New programme to bring South West tech to the world

News
20/06/2022

A new business support programme has launched to support South West tech companies to scale overseas.


The GO Global programme, delivered by Tech South West, is free to access and designed for companies who are currently scaling or looking to scale overseas.


Run in partnership with global financial consultancy firm RSM, with support from the Department for International Trade, the GO Global programme helps South West tech firms break into new international markets, taking companies through the essential ‘building blocks’ of an overseas strategy, avoiding the pitfalls and maximising the opportunities.


The 2022 programme will focus on the USA, and features insight from RSM and successful tech firms who have already expanded into the US market. Other international markets will be covered in future versions of the programme.


Dan Pritchard, co-founder of Tech South West, said:

“The South West has incredible companies delivering in specialisms ranging from marinetech and agritech to createch and fintech. Many already operate overseas, but many more do not. Learning from experts and hearing from tech companies already building traction in the US will be key components of the programme, as we support more tech firms to develop their overseas strategy.”


Topics include scaling strategies, group structure, mergers and acquisitions, setting up wholly owned subsidiaries abroad, tax obligations and compliance, exporting goods and services, licensing and franchising, forming strategic partnerships and overseas talent acquisition.


An introductory session for interested companies will form part of Tech South West’s online Growth Summit on Thursday July 14. During the GO Global programme, participating companies will gain free insight, can take part in Q&A sessions with experts and benefit from a half-day series of workshops later in the year.


Ben Bilsland, Partner and Media & Technology Senior Analyst at RSM, said:

“We are excited to be a headline partner with Tech South West in the Go Global programme. Technology has made the world increasingly interconnected – we are all global citizens.

“The Technology industry is a cornerstone of the work delivered from RSM and we are working on a daily basis with businesses in the South West to achieve their global growth plans. As Headline Partner we have a goal to share our knowledge, insight and understanding with the broader ecosystem and turbocharge the growth of global tech in the region.”


Tech South West will also work with RSM and other partners to carry out a regional survey to understand the priorities, challenges and support needs for companies operating overseas, or considering moving into new international markets. This will feed into a new report published by Tech South West and RSM later in the year.


Ben Cooper, Business Support Lead at Tech South West, added:

“The pandemic broke down many geographical and digital barriers so now is the time to support the companies who are operating overseas or looking to do so, and need robust guidance and support through Tech South West team of expert partners.”


To register interest in the programme: www.techsouthwest.co.uk/go-global