Substantial changes predicted at information technology expo

The speakers at the inaugural Techmesh IT & Telecoms Expo, which was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, included James Akrigg, who is the head of technology for partners at Microsoft.

Mr Akrigg said: "During this decade, we are going to see some of the biggest and most substantial changes in our industry."

The Techmesh project is run by Connect Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Forward-backed organisation which supports fast growing technology businesses.

There are more than 6,800 IT and telecoms companies in Yorkshire and Humber which employ around 25,000 people.

Connect Yorkshire, which is a not-for-profit organisation, believes there is potential to increase the size and number of high-technology businesses in Yorkshire by encouraging collaboration.

The one-day exhibition allowed 24 organisations to meet potential clients and partners.

Organisers hope many Yorkshire companies will emulate the success of exhibitors such as Express Data, which has installed a new wireless network at St Peter's School, in York.

St Peter's, which dates from 627AD, approached Express Data because it wanted "problem-free" internet access at the school.

The 40,000 project was completed in a week.

Simon Wilson, the managing director of Express Data, which is based in Morley, near Leeds, said: "We have got 13 staff and 1.5m turnover. Turnover will grow and it's inevitable there will be more jobs."

The company's clients include Bradford-based supermarket chain Morrisons and West Yorkshire Police.

Richard Doyle, the chairman of Connect Yorkshire, said he believed the expo would provide a boost for the county's IT and telecoms sector.

Mr Doyle said: "We hope that businesses in Yorkshire in the IT and telecoms sectors will be aware of other providers on their doorstep and hopefully will spend their money in the region."

Mr Doyle said that the "new wave" was software as a service (Saas).

Today, anybody wanting to create, for example, Powerpoint presentations or spreadsheets, has to buy software and install it on their computer.

In future, customers will be able to access the software in a web browser wherever they are, instead of only being able to access it on their home computer.

The service could be available by subscription.

Mr Doyle added: "There are big benefits for the end user. It saves them money and a load of hassle.

"Connect Yorkshire helps embryonic businesses to get ready for investment.

"We are seeing quite a number of (entrepreneurs with) new ideas about Saas who are looking for funding. Saas plays to a tight economy."

Mr Doyle said it was hoped that a similar event would be held next year, with the potential to promote it to buyers outside the region.

However, he stressed that only Yorkshire and Humber-based companies would be allowed to exhibit.

Gary Rowbotham, techmesh programme manager, said: "Collaboration and working together is one of the best ways to drive the sector forward.

"Techmesh allows IT and telecom companies in the region to meet, exchange and share information."

Nick Butler, the chief executive of Connect Yorkshire, said the event had made a small profit, adding: "I hope people will get sales contacts and sales leads."

He said one exhibitor had already had 25 meetings with potential buyers of its services before the event started.

Brian Alsford, the founder of IT company Simply-Does-It, based in Wetherby, said the event had allowed "prospective purchasers and resellers to meet in an efficient way and evangelise about how the latest technology can be beneficial to business."

The event was sponsored by technology firms InTechnology, Simply-Does-It, virtualDCS and Panintelligence.

Networking and nurturing

Techmesh is the IT and telecoms business network for Yorkshire and the Humber.

As part of Connect Yorkshire, it aims to create and nurture profitable relationships by holding networking events and also helping its members with business development and professional services provision.

Connect Yorkshire helps fast-growing businesses to obtain advice and funding.

Connect offers companies access to a network of more than 40 private sector sponsors, including venture capitalists and long-established technology companies.

For more information visit www.connectyorkshire.org.