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North East SMEs gain data exploitation insights at Newcastle Science Central

Twenty-seven senior managers from seventeen companies, organisations and charities came together at the The Core, Newcastle Science Central, last week to learn about the unexploited value of their business data.

Hosted by Gateshead-based firm Hippo, in partnership with ITPS and Ward Hadaway, the Data Driven Business Conference ‘went down a storm’ according to Hippo Director Nick Stevens.

The event began with slides on ‘Defining Data Literacy’, succeeded by several ‘live’ case-studies ran by Hippo’s resident Data Scientist David Jamieson.

Presentations on IT Security by ITPS followed, with insights on new General Data Protection Regulations and Open Data Opportunities for businesses explored.

Round table discussions completed the day, where audience members questioned presenters about how data could be used to cut overheads, increase sales, keep their confidential data safe and ultimately make them more competitive.

Jason Sullock, UK Marketing Manager for Hippo, reflecting on the event’s success saying: “We knew there was a need to understand how to use and exploit data by mid size businesses in the North East, but even we didn’t realise just how much of an appetite!”

Nick Stevens added: “The feedback averaged 8.9 out of 10, so we’re confident there’s a need for data driven marketing and predictive business intelligence out there, and that our audience trust and believe we know how to provide it!”

Hippo now has plans to hold another a re-run of the first Data Driven Business Conference on Teesside in January, and the second in the series in Tyne and Wear in February 2017.

Jason added: “Again, we’ll be holding roundtables so we can concentrate on helping senior management get best value from their own data and answer their own specific issues.”

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