WRDSC: Access to Finance & Higher Education
Schedule
Tue Jun 16 2026 at 09:30 am to 02:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
HMS Flying Fox, Royal Navy Reserve Training Centre | Bristol, EN
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Topics will be: funding and finance, what academia can do for our members and how to engage with our higher education providers.About this Event
Join the Western Regional Defence & Security Cluster for it's next event.
Event sponsored by Future Talent Group.
This in-person session will focus on two key areas for our members:
- Access to finance and investment opportunities
- Engaging with universities to unlock talent, research, and partnerships
The event brings together industry, academia, and key stakeholders to explore how collaboration can support business growth, innovation, and access to funding.
What to expect:
- Expert insights on funding and finance routes
- Practical guidance on working with higher education institutions
- Updates from UKDI and Royal Navy
- Opportunities to network with fellow members and partners
- A structured agenda including presentations and discussion
Spaces are limited - lunch will be provided. Parking on-site is limited, please use public transport where possible.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Coffee, Registration & Networking
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
WO2 John Morrish – Health and Safety Overview
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:15 AM
Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Royal Navy - Welcome & Navel Update
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:20 AM
Josh Simpkins, Future Talent Group - Member & Sponsor Presentation
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Ben Cooper, Tech Southwest - Angel Investor Programme
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Martyn Gill, Sidekick – Pre-seed funding and advice
🕑: 10:40 AM - 10:50 AM
Edward Tellwright, British Business Bank
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Speaker TBC, Financial Advice - Deloitte
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
James Neely, NCC - Access to Finance
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:15 AM
Isaac Knight, Kahootz - Member Presentation
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Mike Madden, UKDI - Update
🕑: 11:45 AM - 11:55 AM
Alex Greenwood, University of Bristol - Engagement
🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:05 PM
Matt Studley, UWE - Engagement
🕑: 12:05 PM - 12:15 PM
Speaker TBC, University of Bath - Engagement
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:25 PM
Alex Clancy, Yeovil College - Being a DTEC Provider
🕑: 12:25 PM - 12:30 PM
Sam Baynham, ConeX - Member Presentation
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
🕑: 02:00 PM
Event Ends
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Where is it happening?
HMS Flying Fox, Royal Navy Reserve Training Centre, Winterstoke Road, Bristol, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Tickets
USD 0.00
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