ICAEW South West: Start-up insight group | 2025

Event Information

The South West has firmly established itself as one of the leading hubs for technology, showcasing the abundance of talent, potential, and expertise nurtured in the tech and digital industry. Known as Silicon Gorge, this region consistently generates waves of innovation that ripple throughout the country. It has managed to attract significant capital investment, top-tier tech talent, and entrepreneurial minds.

Amongst all cities in the UK, Bristol currently ranks as the fourth-most-popular destination for tech recruitment. In fact, companies based in Bristol make up 36% of the city's high-growth population. The city is seamlessly connected to the larger West of England tech ecosystem through collaborative networks such as SETsquared and TechSPARK. (Source: Beauhurst)

This event brings together ICAEW members (e.g., finance professionals, CFOs, financial controllers) working with tech start-ups in the dynamic South West region (Silicon Gorge) to address key challenges, including growth strategies, cash flow management, fundraising, and talent retention. Join us to network with peers, share best practices, and gain valuable insights to succeed in this exciting and demanding landscape.

During the series, possible topics of discussion may include:

• Growth and scale | With rapid growth comes the pressure to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics.
• Cash flow management | Tech start-ups often experience fluctuations in their revenue streams, making effective cash flow management essential.
• Planning and forecasting | In an ever-evolving environment, it is crucial for tech start-ups to have robust planning and forecasting processes in place.
• Compliance requirements | Staying compliant with regulations is a key challenge for tech start-ups due to evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Fundraising and investor relations | Building credible relationships with investors is vital for securing funding and sustaining growth.
• Resource constraints | Tech start-up founders often wear multiple hats, facing resource constraints as they juggle different responsibilities within the company.
• Talent competition and retention |  Attracting top talent in a competitive market is challenging, but retaining them is equally important for long-term success.