“We need to rethink”: an interview with Rhona Munro

Launched by Tech South West but with an independent role, the SW Tech Advisory Board helps to influence and guide the strategic direction of the technology sector in the South West of England.

We sat down with Rhona Munro, a member of the SW Tech Advisory Board, to get her insights on the region’s tech ecosystem and opportunities for growth.

The South West tech sector has seen significant growth in recent years. What do you believe are the two or three most exciting opportunities for the region’s tech ecosystem over the next two years?

The South West is poised for remarkable development in several key areas:

Deep Tech and Advanced Manufacturing – Bristol is already recognised as a leading deep tech hub, and with the expansion of quantum research, AI, and advanced manufacturing, the region could become a global centre for cutting-edge technological development.

Climate Tech and Sustainability – With a strong foundation in climate tech, renewable energy, and sustainable mining, the region is uniquely positioned to lead the UK’s push towards Net Zero by 2050. Investment in offshore wind, battery technology, and blue/green tech innovation will fuel economic growth while tackling climate change.

Scaling High-Growth Startups – The South West has nearly 18,500 tech companies, but many face hurdles in securing scale-up investment. If we can bridge the funding gap, more businesses will thrive without relocating to London.

Drawing from your experience, what unique advantages does the South West offer as a technology hub that could be better leveraged to attract talent and investment?

Unlike London, the South West offers affordable living and an outstanding natural environment, which is a major draw for tech talent. By improving transport links, digital infrastructure, and increasing regional investment funds, we can attract more businesses and talent to stay and scale here. A business built in the South West is 17% more likely to survive after 5 years than if it were based in London.

What makes the South West great?

The region’s calming spirit and breath-taking natural landscapes create an inspiring backdrop for both work and life. With its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and outdoor lifestyle, the South West offers a sense of balance and well-being, which in turn encourages clearer thinking, enhances creativity, and supports a more sustainable approach to business growth.

What specific policy interventions would you like to see prioritised to accelerate the growth of the South West’s tech sector?

The South West receives far less investment than London or the North, despite having similar economic potential. Increasing funding to the region would make a significant difference.

The skills gap remains a critical challenge across the UK tech sector. How can the South West differentiate itself in addressing this challenge, and what role should the government play?

There are several approaches we need to take:

Changing perceptions about tech careers – There is still a perception among many young people that a career in tech is only for those with a background or interest in computer science or STEM. In reality, the sector offers a wide range of career paths, from sales, marketing, and finance to operations, customer success, and project management. We need to do more to position tech as an accessible, lifelong career option by embedding tech awareness into schools and secondary education, ensuring young people see the full spectrum of opportunities available within the industry.

Encouraging career transition from other sectors – Many industries, such as manufacturing, engineering, and financial services, have transferable skills that could be redirected into tech roles with the right training. A more structured approach to mid-career reskilling programmes, supported by businesses and government, could help fill shortages in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, AI, and software development.

Harnessing the potential of the over-fifties workforce – With people working longer and retiring later, we need to rethink how we develop and retain experienced talent. The over-fifties bring a wealth of business experience, leadership skills, and problem-solving ability, yet are often overlooked in discussions around tech skills. Targeted retraining and upskilling initiatives would allow experienced professionals to transition into tech and digital roles, particularly in areas requiring strategic thinking, project management, and commercial acumen.

Ultimately, by broadening the talent pool, positioning tech as a viable career choice from an early age, and making tech careers more accessible to those at different career stages, the South West can differentiate itself as a leader in workforce innovation and ensure a more sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.

What motivated you to join the Tech South West Advisory Board, and how do you see your specific expertise contributing to the region’s tech ecosystem?

I’ve spent over 24 years helping businesses scale, navigate leadership challenges, and expand into new markets and I see a significant opportunity to bring that experience to the South West’s tech ecosystem. My work spans scale-up strategies, leadership development and international expansion and I’m passionate about supporting ambitious companies in achieving sustainable growth. Tech South West is well placed to help businesses on this journey, and I want to ensure we are delivering practical, high-impact initiatives that enable founders and leadership teams to overcome their biggest barriers to growth.

How do you envision Tech South West’s role evolving to better serve the region’s tech community, particularly in light of rapid technological change?

Tech South West is already playing a crucial role in building a connected, collaborative tech ecosystem, but I see three key priorities:

• Supporting Scale-Ups – Moving beyond startup support to provide structured growth pathways and funding opportunities for companies ready to scale.
• Positioning the Region as a Deep Tech and Climate Tech Leader – Attracting investment into the Net Zero tech sector and emerging AI capabilities.
• Helping Businesses Navigate AI and Automation – Many SMEs know they need to adapt but don’t know where to start. Providing practical AI adoption frameworks will be essential.

Looking at the broader technology landscape, which emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on the South West’s economy, and why?

• Quantum Computing and AI – With Bristol at the forefront of deep tech, quantum research, AI-driven automation, and robotics will be transformational for the region.
• Clean Energy and Battery Innovation – The South West is leading in offshore wind, lithium mining, and sustainable battery production, making it a major player in the UK’s Net Zero strategy.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the South West tech sector that isn’t getting enough attention from policymakers or industry leaders?

While the South West has a thriving tech ecosystem, it is often overshadowed by more established hubs like London and the North West. This lack of visibility makes it harder to attract investors, talent, and large-scale corporate partnerships, all of which are crucial for sustaining growth.

The region must continue to use its voice to highlight the strengths in deep tech, climate tech, AI, and advanced manufacturing, positioning itself as a leading destination for high-growth tech businesses and investment opportunities.

Tech South West is already doing an excellent job in raising the region’s profile and bringing businesses together, but to maintain and build on this momentum, it needs stronger backing from government, industry leaders, and investors. With the right support, the South West can establish itself as a major force in the UK’s tech economy and ensure long-term, sustainable growth.

As AI tools become increasingly prevalent, which one has impressed you the most, and how are you using it to enhance your work or decision-making?

Rather than a single tool, what has impressed me most is the increasing accessibility of AI across different areas of work becoming a practical tool that can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance productivity in everyday business operations.

For me, the biggest impact has been gaining a deeper understanding of AI and how to apply it effectively in a small consultancy business. Whether it’s using AI-driven insights for research, automating routine tasks, or planning, I have been focusing on learning how AI can complement my decision-making rather than replace it.

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Growth Forge 2025 applications are now open for tech companies across the South West. To learn more and apply, visit techsouthwest.co.uk/growth-forge-2025