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Making the North East of England Greater | Stephen Purvis | TEDxNewcastle

1,293 views · Published 12 November 2018 · 16:30 · Indexed 20 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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A look at the business, economic and social potential of the North East; particularly in the context of a post-Brexit global UK.  Stephen shared his insights on how the North East can continue to strive and innovate in the years to come.

Follow Stephen on @SGPurvisEsq Stephen Purvis is a technologist, philanthropist, investor and Chairman of the North East’s only dedicated policy think tank Policy North. In his early career he was a frontline military pilot serving in operational theatres around the globe.

After moving back to the North East, he founded a bespoke software business which was sold in 2016 in a deal valued at around £5m. Stephen is now CTO of Ocucon, an highly promising digital security startup that is disrupting the video surveillance industry, and an active growth-stage technology investor and has a diverse portfolio of North East technology interests.

His passion about the greater potential of North East has led him to found Policy North in 2016 to make the case for the region in Westminster and to drive innovation through social justice, education and a sustainable economy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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