Digital world set to be opened up at South Tyneside event

Dom Murphy, managing director of Geek Talent, a data science company, has been lined up to share his thoughts of the digital world.

The event follows on from a similar event held earlier this month featuring entrepreneur Neil Stephenson who sold his technology business for a reported £65 million.

The Tech Talks aim to give businesses across South Tyneside the chance to find out more about how they can grow the digital side of their business and take inspiration from those who have succeeded in the field of technology.

Geek Talent takes a 360-degree view of the labour market by merging data from a variety of sources such as internet forums, online people profiles and other websites.

Mr Murphy who launched Geek Talent in 2014, said: “At the outset there is the concept and as you develop it, as we did, it can sometimes become unwieldly and in parts cumbersome. So, our true focus was on developing a strategy that was both achievable and which would attract investment, so we could make it happen.

“However, you can have a great idea but it will be very difficult to attract investment unless you have some form of prototype to show people.

“That all costs money, especially in the very early days of a business, so our solution was to put a call out to the army of remote developers on the internet to see who would come forward and collaborate with us on a flexible day rate.

“There is never really a good or bad time to start your own business.

“You can plan and you do need to be aware of the cash, but your idea will never fulfil its true potential if you don’t go solo.

“I have to admit it was a risk. I have a family and a mortgage to pay so I had to think it all through very carefully. I have not regretted it one bit and the rapid strides Geek Talent has made more than justifies the decision.”

The Tech Talk will be on December 6 at Trinity Green, South Shields, starting at 5.30pm.

Dom will be joined be Jim Mawdsley, CEO of Generator and Digital Union, which provides business support services for the creative digital sector.

Each talk will be followed with the chance for businesses to network.

To register to attend visit www.investinsouthtyneside.co.uk/tech-talks