The technology industry in Britain is the 'route of our future'

8 months ago

The technology industry in Britain is the “route of our future” and will be the country’s source of income in the future, according to Gadget Show presenter Jason Bradbury.

The technology expert said that Britain’s “income and security” in the coming years will depend on the country’s ability to be the “leading ideas factory of the world”.

Bradbury was speaking at the launch of the Gadget Show Live, the annual technology convention in Birmingham where hundreds of household names and start-ups showcase their latest innovations to visitors.

The event hosts the British Inventors’ Project, where the best inventions of the year are showcased before one is named British Invention 2016. This year’s award went to eFOLDi, a mobility scooter that folds away into a suitcase.

They will receive £1,000 in cash and a commercial exhibit space at next year’s show.

“The UK is at the leading edge of innovation and design and effectively technology, and we need to stay there,” said Bradbury.

“And the way we stay there is by sponsoring things like the British Inventors’ Project.”

Fellow Gadget Show presenter Ortis Deley said the support the award offered can encourage future inventors to get involved with technology.

“I was reading an article recently and it was talking about Britain being famous for its innovations and its designers and inventors,” he said.

“That’s such an important reputation to keep going. We see fantastic things from all over the world and at the heart of a lot of them is a British mind.

“Sometimes they’ve had to leave the country to make this dream come true, so I think it’s very important to let the next generations know that we fully support their minds and whatever it is they want to do with them to keep us at the forefront.”

Car maker Tesla, Samsung and HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset are all among the brand names and products being showcased at the event, which also features hoverboards and drones.