This week features an engaging conversation with Dr. Andy Williams, Chair of the Oxford Cambridge Super Cluster Board. He explains the mission of the Oxford Cambridge Super Cluster Board, which aims to unite businesses, universities, and investors to create a thriving ecosystem.

Andy shares insights from a commissioned report predicting an additional £78 billion contribution to the regional economy. He stresses the need for government intervention and policy changes to achieve this target, stating, "If we don’t do anything, growth may drop to 2 or 1%, which would be a disaster."

The conversation also touches on the critical need for infrastructure improvements, including lab space, housing, and transport connectivity. Andy highlights the importance of balancing growth with community needs, saying, "We must be careful not to wreck the quality of life in the region."

He also discusses the importance of engaging local communities and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are felt widely. He believes that "for every job created in science and technology, another four or five jobs are created in the wider community."

This episode is packed with insights that can inspire and inform your approach to innovation and investment. Andy’s extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and his passion for fostering collaboration in the tech sector make for a compelling listen.

If you’re a startup founder or a venture capitalist looking to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and innovation, this episode is a treasure trove of information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode we welcome Amelia Miller, co-founder and CEO of ivee, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce after career breaks.

Amelia shares the personal story behind ivee, inspired by her mother’s struggles to return to work after taking time off for motherhood.

With a background in psychology, Amelia discusses how gender differences in job applications significantly impact hiring. Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet 50-60% of qualifications, while women typically wait until they meet 90-100%. This discrepancy underscores the need for tailored recruitment strategies.

ivee leverages AI to connect companies with a vast talent pool of women returning to work. “What we’re building at ivee is an AI agent that can surface returner talent,” Amelia explains, emphasising the platform's unique approach to recruitment.

Returning to work can be isolating. Amelia discusses how ivee fosters connection and confidence through supportive peer networks and resources that help women navigate their comeback journeys.

The conversation turns to how return-to-work barriers often exacerbate long-term pay inequality, and why solving one problem helps address the other.

This episode is not just about ivee; it’s a call to action for the tech community to rethink how we approach recruitment and diversity. If you're a hiring manager, consider the untapped potential of the return-to-work market. ivee is actively seeking companies to partner with and post jobs on their platform. For those returning to work, ivee offers a supportive community and resources to help you navigate your journey.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ellis, Scale-Up Director at Innovate UK Business Growth, to unpack what it really takes to scale a tech business.

Key Insights:

• Defining Scale-Up: Chris emphasises that a scale-up is more than just a growing business; it’s one that has a product in the market and is pushing towards a million in annual recurring revenue.

• The Importance of Internationalisation: Chris highlights that scaling should involve looking beyond local markets. He stresses the need for UK businesses to tap into international markets and collaborate with global partners.

• Understanding the Funding Landscape: The conversation touches on the funding gap that exists for scale-ups, particularly in comparison to their US counterparts. Chris points out, “Some businesses need a much longer runway,” and discusses the importance of understanding the capitalisation journey.

• Governance and Culture: Chris shares insights on the dynamics within scale-up companies, noting that strong governance and a healthy culture are crucial.

Whether you're a founder or investor, this episode is packed with practical advice on moving from startup to scale-up.

Produced by Cambridge TV, edited by Kate O'Connor.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.