Patrick Smith, Founder and CEO of zally, and Rick Tahesh recently addressed a group of Canada's local trade representatives. Their discussion underscored why Manchester is becoming a top choice for businesses, highlighting the dynamic business ecosystem in Manchester. Here are the key takeaways for those wanting to set up in Manchester:
Identify and Exploit Market Gaps:
Continuously analyse your market to identify unmet needs or common problems. Focus on solving specific issues that can provide significant value to your clients.
Manchester has many initiatives to support businesses in growing industries.
Choose the Right Location for Growth:
Research and consider relocating to regions known for their supportive ecosystems and talent pools. For example, Manchester’s collaborative tech environment and resources in digital technology can be highly beneficial for startups.
Leverage Community Support:
Engage with the local business community to build a network of support.
Manchester has an active community of entrepreneurs that are willing to offer support and advice.
Attend local events, join business forums, and actively seek advice and collaboration opportunities.
Foster a Collaborative Business Culture:
Cultivate a culture of openness and cooperation within your team and with external partners.
Encourage sharing of resources, knowledge, and opportunities to enhance overall success.
Accelerators and co-working spaces are great ways to connect with new people to enhance yourself and your business.
Invest in Cutting-Edge Technology:
Allocate resources to research and development, especially in emerging technologies like AI and cryptography.
Stay ahead of trends to address current and future security challenges effectively.
Give Back to the Local Ecosystem:
Organise or participate in events that support the local ecosystem.
Provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and possibly funding to help other businesses grow.
FLIP, created by zally and SoSquared, aims to bridge the investment gap between London and Manchester by directly connecting founders and investors, breaking down the barriers around funding.
Strategic Decision-Making for Business Environment:
Weigh the benefits of operating in different regions, considering factors like cost, talent availability, and community support.
Choose locations that align with your business goals and values.
Manchester is a great alternative to London, with lower costs of living and great transport links to other areas of the UK.
Emphasise Practical and Technological Integration:
Ensure your business operations integrate advanced technologies to improve efficiency and security.
Regularly update and adapt your tech strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
Focus on Sustainable and Strategic Growth: Plan your growth strategies with sustainability in mind.
Avoid over-expansion and ensure that your growth plans are supported by adequate resources and community backing.
Utilise Local Resources and Talent:
Hire locally and invest in training to tap into regional talent pools.
Collaborate with Manchester's local universities, tech hubs, and innovation centres for recruitment and development opportunities.
Manchester, with its innovative ecosystem and numerous tech hubs, is positioning itself on the global stage. By implementing these actionable takeaways, businesses can navigate the complexities of the tech sector more effectively, foster meaningful growth, and make a positive impact within their communities.
Thank you MIDAS for having Patrick and zally on the panel.
The technology industry is growing year-on-year. Understanding the impact of AI and new developments on the
industry is key for businesses to stay competitive and increase efficiency. Patrick Smith, our founder and CEO,
joined a panel at the "Digital Leadership Report" event hosted by Harvey Nash. He was joined by Nick Woods -CIO of
MAG (Airports Group), and Christopher Williamson - Technology Director of N Brown Group. Together, they discussed
issues in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business transformation.
Here are the key takeaways:
Intellectual Property Issues:
There is uncertainty around IP ownership when engineers use generative AI to create code.
Clear legal guidelines are needed to determine who owns the rights to IP generated with AI tools.
Business Transformation:
Companies are undergoing transformations to boost revenue while adapting to new technologies.
M Brown, a retailer, has returned to profitability by improving margins and focusing on financial services,
despite a drop in sales.
Investments in new platforms and solutions are expected to bring long-term benefits.
AI and Operational Efficiency:
AI is being utilised to enhance operational efficiency, especially in infrastructure-heavy industries like
aviation.
For instance, AI is used for precise planning at airports, potentially leading to significant revenue increases.
Revenue Generation Focus:
Increasing revenue is a top priority, influencing the projects and decisions of companies.
There is a focus on aligning technology initiatives with business goals to drive financial performance.
