Torbay's hi-tech industry worth its weight in gold - are you listening, Westminster?

WHO can remember the days of STC on the Ring Road? For me one of the lasting memories of the company was having their own very successful South Devon League amateur football team with their own pitch.

As a reporter there were never ending boomtime jobs stories with STC, then Nortel and great white buildings with Bookham etc following in their hi-tech footsteps. These were the glory days of electronics employing thousands of people (do I remember the figure 9,000?), homes having to be built to accommodate the influx of workers and talk of the Bay and South Devon having our very own Silicon Valley.

Then, it seemed like overnight, bang! The Silicon Valley dream became a nightmare. Literally thousands of people lost their jobs as local operations were closed down and moved elsewhere. But out of that economic disaster came some hope for the future and hi-tech is now back on track in a huge way.

Little splinter groups of specialist engineers and scientists managed to survive the big bang and form their own companies. Those companies have flourished to become world leaders, world pioneers in their own sector.

To be honest, I have visited a couple of their sites and am still none the wiser as to what they actually do. All I know is they test and produce things like chips that we take for granted in everyday life, like in mobile telephones and sat nav systems. They help provide cables under the ocean so we can communicate with people on the other side of the world. They have even devised a chip for satellites and gadgets on the moon.

Much of this unbelievable technology and work happens at the home of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, namely EPIC — with those white buildings once used by Nortel and now home to South Devon College still visible just down the road.

The issue now facing this born-again sector now is getting people and the government to understand and recognise what it does.

EPIC is full, a second HQ for expanding and new companies is being lined up. A Torbay Technology Park is the vision, the dream, and if you consider these figures it has to happen. The sector is responsible for: 1,600 direct jobs; 1,500 supply chain and wider jobs; £80 million in wages; £47 million investment secured; at least £285 million turnover; at least £42 million in research and development; £165 million GVA; and £139 million in exports. It also works with global universities in Exeter and Plymouth as well as South Devon College

EPIC director Rich Scutt says: “Getting recognition is something we are working on. We are working on a parliamentary visit to get our piece across to the government. We are trying to close the gap when it comes to industrial strategies.”

Nobody has battled harder to get the industry recognised than Rich and Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster chair Chris Wardle and it is a battle they think and hope they are winning. A brochure is currently being designed for MP Steve Darling in a bid to secure that Westminster visit and delegation mentioned by Rich Scutt.

Chris Wardle said that in the past the sector had been fragmented, with firms doing things in isolation. Now the sector was more joined up and singing from the same song sheet with one voice telling its story of success. He says: “We are getting there slowly but surely.”

The Cluster now has a good working relationship with groups across the South West and has a voice on the Devon Advisory Group.

Chris emphasises that hi-tech is also now not just about photonics and the EPIC centre. It is about the creative industries and medical and aerospace enterprises working in and around the Bay, putting the English Riviera on the global map.

He says: “We are starting to get our voice out there. A million little lights have no impact. Put together as one force and you have a shining example of what is there.”

He says the government, with the exception of the defence dockyards in Plymouth, do not see the South West as an industrial area. Surely it is getting the message now.

There are plans for the future to encourage young, local talent into the industry to make sure there is no repeat of that Big Bang of yesteryear. Entrepreneurs and ambitious technology start-ups were being invited to EPIC in Paignton on Thursday, November 5 for the launch of a new business accelerator designed to help innovative ideas become successful, growing businesses.

The EPIC Entrepreneurship Accelerator is seeking its first cohort of participants. Based at EPIC on the White Rock Business Park, the programme will provide founders with access to specialist advice, mentoring, workspace and equipment to help them turn early-stage concepts into commercial ventures with the potential to scale.

The accelerator aims to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial success. While EPIC already provides a home for pioneering businesses, entrepreneurs often need additional support to protect intellectual property, secure investment and develop routes to market.

The new accelerator has been designed to provide that support, helping to build a stronger pipeline of local technology businesses and creating future employment opportunities for the area.

Through a competitive application process, the annual programme will support a select number of start-ups and entrepreneurs with high-growth potential.

Participants will benefit from a tailored package of support, including:

* Specialist business advice and mentoring to develop ideas and plan for growth.

* Workspace and access to equipment at EPIC.

* Workshops, drop-in sessions and bootcamps to build business knowledge and skills.

* Intellectual property support, including IP audits and patent guidance.

* Investment readiness support to help founders prepare for funding opportunities and investor pitches.

* Assistance identifying research and development grant opportunities, including bid-writing support.

* Opportunities to explore partnerships and joint ventures to bring innovations to market.

* Pitch events and demonstration evenings to showcase ideas and connect with potential investors and collaborators.

It is hoped the accelerator will help create a pipeline of future EPIC tenants, strengthen Torbay's innovation ecosystem and reinforce the Bay's reputation as a centre for technology and digital enterprise.

Councillor Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth, said: “Torbay has a proud track record of innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced technology businesses. The EPIC Entrepreneurship Accelerator represents an exciting opportunity to support the next generation of founders and help them turn great ideas into successful businesses.

“We know that many entrepreneurs have innovative concepts and the ambition to succeed but can struggle to access the specialist support, expertise and networks needed to take those ideas to the next level. This programme will provide practical support, mentoring and opportunities to help businesses grow and establish themselves here in Torbay.

“By investing in our local innovators, we are helping to create the high-value jobs, skills and business opportunities that will support Torbay’s economy for years to come.”

The launch event starts at 5pm and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme, meet advisors and partners, and discover how the accelerator can help transform ideas into sustainable and growing businesses.

Councillor Lewis added: “The high tech industry is one of Torbay’s greatest opportunities for future economic growth. Following the demise of Nortel over 20 years ago, it helped create a new generation of skilled, higher-paid jobs and businesses.

“We must build on that legacy. Growing the sector means creating better career opportunities, retaining local talent and attracting ambitious businesses.

“The EPIC Accelerator project can play a vital role by supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing high-tech businesses to develop ideas, access expertise, grow and create jobs. Crucially, we must also invest in the skills and training needed to develop the employers, innovators and business leaders of tomorrow. Torbay has the talent and potential; we need to give it the opportunity to flourish.”

Are you listening, Westminster?