As a leading North East-founded business, independent tech consultancy Opencast is proud to be a headline sponsor for TechNExt once again in 2024 – demonstrating our strong backing for the regional tech economy. And, like last year, we’re hosting four specially curated talks at our Hoults Yard HQ in Newcastle.
Founded in 2012, Opencast has grown to become one of the region’s leading technology businesses, now employing close to 500 people UK-wide. We work with UK government departments to build services that help millions of citizens through tax, benefit and support services, as well as supporting the NHS and green energy ventures.
We put social impact at the heart of what we do – and believe firmly in making life better through the power of people and technology. We’re also multi award-winning, including a series of Dynamites Awards that have recognised our rapid growth and our brilliant people-first workplace culture.
Last year at TechNExt we welcomed speakers including Newcastle Labour MP Chi Onwurah, North East Combined Authority Chief Executive Henry Kippin and DWP Deputy Director Jacqui Leggetter.
Our 2024 TechNExt events programme, running in person and online via livestream over two days on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 June, brings into focus the key pain points facing organisations in both public and private sectors – as well as the challenges facing wider society.
Our TechNExt events bring together clients, partners and more – and cover the themes of skills, build vs buy, patient-centred care and the power of data. We have brilliant external speakers joining us from:
- Greggs
- NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA)
- Skills Builder Partnership
- St John Ambulance
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- eConsult
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Yorkshire Water
- Bluesmith
- Netcompany
All our events are open and free to attend – and you can register for any of them by following the links below. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at all sessions.
Chief Executive Tom Lawson said Opencast was delighted to be returning as a headline sponsor of TechNExt for 2024. “We have been promoting the North East tech sector since we opened our doors back in 2012 – and we remain proud to have our HQ in the North East even as we have grown to become a UK-wide business.
“We work hard to improve the lives of people living and working in the North East, as well as creating more than 300 new jobs for the region. We aim to make a difference to people in the North East including through the work we do with government departments like HM Revenue and Customs and the Department of Work and Pensions, which both have bases in the North East.”
“Congratulations to the festival organisers for creating an even bigger event than last year – and kudos to everyone who’s involved in hosting events, speaking and championing our brilliant regional tech sector.”
TechNExt 24 – Opencast’s fringe events
Skills in tech for impact: strategies for people and society
Monday 17 June, 11am-12pm
Our opening TechNExt session will examine the skills challenges across industries, by examining how organisations are responding and growing their in-house capabilities. Hear speakers from Greggs, NHS BSA and Skills Builder. Food by Greggs to follow! Register now
Build versus buy – how new tech impacts decisions
Monday 17 June 2-3pm
Our specialist panel will explore the pros and cons of buying commercial off-the-shelf solutions or building from scratch – and how new technologies like AI will affect future decisions. Speakers from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and St John Ambulance join our in-house experts. Register now.
Patient-centred care: making it a reality
Tuesday 18 June 11am-12pm
This healthcare panel discussion will hear innovators in digital health, healthcare providers and service designers discuss how a user-centred approach can make patient-centred care a reality. Join speakers from eConsult, Netcompany and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Register now.
Unlocking the power of data: solutions to deliver value
Tuesday 18 June 2-3pm
This solutions-focused panel discussion brings together leading figures from business and the public sector to share on-the-ground experience of how to unlock the power of data in a way that’s outcome-focused, agile and delivers value for business and people alike. Hear from Yorkshire Water, Bluesmith and Opencast experts. Register now.
As well as running our own festival events programme, Opencast is joining the Tech Talent Live jobs fair in Gateshead on 19 June, presenting four lightning talks on ‘squiggly’ careers. We’re also backing the excellent new TechNExt Schools Challenge for 9-13 year-olds with mentoring and other support.
Register to join any of Opencast’s TechNExt 2024 fringe sessions.