Leadership and Board Insights:
Boards are concentrating on risk, cost, revenue, and sustainability.
Technology is seen as a key enabler for achieving strategic goals, including reducing carbon footprints in
industries like aviation, where sustainability is a key topic.
AI Adoption in Organisations:
Effective AI use depends on how data is utilised, not just its volume.
Smaller organisations can compete by being agile and focusing on data quality and application.
AI excellence requires robust data governance, and early adoption can provide a competitive advantage.
Skill Development and Education:
Continuous education and skill development in AI are crucial for all staff, not just technical teams.
Business transformation programs should incorporate AI as a tool, integrating it into broader strategic
initiatives.
Gender Diversity in Tech:
There are ongoing challenges in increasing female representation in tech roles, particularly in deep tech areas
like cybersecurity and AI.
Leadership must create supportive environments and actively encourage women to apply for tech positions.
Hybrid Work Models:
Hybrid working models are recognised as beneficial for work-life balance and productivity.
Organisations are focusing on creating office environments that employees want to return to, rather than mandating
office presence.
The insights shared underscored the importance of strategic technology adoption. From enhancing cybersecurity
measures to leveraging AI and driving business transformation, the discussion highlighted actionable steps for
businesses to stay competitive in the digital age. By embracing these strategies, organisations can effectively
navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Thank you to Harvey Nash for having us on the panel.
https://www.flipoff.co.uk/flip-1-0 .The technology industry is growing year-on-year. Understanding the impact of
AI and new developments on the industry is key for businesses to stay competitive and increase efficiency. Patrick
Smith, our founder and CEO, joined a panel at the "Digital Leadership Report" event hosted by Harvey Nash. He was
joined by Nick Woods -CIO of MAG (Airports Group), and Christopher Williamson - Technology Director of N Brown
Group. Together, they discussed issues in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business transformation.
Here are the key takeaways:
Intellectual Property Issues:
There is uncertainty around IP ownership when engineers use generative AI to create code.
Clear legal guidelines are needed to determine who owns the rights to IP generated with AI tools.
Business Transformation:
Companies are undergoing transformations to boost revenue while adapting to new technologies.
M Brown, a retailer, has returned to profitability by improving margins and focusing on financial services,
despite a drop in sales.
Investments in new platforms and solutions are expected to bring long-term benefits.
AI and Operational Efficiency:
AI is being utilised to enhance operational efficiency, especially in infrastructure-heavy industries like
aviation.
For instance, AI is used for precise planning at airports, potentially leading to significant revenue increases.
Revenue Generation Focus:
Increasing revenue is a top priority, influencing the projects and decisions of companies.
There is a focus on aligning technology initiatives with business goals to drive financial performance.
Leadership and Board Insights:
Boards are concentrating on risk, cost, revenue, and sustainability.
Technology is seen as a key enabler for achieving strategic goals, including reducing carbon footprints in
industries like aviation, where sustainability is a key topic.
AI Adoption in Organisations:
Effective AI use depends on how data is utilised, not just its volume.
Smaller organisations can compete by being agile and focusing on data quality and application.
AI excellence requires robust data governance, and early adoption can provide a competitive advantage.
Skill Development and Education:
Continuous education and skill development in AI are crucial for all staff, not just technical teams.
Business transformation programs should incorporate AI as a tool, integrating it into broader strategic
initiatives.
Gender Diversity in Tech:
There are ongoing challenges in increasing female representation in tech roles, particularly in deep tech areas
like cybersecurity and AI.
Leadership must create supportive environments and actively encourage women to apply for tech positions.
Hybrid Work Models:
Hybrid working models are recognised as beneficial for work-life balance and productivity.
Organisations are focusing on creating office environments that employees want to return to, rather than mandating
office presence.
The insights shared underscored the importance of strategic technology adoption. From enhancing cybersecurity
measures to leveraging AI and driving business transformation, the discussion highlighted actionable steps for
businesses to stay competitive in the digital age. By embracing these strategies, organisations can effectively
navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Thank you to Harvey Nash for having us on the panel.
