Hi-tech leaders showcase best of Torbay to European partners

Hi-tech industry pioneers from Europe were shown the magic of Torbay in and out of the laboratory - including a quick dip in the sea.

The whole of AMS Technologies’ European organisation arrived at Paignton for a hi-tech two-day conference at EPIC (the Electronic Photonic Innovation Centre), the hub of innovation for the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster.

AMS Technologies is a specialist technology solutions provider supplying advanced components, systems and services across photonics, microelectronics, thermal management and power electronics, supporting innovation across high-tech industries and applications for the whole of Europe.

The focal point for all the activities was Bay Photonics, the nationally and internationally recognised microelectronics and photonics hi-tech company which has been located within EPIC for over six years.

Bay Photonics was acquired earlier this year by AMS Technologies and has been designated as its European Centre of Microelectronics and Photonics Excellence.

The company was founded in 2007 and had only seven employees in 2020. It has grown into a dynamic business with a national and international client base and currently with 32 employees.

With over 80 AMS Technologies delegates arriving from Europe, the conference was an opportunity for Bay Photonics to showcase its expertise and know-how to the whole AMS organisation, and align its strategies to grow both sides of the business.

Day One started with an early 7am dip in the sea at Livermead as 14 brave souls braved the chilly waves before breakfast at the Hotel Indigo.

More than 100 delegates from AMS technologies and the Bay Photonics team then took part in the corporate conference at the Livermead Cliff Hotel with its exceptional views of the bay.

It provided the opportunity for all delegates, UK and European, to get to know each other, develop professional relationships and discuss how each person fits into the impressive, expanded organisation.

The conference was ‘honoured’ to welcome four distinguished guest keynote addresses. The Earl of Devon, Charles Courteney, gave a fascinating insight into the history of Devon and particularly Torbay and its links to key moments in European history.

That was followed by an introduction to the Torbay High Tech Cluster by chair Chris Wardle and then a history of Torbay’s role in the development of Photonics and communications throughout the world presented by renowned Photonic Scientist Bob Musk.

Finally an overview of the work done at South Devon College, and particularly the apprenticeship and degree level courses co-developed with Bay Photonics and other THTC members was presented by Ben Pountney the Head of Business Development, Talent and Skills at the college.

The afternoon provided an exciting opportunity for the AMS and Bay executive teams to highlight how they add value to the greater AMS organisation and how it provided complementary services in addition to the current range of hi-tech AMS capabilities, services and products.

In addition the delegates listened to how, with AMS backing, the Bay is hoping to move into a new purpose-built facility in the spring of 2027, doubling its floor space.

It is located in Paignton’s Technology Park thanks to the inspirational leadership of Torbay Council, and convenient location neighbouring South Devon College, Torbay’s strategic partner for industrial training and apprenticeships.

The Hotel Indigo provided a three-course dining experience enjoyed by all followed by sweeping coastal views overlooking the English Riviera from their fourth floor open balcony.

Day Two started at EPIC and was hosted by the Bay Photonics team. The day was filled with specialist tours of the microelectronics and photonics manufacturing clean rooms and laboratories, static displays and specialist talks. The afternoon included tours of the EPIC collaboration suite, housing multi-million pound specialist industrial equipment and other shared facilities that EPIC provides.

Delegates also received an inspirational talk summarising Torbay’s science and innovation heritage dating back to the 1800s. A spokesman said: “Many thanks to the exceptional EPIC team for accommodating everyone.”

For the evening activities all delegates networked at Torbay’s The Foundry, which included a friendly dining experience and quiz focussing on local landmarks, well-known authors and places of prehistoric interest. Final opportunities to network and enjoy Torbay leisure sector were provided at Park Lane, located the beating heart of Torquay’s night life.

The Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster has innovative companies like AMS Technologies and Bay Photonics reinforced by EPIC, the hub of innovation and incubator facility for emerging hi-tech start-ups.

Partnered by South Devon College for industrial training and apprenticeships, and backed by Torbay Council, enabling the development of the Technology Park is vital to the local economy. The spokesman said: “It will create skilled jobs, attract investment and encourage innovation and business growth.

“It helps diversify Torbay’s economy beyond traditional tourism and leisure. In return, the leisure industry benefits from technological advances in communications infrastructure, digital marketing, online bookings and visitor experiences.

“A thriving leisure sector also makes Torbay an attractive place to live and work, helping hi-tech businesses recruit and retain talented employees. Together, both sectors strengthen Torbay’s economy, competitiveness and long-term prosperity.”