The Edge Hub expands to build skills and innovation in the north of England

The Edge Hub, an innovation and digital upskilling and business growth collaboration, has announced the expansion of its team and a unique global partnership along with several new roles to support the acceleration of skills delivery to businesses across the North.

Based in the heart of Kingston-Upon-Hull, The Edge hub will launch in Spring 2023 and offer a unique technology centre dedicated to innovation, technology, and skills for corporates and SMEs. The purpose-built hybrid environment will focus on filling the demand for digital skills across the region and offer over 20,000 programmes spanning Google, Microsoft, IBM and more. It will also remove barriers to local businesses that wish to share their digital skills globally.

With an additional focus on accelerating innovation throughout the region and creating an environment rich in knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation, with a combination of academic and SMEs, local government and entrepreneurs.

Several senior appointments and a Board of Advisors have been announced to support The Edge's vision to accelerate technology and innovation through the initiative, along with a significant global partnership.

Joining the team includes global investment specialist Stefan Boeke. Stefan brings multiple Family Office leadership roles and specialises in start-up and AI technology. He will bring expert advice and guidance on investment areas, having managed $500m projects.

Mark Evans-Smith, who, after a successful career in technology sales, management, and senior leadership roles, which included his first IPO, led the innovation and venturing arm of Rolls Royce, followed by a senior position with GSK. He will bring extensive experience in technology at a global level.

James Bernard brings over twenty years of experience across global industries with an impressive track record in building start-up ecosystems, incubators, and accelerators. He is the founder, advisor and investor in over 16 companies across various sectors, with a strong focus on tech, web3, DLT, VR, AR, RPA, QC, and trading liquidity, across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and nonexecutive board member for several global companies.

The Edge Hub's new Board of Advisors is joined by John Moore, ex-BUPA and Martin Coupland, a Chief Technology Advisor who has worked with global names such as Virgin Atlantic.

In addition to bolstering the team, The Edge has signed a unique Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global organisation Logis, driven by Italian billionaire entrepreneur Sandro Salsano. The collaboration will focus on the sharing of skills and innovation, opening doors for Hull businesses to trade with Central America.

Sandro Salsano, the founder of Logis, said, “Logis breaks down barriers to the sharing of technology skills and innovation on a global level. We are excited to work with the City of Hull and its businesses on bringing their innovation to Central America.”

Antonio Tombanane and Shaun Larvin, Co-Founders of The Edge, said, “Entrepreneurship and collaboration are at the heart of our vision. We’ve created a unique place for innovation and skills growth, and our new appointments and Board of Advisors and partnerships will strengthen the service we offer to businesses and open doors globally.”

In advance of its launch, businesses are urged to express an early interest in getting involved in the initiative by visiting the website. The Edge is also now recruiting for its Spring opening; find out more by emailing [email protected].