You’re in good company - Bournemouth 12th Feb 2025

A record audience (so far) at Bournemouth University heard many good reasons about why they are in good company with the thriving sector in the region. The event was opened by Professor Alison Honour, Vice Chancellor & CEO of Bournemouth University, who highlighted the university's desire to understand what employers are looking for from the students and graduates it produces.

Matt Desmier gave a passionate presentation about the Dorset region and its past, present and future tech credentials and potential, and was also a charismatic chair of the event. Many thanks to Matt for organising the event.

Julian Wells from Whitecap Consulting and FinTech West gave an insight into the findings from the newly released Dorset FinTech Ecosystem Report. With 37 FinTechs and an estimated nearly £200m GVA, it shows how vibrant the digital economy is in the region. The launch announcement and report can be downloaded here.

We were then treated to two panels with well known regional FinTech founders/entrepreneurs who gave an open and fascinating insight into how they got were they are now, access to funding, challenges to growth and where they see the future heading.

The first panel was composed of:

Tom Quay🚶‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚌 - Founder & CEO, Passenger

Tara Flynn - Co-Founder, Ratio, Familio & Choose Wisely

Ross Nichols - Co-Founder, Just Move In

And the second panel was made up of:

James Tucker - CEO, Twenty7tec

Dawn Bebe - Founder & Co-CEO, Crowdfunder UK

Mike Williams - Director of Technology Enablement, Vitality

Stuart Harrison closed the event with an overview of FinTech West's focus and activities across the South West and beyond, which spans Education, Sustainable Finance, InsurTech, Blockchain, and South Coast, delivered via a programme of event-related activities and strategic projects.