VentureFest Tees Valley is a day dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes and sectors explore new ideas. It’s a day to discover how innovation can help your company remain relevant, competitive and profitable in this fast-changing global marketplace. Spend a day with us and you’ll leave with practical tools, ideas and expertise that impact on the bottom line and bring about business growth.

> Hear from inspiring speakers
> Raise finance
> Network with useful new connections
> Ask questions of leading experts
> Learn new skills
> Showcase your products and services 

The exciting event programme includes speakers (see below), workshops, a showcase of innovative companies and investor meetings where you can raise funding for your business. VentureFest Tees Valley aims to attract 500 businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Darlington, Stockton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland, and is free for local businesses to attend.

Alongside the Knowledge Transfer Network, VentureFest Tees Valley’s founding partners are Innovate Tees Valley (the innovation support programme part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and run by Teesside University, NEPIC, the Materials Processing Institute and Digital City) and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

You can find out further information and read more about speakers as they are announced at the event website venturefest.tv.

Speaker biographies

Sharon Lane, Tees Components

Starting her career as an apprentice engineer, Sharon has twice been voted Teesside’s most inspiring business leader by Tees Business and is general manager of Skelton-based precision engineering specialists, Tees Components who design and manufacture innovative solutions for clients in a range of sectors, including marine and shipping. Sharon will discuss how Tees Components respond to client requirements with innovative solutions from design to manufacture.

Tim Ryan, Epigem

Tim is an experienced inventor and entrepreneur. During his 40 years in industry, he has championed a diverse number of fields and established a worldwide scientific reputation. Founding Epigem in 1995, his vision has produced a company which specialises in functional micro-structures, from the molecular level through to the macroscopic level of instrumentation, often in the healthcare diagnostics field.  Tim will share his experience of setting the bar for the life-sciences sector by driving innovation at the Teesside-based firm. 

Steph Morris, Regional Manager for North East, Yorkshire & Humber at Innovate UK

Steph has been at Innovate UK since 2009 and works with stakeholders from businesses, local government and research institutions to ensure the region’s excellent innovation strengths are recognised nationally. With almost 20 years’ experience in national and regional innovation support, her focus is on providing funding, policy advice and business services to drive excellence in innovation and R&D in the UK. Steph will talk about the national innovation landscape, including UK Government’s investment in innovation through its Industrial Strategy, and how the work of Innovate UK supports business growth across the country.

Bill Morrow, Angels Den

Named the most influential figure in Alternative Funding by City AM, Bill set up Angels Den in 2007 after a career as an accountant and in investment banking. Facilitating over 5000 pitches a year across 10 countries, of all the businesses funded through Angels Den, 92% are still growing thanks to investment by 19,000 investors. Bill will not only share his experience of working with growing businesses and shed light on the common pitfalls, he’ll also talk about best-practice for success and how angel investors can make great mentors as well as sources of funding.

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Relationship Manager Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, British Business Bank

Mark is responsible for ensuring the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is delivered across the Tees Valley Combined Authority Region, Mark works alongside Fund Managers to ensure the fund is promoted and understood across the region. He’ll be talking to audiences at VentureFest Tees Valley about how businesses on Teesside can access this funding to support their growth ambitions.

About VentureFest Tees Valley

Venturefest Tees Valley’s founding partners are Innovate Tees Valley (the innovation support programme run by Teesside University, NEPIC, the Materials Processing Institute and Digital City), Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Knowledge Transfer Network.

VentureFest Tees Valley brings together businesses, investors and innovators from across the Tees Valley to share ideas, explore opportunities, grow new networks and raise investment. The day is all about giving businesses access to practical tools, ideas and expertise that can accelerate innovation, leading to growth and employment opportunities.

The event receives funding from the £6.5m Innovate Tees Valley programme, led by Teesside University with partners NEPIC, the Materials Processing Institute and Digital City and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.