Tech firms in the South West are optimistic that the changes to ways of working caused by Covid-19 are a source of opportunity for the sector.
In a poll of Tech South West members, 100% of respondents said the changes to the sector are an opportunity for the sector, be that attracting new talent, reaching new customers, developing new efficiencies or boosting productivity.
Only 26% of respondents reported working from home before the lockdown, whilst 74% reported working fully remotely now. 100% of respondents said they would like to continue working remotely either all or some of the time.
The findings come as more firms consider remote working as a viable arrangement long-term.
Dan Pritchard, co-founder of Tech South West, said: “The findings back up the anecdotal evidence we are hearing from across the sector. These new ways of working will have a long-term impact on working patterns. The tech sector is ideally placed to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the global move to dispersed working. However, there are challenges as well.
“A full third of our respondents reported problems with remote working, including difficulties managing the work/life balance and a lack of social contact. These challenges are reflected in the fact that two thirds indicated a desire to continue with remote working on only a partial basis, as opposed to a third of respondents who would like to continue working fully remotely.”
The findings will be discussed in full at the next Tech Gathering, a monthly series of events organised by Tech South West.
This month’s event takes place on Thursday October 22 and will explore the ramifications for the South West tech sector as barriers are broken down and new modes of working become the norm.
A panel of expert guests will be speaking at the event and taking questions from the audience. They include:
- Peter Evans, former Enterprise Editor at the Sunday Times
- Louise Ogilvy, Managing Director of Propeller-Tech
- Stuart Harrison, Bristol-based Fintech expert
- Niall Jones, Managing Director of International CityConnect
- Ben Travers, Head of IT and IP at Stephens Scown
- Tom Chartres- Moore, IP & IT Solicitor at Stephens Scown
- Eckard Nachtwey, Founder of Nachtwey IP
- Kerry Barnes, Programme & Operations Manager at Chess Dynamics
- Ramsay Allen, Marketing Manager at Moortec
Click here to book your free place.