By Brigette Currin 3 minute read

Tech East, the organisation formed to accelerate the expansion of the East of England’s technology cluster, launched its London Embassy and opened membership today. The organisation aims to help create 5,000 jobs, generate an extra £650m GVA of economic growth in the East and be one of the UK’s top 5 tech clusters by 2020.

The Tech East Embassy is based at Crown Place, 4 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station.  Companies that become Tech East members will be able to book a meeting room or drop in to use hot desks as part of their London business development plans.

Neil Miles, Chair of Tech East said: “The provision of a London facility was the top requirement when we polled potential members and we made it one of our six manifesto pledges at the Tech East launch in April this year.  I am delighted to announce that Tech East’s London facility is fully operational and now open to members.”

The membership scheme includes opportunities for member companies to increase their brand visibility, networking and business development activities.  In addition, Tech East also provides access to discounted business services, such as legal, financial, insurance and recruitment from partners.

Neil Garner, CEO of WhiteSpace Norwich, Thyngs and Tech East Deputy Chair commented: “We want to attract members of all sizes and stages in their development so we have included a special low-cost option for Individuals.  The East of England is a fantastic place to do business, there’s some amazing people and it’s very collaborative. Tech East is key to getting our brilliant tech businesses more recognition on a national and international scale and we are committed to helping them reach their full potential by supporting them in whatever capacity possible. Membership of Tech East gives individuals and companies in the East the chance to showcase their strengths, grow their business and help others to do the same.”

Tech East brings together leading technology-sector businesses from the East of England, to speak with one voice that is heard across the UK and around the world. A regional powerhouse of excellence, Tech East will be recognised as the UK’s most open and collaborative digital tech cluster, where new companies and entrepreneurs can thrive and grow in a supportive environment.

Tech East announced its first board in July 2016, including: Neil Miles as Chair, Neil Garner as Vice Chair, Graham Masterson – KCOM, Marlon Bowser – HTK, Professor Fiona Lettice – UEA, Mike Kingston – Aviva and John Dugmore – Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Become a Tech East member here