Powerhouses Of Tech And Innovation: A North West Story

Powerhouses of Tech & Innovation: A North West Story

Preston and the North West have always been places where things are built-from industrial powerhouses of the past to the digital innovators shaping the future.

This Preston Tech Connection meet-up explores how power in technology has evolved, with a focus on Preston and Lancashire -and what that means for those building, working, and innovating here today.

We'll cover:

• The roots that shaped innovation in the region.
• The current tech landscape in Preston and the wider North West-startups, scaleups, talent, and communities.
• The future opportunities for local technologists in areas like AI, digital health, advanced manufacturing, and green tech.

Whether you're a developer, founder, student, career-switcher, or tech-curious, this meet-up is a chance to connect, learn, and help shape the future of tech in our region.

This month is International Women's day so we have teamed up with Innovators Hive. Innovators Hive is an independent collection of business owners and senior leaders from a wide variety of sectors who have coalesced around a single purpose: to foster female innovation in Lancashire.

Meet Our Panel:

Matty Hall - Founder of Sairo an award winning creative technology studio based in Lancashire. Sairo is a creative technology studio helping brands and agencies launch into the digital worlds.

Victoria Millsop - Head of the Cyber Solutions Centre at UCLAN, playing an integral role in cyber in Lancashire, liaising with national agencies such as Ministry of Defence, National Cyber Force and GCHQ, playing an active role in regional collaborations such as the North West Regional Defence & Security Cluster and Lancashire Cyber Partnership.

About Preston Tech Connection

Preston Tech Connection is a group centred around an interest in digital technologies - our events and meet-ups are a place where tech enthusiasts can come together, exchange ideas, work on projects, and support one another.

Preston Tech Connection is founded by Tom Crawley Neon Mountain and Catarina and Brendan King, Society1. We host monthly meet-ups.

Our events cover topics like software, programming, hardware and emerging tech. We have a shared interest in the latest advancements in the digital realm. We host events with a social and collaborative aspect, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking.

We are an inclusive group and open for anyone to attend. You don't need to work in tech. If you are interested in the topics or just want to come and be part of a friendly community of people exploring the digital and tech world, you are welcome.

Getting there:

Society1 is located on Cross Street, just off Winckley Square (PR1 3LT). It is easily accessible by bus and train.

If you need to drive, public parking is available at Fishergate Shopping Centre or Avenham Public Car Park. The Avenham multi storey car park closes at 8pm, so as this event runs later we advise that you park in the open air one or on the streets around us.

Note: These events might be photographed and this content will be used in future marketing for Society1.