Opening doors and opportunity for Tech in Preston

This Preston Tech Connection meet-up is all about 'Tech In Preston'.

Join us for an honest, hands-on conversation about how innovation and tech can be better supported in our city.

Shirah Bamber from Preston Innovates will join us to talk about the barriers and opportunities there are in our area focusing in tech, digital and innovation.

This months meet-up style will include an introduction from Shirah about how Preston Innovates is seeking to work with the local tech business community, followed by an open floor discussion. Bring your thoughts, ideas and questions to join Tom and Shirah to help shape how Preston Innovates can support our local tech industry.

Preston Innovates have kindly offered to sponsor the event and provide some pizzas for attendees.

Meet our Speaker:

Shirah Bamber

Shirah, founder of Shirah Consulting, specialises in strategic communications, multi-stakeholder projects and navigating political nuance. She has a a well-earned reputation for getting things done!

Since 2024, Shirah has been the Preston City Council's Innovation Ambassador, a project that would later become known as Preston Innovates. She is passionate about connecting with the local tech and digital community and finding ways that Preston Innovates can better support the industry.

About Tom Crawley

Tom Crawley is the founder of Neon Mountain, where he helps businesses bring clarity and structure to complex software challenges. With over 25 years in software development, Tom specialises in building bespoke systems, modernising legacy platforms, and advising companies as a fractional CTO.

Prior to Neon Mountain, Tom founded and successfully exited Marimosa, a respected software consultancy serving clients across multiple industries. He has since continued to work closely with SMEs, combining hands-on engineering expertise with strategic guidance to deliver practical, scalable solutions.

Tom is passionate about cutting through the noise in tech-whether that's helping businesses make sense of AI, untangling ageing systems, or guiding teams toward better development practices.

About Preston Tech Connection

Preston Tech Connection is a group centred around an interest in digital technologies - our events and meet-ups are a place where tech enthusiasts can come together, exchange ideas, work on projects, and support one another.

Preston Tech Connection is founded by Tom Crawley Neon Mountain and Catarina and Brendan King, Society1. We host monthly meet-ups.

Our events cover topics like software, programming, hardware and emerging tech. We have a shared interest in the latest advancements in the digital realm. We host events with a social and collaborative aspect, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking.

We are an inclusive group and open for anyone to attend. You don't need to work in tech. If you are interested in the topics or just want to come and be part of a friendly community of people exploring the digital and tech world, you are welcome.

Getting there:

Society1 is located on Cross Street, just off Winckley Square (PR1 3LT). It is easily accessible by bus and train.

If you need to drive, public parking is available at Fishergate Shopping Centre or Avenham Public Car Park. The Avenham multi storey car park closes at 8pm, so as this event runs later we advise that you park in the open air one or on the streets around us.

Note: These events might be photographed and this content will be used in future marketing for Society1.