Pro Vice-Chancellor, 

Ben Shorrock’s work over the past decade has been focussed on building up and empowering technology innovation though businesses in Bristol and the South West, linked closely to the University’s vision,sustaining and improving upon its world-leading reputation for research, and embracing educational innovation that nurtures skilled, adaptable and resilient people.  

In his work, Ben has achieved genuinely exceptional outcomes for the city of Bristol, the West of Englandregion and the UK. He represents the tech and digital ecosystem in local and national government and has been–and I quote– “a source of inspiration and hope during the COVID pandemic”,leading the “Roadmap to Recovery” for the tech cluster with the Department for Culture,Media and Sport. 

As Managing Director of TechSPARK, the South West’s network for tech startups and scaleups,Ben supportscompanies in the region to flourish and grow; he has created the vision forand then driven, the transformation of a cluster for technology and digital businesses for more than a decade.  

He was instrumental in creating the Invest Bristol + Bath inward investment proposition andthe Silicon Gorge pitch event, and is on the board of, and major force behind, the University-initiated Bristol Technology Festival. 

Working in partnership with the University, Ben has fostered links between tech innovation and departments across the University, working with staff and students to “enhance further the scale, quality and impact of research”, working on all manner of initiatives concerned with innovation and enterprise and achieving the University’s aim to be a sector leader in establishing and maintaining productive collaborations and partnerships. 

Ben's role was critical to creating and maintaining a strong partnership between Techspark and SETsquared (the University of Bristol incubator) which has been in place for many years now. This partnership has enabled SETsquared member businesses (including many UoB spinouts) to achieve greater visibility by putting the spotlight on them in the regional media.  

Many of UoB spinouts and members of SETsquared have benefited from those activities. Ben has always gone the extra mile to bring value to the local business ecosystem.  

His dedication to UK businesses – just from introductions he makes – has helped secure millions of funding for startups and supported talented individuals. His inward Investment work  – in the early days of the West of England LEP – played a pivotal role in establishing the Bristol+Bath brand and place as an inclusive destination for businesses moving to the region and nurturing those already here.  

Antony Merritt, Head of Enterprise, Inward Investment and Trade at the West of England Enterprise Partnership, said: “Ben’s passion for the West of England is clear to see, from his efforts to get the region on the global stage for tech, including addressing the need for local Angel and VC Investment, to organising some of the most successful meetups and events across the South-West including The SPARKies which we have been proud to support for a number of years.” 

Ben has been instrumental in nurturing the relationship with Oracle, leading to a significant and long-lasting relationship that endures today.Also a noteworthy catch for the region is Strava, who highlight The SPARKies as an event which helped them solidify their decision to relocate from London. Prior to the pandemic, Ben worked alongside our inward investment team attracting well-known brands, including companies such as Just Eat, to choose to relocateto the region . 

In the domain of innovation, successful entrepreneurship is acknowledged as a combination of competence and character. In addition to the roles, awards and initiatives Ben has led on, he also has gained the respect of his team, partners and stakeholders as a leader who shows authenticity not only through his steadfast commitment to growing the economy, but through his unending positivity and openness to learning from others.  

Ben has an ability to enthusiastically share his ambition and knowledge, building highly capable and cohesive teams inspired by his vision. Anybody who has worked with Ben will attest to his ‘can do’ attitude, and his confidence is balanced by a deep sense of humility and honesty – a refreshing trait for a business leader. 

Originally from Manchester, Ben has made Bristol his true-love city. He is dedicated to growing tech innovation in the city and lifting the University and the region on to the global arena. With all this, inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of Ben’s focus on tech innovation strategy. As a gay man he has espoused strong values of diversity and inclusion as positive facets of society, and done so humbly and authentically.  

An exemplary role model to us all. 

Pro Vice-Chancellor, I present to you (Ben Shorrock) as eminently worthy of the degree of (Doctor of Science) honoris causa.