On day one of Hambleton Business week, we shared the C4DI story so far, and celebrated the official beginning of our Northallerton chapter. Smoothly hosted by our own Tina Swann, we heard from inspirational contributors across Hull, Hambleton and beyond, as well as opening the floor to questions and ideas.
You can catch up on everything in full here: https://www.c4di.live, but we thought we’d bring you a taste of the action with this rundown.
Following an introduction from Councillor Mark Robson, David Kerfoot MBE DL (former LEP chair) opens the week, live from C4DI Northallerton.
David’s moving speech gives an insight into the site’s history from his first-hand experience, having visited “the old girl” as a prison board member from 1986 to 2013: “she’s been here for 255 years. But now in this light, airy, hugely impressive new building, I think she’s fit for the 21st, 22nd and 23rd century, and her next 255 years of existence.”
A stunning virtual tour shows off the incubator’s bright, flexible space, before we dive deeper into C4DI’s mission to help tech companies to grow and traditional businesses to innovate.
Managing Director John Connolly takes us on the Hull journey – from a Beta model in a modest warehouse to an ultra-modern tech hub, providing a base for 1000 users every week.
We also hear from the heart of our community, as Hull members with both tech and traditional backgrounds explain C4DI’s “priceless support.”
Later, Scott Pilgrim, founder of Bimsense and Operance, and Alex Youden, founder of NFire Labs, further detail their personal experiences. Both members have built innovative, thriving businesses, and highlight C4DI’s integral role in their growth.
Alex tells us that as NFire Labs continued to evolve in 2021, “having the C4DI mentorship has helped massively.”
As John says, “we want to see these success stories replicated in Hambleton.”
So, why Northallerton? David Shields, Hambleton business and economy tourism advisor, gives us a snapshot of the local area: its natural landscapes, handy transport links, and international reputation as producers of fine food, including Heck sausages, Vale of Mowbray pork pies and Shepherd’s Purse Cheeses.
Completing this irresistible pitch, John Gallery (Marketing Director at World of James Herriot) and Peter Wright, aka the Yorkshire Vet, showcase the region’s cultural impact as home to the “world’s most famous vet.”
David Keel, chair of C4DI, explains how the local area’s business potential can be further unlocked by C4DI Northallerton’s “Blast Zone: the ripple effect of doing something incredible.”
He shares the success of Hull’s Humber Street and fruit market area, which was transformed by the C4DI “Blast Zone” – so much so that a new bridge was built, connecting this now buzzing area with the train station side of town.
Back in Hambleton, we find out why the new incubator will be a “Centre of Excellence” for agri-tech, food processing and digital technology in rural businesses – a focus designed to reflect and enhance the area’s strengths. Dr Sam Hoste, from Quantech Solutions, and Mark Suthern, National Head of Agriculture at Barclays, break down the “agri-tech revolution.”
Sam details the recent, massive expansion in companies developing software and hardware solutions to assist farmers in their decision making, using digital methods to measure important factors.
Mark adds that these innovations will “improve sustainability, productivity and profitability” for farmer and growers.
Demonstrating the power of agri-tech in action, we hear from C4DI Northallerton members GlasData. Co-founder Rob Sanders explains how their business harnesses digital systems to improve data aggregation and analysis for farmers.
From seeds and soil to launching satellites: showing us Hambleton’s vast range of tech expertise, AmbaSat introduce their mission to give students and engineers affordable access to space.
Alongside their (literally) out-of-this-world ambitions, co-founder and CEO Martin Platt tells us about AmbaSat’s passion for the local area: “we design and manufacture our satellites locally. We want to build local skills and expertise, and also contribute to the success of the town and the C4DI business community.”
In our interactive Q&A session, the launch draws to a close with a real buzz of energy and excitement.
Thank you to all our contributors and everyone who tuned in – this is just the beginning.
Catch up with all 3 days of Hambleton Business Conference here: https://www.c4di.live
Find out more about C4DI Northallerton here: http://www.c4di.co.uk/northallerton