jonathan Connor, advises tech companies across Lancashire on accessing R&D tax relief and grant funding opportunities
• Pete Hinnigan, Finance Director at Skiddle. Providing an overview on all the important aspects of finance, whilst growing rapidly, whilst considering the financial goals.

⇐ Table 3. Sell-Up: ⇒

Hosted by: Keith McMurtrie, previous MD of Tharstern Ltd and now Business Coach, Mentor, Leadership & Strategy expert 

Experts attending:

• Daniel Fletcher, is an award-winning Senior Associate Solicitor specializing in commercial matters, mergers, acquisitions, sales, and intellectual property protection, among other legal areas. 
• Andrew Parker, an author and expert in “software development best practices,” he advises investors on the viability of potential investments based on their technological capabilities.
• Robert Johnson, Corporate Finance Expert. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided