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The ESTnet Annual Review 2015
The ESTnetAnnual Review 2015
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During this period the ESTnet membership
continued to accurately reflect a technology
industry in Wales that comprises of large anchor
companies, a substantial body of SME’s and a
growing number of dynamic new start-ups that
are putting the sector on the map globally,
as illustrated by the Tech City UK report that
chose the South Wales region as one of the
UK’s most vibrant technology clusters.
We have worked with our members to encourage
collaboration and to share best practice
This review includes some examples of that
collaboration, such as the Wales Festival of
Innovation and SkillsCymru in 2014 where our
members worked together under the ESTnet Next
Generation banner to encourage young people
to pursue a career in our industry.
Excellent examples of collaboration between
companies were recognised at the ESTnet Awards
in March, which recorded a record number of
entries, particularly for the new Sir Michael Moritz
Tech Start-up Award.
The ESTnet also continued to provide insight for
the industry in Wales, embarking on a landmark
research project in to the profile and impact of
the ICT sector. Once completed this will provide
the industry and government with a ‘live’ strong
evidence base from which to make well informed
policy decisions. It is through this knowledge,
combined with your views as members, that has
also enabled us to act as the voice of the industry
for the industry, with influence within both Welsh
Government and UK Government.
As valued members and associates I would
welcome those views and suggestions on what the
ESTnet can and should do on your behalf. Please
feel free to contact me on [email protected]
or call 02920 029700, or tweet us @theESTnet.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to
formally thank Ian Menzies, who stepped down
from his role as Chairman at the end of March,
and to welcome his replacement, Simon Powell,
Chairman of Eysys, who I look forward to working
with to continue to grow the ESTnet and build
on its accomplishments.
Best wishes,
Avril Lewis,
Managing Director,
The ESTnet
This review of ESTnet activity between April 2014 and March 2015 provides some insight in to what
has been another active year for the organisation and the technology industry in Wales.
Welcome to the ESTnet Annual Review 2014-2015 3
About the ESTnet 4-5
Members’ Views 6-7
ESTnet Impact 8-9
The ESTnet Next Generation at SkillsCymru 10-11
Welsh Technology Firms Celebrate at the ESTnet Awards 2015 12-13
Making the most of ESTnet Member Benefits: Taylor Dowding Innovation 14
The ESTnet Board 15
Contents Welcome to the ESTnet Annual Review 2014-2015
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About the ESTnet
In Wales we design, develop, manufacture and
integrate some of the world’s most advanced
technologies essential to most other industry sectors
on the planet. Our work underpins innovation
and development across many different markets,
including advanced manufacturing, healthcare,
financial and professional services, and the
creative industries.
The ESTnet supports its members by helping them
grow their business, guided by our five ‘pillar’ plan
(see opposite). The ESTnet aims to:
• Create business opportunities
Events and networking opportunities based on
member needs, for example Members’ Meetings
on industry ‘hot topics’, the Wales Festival of
Innovation and online Knowledge Vault.
• Develop the skills of the industry
Ensure a flow of talent by providing data for
evidence-based skills planning and driving
partnerships with academic institutions in Wales,
as seen in the development of the ESTnet Next
Generation brand and collaboration between
industry, government and academia to drive it.
• Promote opportunities for innovation
and research and development
We work closely with our partners the
Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), Innovate UK
and the Welsh Government to make members
aware of opportunities and to encourage them
to apply. We do this through our series of ESTnet
Masterclass events, online promotion, direct mail
and personal contact.
• Promote opportunities for finance and investment
Ensure that members are provided with up
to date information and made aware of new
opportunities available from Government,
associated bodies and professional services
companies and networks. Publicise and
support opportunities to take part in trade
missions with UKTI and Welsh Government
to grow their business abroad.
• Provide strategic insight and influence
key stakeholders
Ensure our members are up to date on the
current industry and future trends. Raise the
profile of the industry through our showcase
event The ESTnet Awards, publicise industry
developments and members’ successes.
Act as the voice of the industry for the industry,
championing the importance of the electronic
and software technologies industry in Wales
with key stakeholders.
The ESTnet membership, and the wider technology industry in Wales, have an impact on the lives
of millions of people around the world.
Build a network that is representative
of the industry, size and location
Business Opportunities
Skills Innovation Investment Insight and Influence
Pillar Pillar Pillar Pillar Pillar
Provide
strategic insight
on our industry
and influence
key stake
holders,
government
and policy
makers
Promote and
signpost
opportunities
for finance and
investment
Promote
opportunities
for innovation,
R & D and
collaboration
Develop,
nurture and
expand the
talent pool
of people
Create and
facilitate
business
opportunities
1 2 3 4 5
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Members’ Views
“ As members of the ESTnet we are a part of the industry
body representing our sector. This enables us to network in
order to identify, build relationships, share knowledge and
collaborate with other businesses in our sector, but also to
form an identifiable face for our industry, to engage with
government, education and other sectors with whom we
need to work to create economic outputs, and to help
direct their focus to what is needed.”
Richard Sheppard,
Managing Director, Interceptor Solutions Ltd.
“ It gives us access to a much broader network of individuals
and potential clients. We’ve been able to pass on leads to
fellow members, had referrals in return, and managed to
partner up with other software companies to conduct joint
bids. It also gives us access to valuable information on
trends and issues within you industry.”
Christian Coates,
Managing Director, Method4 Ltd
“ As members of the ESTnet organisation we enjoy access
to an impressive network of contacts and organisations
throughout the UK and internationally that advise on
technology sectors, markets, finance and grant availability.
ESTnet is a driving force not only in the local economy,
but also in the global technology marketplace. Representing
designers, developers and manufacturers like ourselves,
the network is an invaluable asset to our continued success.”
Dr. Michael Cowin,
Head of Strategic Marketing, SmartKem Ltd.
“ It is an opportunity to exchange ideas and get the right
contacts. We met representatives from Grant Thornton at an
ESTnet function and now work with them on our financial
services. It also provides us with access to ‘key players’
in Government. It has also been useful as a source of
information and support. If I have a question, then there is
always someone in the ESTnet who knows the answer and
is willing to help.”
Rolf Dahlmanns,
Managing Director, KSR Electronic Systems.
“ Our membership has been very useful to us, the fact that we
could join for free for the first 12 months as a tech start-up
is fantastic. It’s been great to network with a broad spectrum
of companies from across the technology industry in Wales
who I wouldn’t normally hear about or meet.”
James Carnie, Director, Skybrid.
“ World domination is of course the aspiration of any
flourishing business, but becoming part of the ESTnet has
presented a solution to something that we have previously
be unable to achieve – strategic engagement with the local
electronic and software business community in Wales.”
Keith Hughes,
General Manager, Exsel Dytecna Engineering Ltd
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ESTnet Impact
• 71% of ESTnet members have gained new
business partnerships as a result of their
membership.*
• 80% of ESTnet members have made new
business contacts as a result of their
membership.*
• 7,000 young people attracted to the award
winning ESTnet Next Generation stand at
Skills Cymru. 92% rated the stand at 8 out
of 10 or above.
• 43% of visitors to the ESTnet Next Generation
stand were more likely to follow a career in the
technology industry after their visit.
• Over 1000 people attended ESTnet events in
2014-2015 which addressed key industry issues
such as Funding, Skills, Export and Innovation.
• Over 380 from the industry attended the ESTnet
Awards 2015. 100% of those who completed the
evaluation plan to attend again next year.
• Worked for the first time on Wales Festival of
Innovation. 34 events across Wales attracted
over 2000 delegates.
• Record number of entries for the ESTnet Awards,
including the new Sir Michael Moritz Tech
Start-Up Award.
*Source: ESTnet Members’ Survey 2015
of ESTnet members have made new
business contacts as a result of their
membership.*
of ESTnet members have gained new
business partnerships as a result of their
membership.*
80%
7,000young people attracted
to the award winning
ESTnet Next Generation stand at Skills Cymru.
92%
rated the stand at
8 out of 10 or above.
for the ESTnet Awards,
including the new
Sir Michael Moritz
Tech Start-Up Award.
Record number
of entries
71%
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The ESTnet Next Generation at SkillsCymru
Young people from across South Wales had the
opportunity to get a taste of what a career in
technology might involve at the ESTnetNG Zone
at SkillsCymru in October, the largest career and
skills event in Wales.
A group of ESTnet members worked together
to ensure that the excitement and dynamism
of our industry was showcased at the event.
Activities such as the Scout SV simulator,
the clean room suit competition and ‘shopping
trolley’ analytics challenge ensured that young
people were entertained and intrigued about
what a career in the technology industry in
Wales could mean for them.
The ESTnet Managing Director Avril Lewis said:
“We face a major skills challenge here in Wales.
For the technology industry in Wales to continue
to innovate and compete on a global scale it is
essential that we are able to attract talented young
people and that we invest in their development.
The ESTnet Next Generation Zone at SkillsCymru
provided young people with an opportunity to
have practical experience and learn about
possible career paths. I am very grateful to the
ESTnet members who worked together to make
this possible, to Accelero Digital, SPTS, IQE,
Method 4, Technocamps, General Dynamics UK,
Axiom Manufacturing Services, Electronic Motion
Systems, Sony UK Technology Centre and the
University of South Wales, and to the Welsh
Government for their support.”
Young People say they are Interested in a Career
in the Technology Industry in Wales.
• The ESTnet Next Generation Zone won an
award as one of the best stands at SkillsCymru,
praised for its interactive content.
• Over 7000 young people visited SkillsCymru
at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena.
• 92% of those who visited the ESTnet Next
Generatino Zone rated it an ‘8 out of 10’
or above.
