World-leading tech innovator Aldo Monteforte says Sheffield abundant in skills

Aldo Monteforte is CEO and co-founder of insurance telematics leader The Floow.Last week, The Floow was named winner of the Red Herring Top 100 Europe award – another trophy in the innovative Sheffield firm's cabinet.Red Herring's awards honour the year’s most promising private technology ventures from the European business region.Aldo explained why the Red Herring award has special meaning for The Floow, since Red Herring has a reputation for accuracy in highlighting innovation.The award came after a recent £13m investment into The Floow. Aldo explained the business' plans to grow (from a current size of about 80 people, mainly based in Sheffield, of whom 70% are computer, data, and social scientists) to around 140-150 team members.What about skills in the Sheffield region? Can The Floow recruit people with the skills they need in Sheffield? Aldo says skills are here in the city region and in abundance. Have a listen to his views on how the firm will scale.Timings:0 - 11:15 introduction and updates, incl figures from the British Independent Retail Association and the Local Data CompanyNew research from the innovation foundation Nesta for the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy into business incubators and accelerators11:15 - 31:40 in light of the new figures about independent shops, published this week, a chance to hear an interview with Laura Bullock of the Seven Hills Bakery31:40 - 43:27 Aldo Monteforte of The Floow. Innovation, investment, growth, skills development.43:27 - 52:37 more on skills - comments from Daniel Koseoglu, MD of recruitment firm Affecto Recruitment, about perceptions of a tech skills and talent shortage in the region.