Red Funnel will transport dozens of business leaders from across the South over to the Isle of Wight next week for a full slate of business networking designed to encourage cross-Solent partnerships in digital industries.
The Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) has teamed up with Red Funnel Ferries to showcase economic growth opportunities on and in partnership with the Isle of Wight. The event is part of Innovation South, an investment programme by Innovate UK to bolster the growth of digital industries on the South Coast.
On arrival in Cowes, delegates will also have the opportunity to learn more about the support offered by government agencies; including a session on accessing both public funding and private investment.
Long known as a manufacturing hub, the Isle of Wight is now catching up with its neighbours across the Solent when it comes to digital industry; buoyed by plans for the Island to become a 5G test bed.
Bruce McClelland, Urban Living Specialist at KTN, said:
“We’ve been looking at the potential around the Solent, and seeing a number of opportunities. The Isle of Wight has been nurturing some interesting ideas, and we know that R&D centres around Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth are looking for partners in programmes that could maximise their economic impact. It made sense to help match these capabilities and try to foster relationships.”
Kevin George, Red Funnel’s Chairman and CEO commented:
“We are delighted to partner with KTN for this on-board networking event. Red Funnel is committed to supporting local businesses and has recently placed orders worth over £16m with local suppliers to help boost the cross-Solent economy. The Isle of Wight is not only a great place to live or visit, but also offers great potential for launching and developing new businesses.”
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Councillor Wayne Whittle, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Business Development and Regeneration, said:
“The Isle of Wight is increasingly being seen by digital business as their location of choice, combining excellent quality of life with the best digital connectivity in the region. Our plans to exploit the impact of digital technology in every aspect of island life are a central plank of our wider regeneration ambitions and the success of our recent Digital Solent conference has set us on the path to making the Isle of Wight the UK’s Digital Isle.”
