Sir Warren East and Dame Anne Glover, two prominent figures in the UK’s HardTech industry, have joined forces to lead a call for bolder support and urgent investment in Britain’s industrial future. The duo made their appeal at the inaugural Bessemer Society Summit, where they were joined by other leaders in the field to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s HardTech sector.

The Bessemer Society Summit, held on 15th October 2021, brought together some of the most influential voices in the UK’s HardTech industry to discuss the current state of affairs and chart a path towards a more prosperous future. Among the attendees were Sir Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, and Dame Anne Glover, co-founder and CEO of Amadeus Capital Partners. Both are highly respected figures in the industry and their presence at the summit was a testament to the importance of the event.

In his keynote speech, Sir Warren East highlighted the need for urgent investment and reform to support Britain’s industrial future. He stressed the importance of the HardTech sector in driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs, and called for a more ambitious approach from the government and investors.

“We are at a critical juncture in the UK’s industrial landscape,” said Sir Warren East. “The HardTech sector has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth, but it needs the right support and investment to reach its full potential. We cannot afford to be complacent or risk falling behind other countries in this rapidly evolving industry.”

Dame Anne Glover echoed Sir Warren East’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for bold and decisive action to secure the UK’s position as a global leader in HardTech. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and academia to drive innovation and create a supportive ecosystem for HardTech startups.

“The UK has a strong legacy in HardTech, but we must not rest on our laurels,” said Dame Anne Glover. “We need to be proactive in supporting and nurturing the next generation of HardTech companies, and this requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders. We have the talent and the expertise, now we need the right investment and policies to propel us forward.”

The call for bolder support and urgent investment was echoed by other leaders at the summit, who shared their insights and experiences on the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s HardTech sector. The discussions also focused on the need for regulatory reform to create a more favorable environment for HardTech companies to thrive.

The Bessemer Society Summit comes at a crucial time for the UK’s HardTech industry, as the country looks to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic and build a more resilient and sustainable future. The sector has already shown its potential in areas such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure, and with the right support, it can continue to drive innovation and create high-value jobs.

The summit also highlighted the need for a shift in mindset towards HardTech, with a greater focus on long-term investment and a willingness to take risks. This is essential for the UK to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, where countries like China and the US are investing heavily in HardTech.

In conclusion, the inaugural Bessemer Society Summit was a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of the UK’s HardTech sector. The call for bolder support and urgent investment was loud and clear, and it is now up to all stakeholders to work together and turn this vision into a reality. With the right policies and investments, the UK’s HardTech industry has the potential to drive economic growth, create high-skilled jobs, and secure the country’s position as a global leader in this critical sector.