Leeds Digital Festival
Global Opportunities for Innovative
Tech Companies
September 2022
The Department for International Trade (DIT) in Yorkshire and the Humber is thrilled to be part of Leeds Digital Festival, bringing you the latest global opportunities.
The Leeds Digital Festival is an open, collaborative celebration of digital culture in all its forms. Whether you’re interested in coding, fintech, social media, AI, healthtech, data, start-ups, digital music, cyber security or AR/VR, there is something for you.
Aligning with the festival’s mission, DIT is proud to be part of a network that showcases our region’s dynamic digital sector and brings together the world’s best and brightest tech companies.
We have organised two exclusive sessions, bringing you closer to global markets, helping you to access international opportunities to sell innovative tech solutions.
Both sessions are open to all businesses and individuals wanting to find out more about the support DIT can offer and how you can get access to international opportunities. You can either join us virtually or in-person in Leeds.
About the sessions
The Global Appetite for UK Tech & Digital Solutions
Date: Thursday 22 September 2022, 9:15 - 11:30
Venue: Platform Leeds or Online (10:00 start for online participants)
The UK is the leading European nation for emerging tech businesses and the continued growth of this sector relies on success in international markets. In 2020, the value of services exported by the digital sector was £55.5 billion, and £14.8 billion of goods.*
Global markets present a wealth of opportunities for UK tech and digital solutions. In this session we will take a whistle stop tour around the world to get an overview of the appetite for UK tech & digital services and how to realise your international expansion.
During event you will hear from a range of speakers from our DIT overseas offices including:
- Indonesia
- India
- Singapore
- Germany
- Spain
- UAE
They will talk about what opportunities are available, the best route to access these, how to connect with local teams and grow your business in these regions.
Join this event to find out more about the demand for and success being enjoyed by UK digital and tech companies globally.
Opening International Markets - Free Trade & Digital Agreements: The Opportunities for UK Businesses
Date: Wednesday 28 September 2022, 9:15 - 11:30
Venue: Platform Leeds or Online (10:00 start for online participants)
The UK is embarking on a new era in our trading relationships, negotiating innovative, world-leading free trade agreements with the markets of the future. By aligning our agreements and relationships to UK priorities, we are creating export opportunities and ensuring a strong emphasis on cutting edge digital and data provisions which support UK tech and digital-savvy firms.
Free Trade Agreements such as the one with Japan and the Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore improve and protect market access for UK exporters - particularly in sectors critical to the UK’s future economic growth such as digital and technology.
During this event we will hear from the free trade agreement negotiation teams for:
- Singapore
- Japan
- India
- Israel
Join this session to learn more about the latest trade agreement developments – confirmed and in the pipeline – and to understand how they can ease international trading for tech & digital businesses.
Agenda**
Thursday 22 September 2022, 10:00 - 11:30
9:15 - 10:00
Arrival and networking
10:00 – 10:05
Introduction to the global appetite for UK tech & Introduction to DIT Tech Specialist team – Chris Moore
Around the world showcase of appetite & opportunities:
10:05 – 10:20
Indonesia – Mercedes White & Dewi Sari
10:20 – 10.35
Singapore – Thomas Tilley, Elsie Yim (DIT) and Yan Yan HO (Singapore Economic Development Board)
10:35 – 10:45
UAE - Mohamad AlEter, UAE Office for AI
10:44 – 10:55
India – KT Rajan
10:55 – 11:05
Germany – Frank Ambos and Nicola Pinder from the state of Baden Württemberg
11:05 – 11:20
Spain - Sarah Roles-Ndibe & Samantha Brindle
11:20 – 11:30
Q&A & close.
Agenda**
Wednesday 28 September 2022, 10:00 - 11:30
9:15 - 10:00
Arrival and networking
10:00 – 10:05
Introduction
10:05 – 10:15
Overview of UK Services & Digital Trade Strategy – the strategic pillars behind UK trade agreements – Ben Douglass-Smith
10:15 – 10:30
Overview of Singapore DEA - Thomas Tilley
10:30 – 10:45
Overview of UK-Japan FTA digital chapter and opportunities for tech businesses - Euan Edwards
10:45 – 11:00
Overview of India FTA – person TBC
11:00 – 11:15
Overview of Israel FTA – Matthew McKee
11:15 – 11:30
Q&A & close
* Source: DCMS economic estimates
** Subject to changes
Don't miss out and be part of Leeds Digital festival, discovering your global opportunities.
