Working with Microsoft
A skilled and passionate community is the engine behind any successful tech ecosystem.
This is particularly true for the tech sector in the South West, which is projected to reach almost £20bn gross value added (GVA) a year by 2026, creating more than 125,000 new jobs.
Tantalising figures – but indicative of a wider challenge facing South West tech firms as they grapple with a highly competitive labour market for skilled tech talent.
Responding to the ‘talent crisis’ will be key if the sector is to achieve its full potential. At Tech South West we are delighted to be working with Microsoft to enhance digital skills in the region by providing free training and resources for growing companies.
Through the initiative, Microsoft will provide funding and technology for startups and scaleups in the region, and digital skills for all ranging from end user training, technical skills and support to those wishing to switch to a career in tech.
In addition to this, South West businesses will have the opportunity to partner with Microsoft and work with local experts to drive innovation and entrepreneurship within the region.
This collaboration will advance the work of Tech South West as we boost digital skills and inward investment into the region, and support Microsoft’s campaign to help 1.5 million people launch a career in tech.
Scroll down to see how the project can support your tech company, and the opportunities available for your team.
Opportunities for tech companies
Microsoft will deliver bespoke sessions for South West businesses on key technologies such as working better with Teams and Outlook, managing the security of your business and working with Power BI.
Firebrand are offering Tech South West members a learning needs analysis assessment or to join a free Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals course.
Microsoft will be working alongside Tech South West as a Growth Partner, supporting the StartUp Studio and ScaleUp Studio accelerators for growing tech firms.
Cohort members will gain access to Microsoft’s Start-Up & ISV programs, which include free credits, access to technologies, technical expertise to build their business, a mentoring scheme, and the opportunity to partner with Microsoft to go-to-market and gain new customers.
"We’re working with Tech South West to make sure that all businesses in the region can learn how Microsoft can support them in helping identify new opportunities.
We will provide these organisations with free virtual training, mentoring from Microsoft experts, technical accelerated training and certification in partnership with Firebrand Training, one of our largest training partners.
We look forward to meeting Tech South West members at upcoming events and starting a conversation as to how we can help their businesses to grow."
Richard Ellis
General Manager: Microsoft’s Small, Medium & Corporate Customer Segment
More on Founders Hub
The Microsoft startup programme
The Founders Hub programme delivers access to technology, go-to-market and community benefits to help startups build their technology and customer bases. The programme offers joint sales engagements with startups, along with access to technology, and community spaces that promote collaboration across local and global ecosystems.
For more information, visit: startups.microsoft.com/
More on Microsoft Digital Skills
Developing diverse digital talent across the UK
At Microsoft, we believe everyone deserves access to the skills, knowledge and opportunity needed to achieve more. Through our Get On commitment, we're helping 1.5 million people build tech careers and connecting 300,000 to tech job opportunities.
For more information visit: microsoft.com/en-gb/home/digital-skills
More on Firebrand
Your fastest way to learn
Firebrand is a training company with a unique approach. Since 2001, we have enabled over 125,000 students to develop valuable digital skills through our accelerated training programmes, apprenticeships and skills bootcamps, and for the last eleven years have been recognised amongst the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World. Our courses enable professional development and certification on behalf of some of the biggest names in the industry – Microsoft among them – and are designed to keep pace with the continually changing landscape of the digital marketplace.
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