• The most popular attractions were the activities
put on by the ESTnet members, including
a light bulb activity to learn about photonics,
a ‘shopping cart’ journey to learn about digital
analytics, how marshmallows respond in a
vacuum, how software supports Welsh rugby,
and hands-on activity with circuits and gaming.
• 75% of visitors were between 14 and 16.
• After visiting 43% of young people were more
interested in a career in the technology industry.
The ESTnet launched the ESTnet Next Generation (ESTnetNG) to inform young people about the
fantastic career opportunities within the electronic and software technologies industry in Wales. The ESTnet Next Generation at Skills Cymru
43%of young people
were more interested in a career in the
technology industry.
After visiting
75%of visitors were
between 14 and 16.
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The third annual ESTnet Awards were held at the Wales Millennium Centre to celebrate excellence
in the growing electronics and software technologies sector in Wales.
Over 350 guests attended the ceremony to see Cloud services provider, Skybrid, win the brand
new Sir Michael Moritz Tech Start-up Award.
Guest of honour at the awards was Julie Meyer,
chairman, CEO and founder of Ariadne Capital who
congratulated all finalists and winners on the evening.
ESTnet managing director, Avril Lewis, said:
“This year’s awards are once again testament to
the fantastic work and innovation taking place within
Wales’ technology sector. The level of interest we
had in the evening reflected the changing nature
of our industry and highlighted just how important
it is for businesses to engage with the ESTnet,
government and academic institutions to ensure
we are at the forefront of digital skills for the future.”
The WinnersCongratulations to the ESTnet Awards
Winners 2015:
Young Engineer of the Year
Jason Good, IQE plc
Apprentice of the Year
Luke Elsemore, IAC Ltd
Collaborative Partnership of the Year
Sony UK Technology Centre and Led
Roadway Lighting Ltd
Innovative Product of the Year
Smartkem Ltd
Innovative Software Package
or Application of the Year
Interceptor Solutions Ltd
Industry Role Model of the Year
Mary Curtis from IR and
Infineon Technologies Company
Company of the Year
over £10 Million Turnover
Axiom Manufacturing Services Ltd
Company of the Year
under £10 Million Turnover
Yard Digital Ltd
The Sir Michael Moritz
Tech Start-up of the Year Award
Skybrid Ltd
Welsh Technology Firms Celebrate at the ESTnet Awards 2015
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The ESTnet Board
The ESTnet Board of Directors is selected to drive business opportunities and maximise the sector’s
significant contribution to economic growth.
Simon Powell
Co-Chair, the ESTnet.
Chairman, Eysys Ltd
Avril Lewis
Managing Director,
the ESTnet
Idris Price
ESTnet Director,
with responsibility
for North Wales
Christian Coates
Managing Director,
Method4 Ltd
Rolf Dahlmanns
Managing Director,
KSR Electronic Systems
David Davies
Managing Director,
Axiom Manufacturing Ltd
Rob Rolley
Technology Director
General Dynamics UK
Chris Meadows
Communication Director,
IQE plc
Richard Rees
Vice President and
Chief Finance Officer,
SPTS Technologies Ltd
Rob Wilson
General Manager,
Sony UK Technology Centre
Wynne Crompton
Commercial Director,
Accelero Digital
Making the Most of ESTnet Member Benefits: Taylor Dowding Innovation
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer
Ben Dowding and Chief Technology Officer Nick
Taylor, TDI offers electronic product development
and specialist technical consultancy services
from its base in North Wales, working closely
with clients throughout the UK and overseas
to plan, create and deliver high-performance, cost-
effective and robust leading-edge
technology products.
TDI’s engineering team has many years of
experience in developing innovative electronic
products for both consumer and professional
markets. Product applications include networked
video cameras and recorders, homeland security,
payment security, professional audio, oil and gas,
digital broadcasting and environmental monitoring.
As an ESTnet Start-up member TDI were eligible
for twelve months free membership and wasted
no time in making the most of it. CEO Ben
Dowding said:
“The ESTnet membership was very helpful to us
as a new company. The opportunity to network
with other like-minded organisations has been very
useful, but what has been even more valuable for
us are the ‘secondary’ benefits of membership
that we would not have necessarily expected
when we joined.
“For example it has been valuable to be able to
approach the ESTnet for advice, to use them as
a ‘sounding board’ for ideas. Idris Price has been
particularly helpful in this respect and also put us in
touch with other partners for information, such as
the Knowledge Transfer Network and Innovate UK.
“We have also found out about other useful events
and projects through the ESTnet such as Open
IQE and the Wales Festival of Innovation. We
have certainly seen the value of bringing people
together, not just to promote the business but to
listen and get new ideas too.”
Taylor Dowding Innovation Ltd (“TDI”) joined the ESTnet for the first time in 2014/2015 as ‘Start-up
Members’ and found that benefits were far-reaching.
