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An independent cross-sector group for digital influence, leadership and innovation.

focus on action

Addressing cross-sector challenges through the power of digital transformation and innovation

Blockchain

Championing blockchain innovation in the region through cross-sector collaboration, practical exploration, and open exchange of knowledge.

AI and Smart Data

Exploring the potential and pitfalls of using smart data, advanced analytics and Artifical Intelligence across the public, private, and third sectors.

Population Ageing

Bringing together agencies and innovators to harness emerging technology and meet the needs of the ageing population.

Cybersecurity

Combining academic research and cross-sector industry experience to combat ongoing threats and explore challenges and opportunities.

Universities

We help to connect digital research to industry challenges.

Public Sector

We help the public sector maximise the use of digital to better serve their community.

Charities

We give charities digital insights to improve performance and meet regulatory challenges.

Business

We help enterprises of all sizes become digital, increasing competitiveness in their markets.

Combining academic research, cross-sector industry experience, innovation, and emerging technology.

about

Inspiring action in digital innovation

Sphere Network tackles the grand challenges of our time, through strong leadership of digital innovation.

An independent, cross-sector group for digital influence, leadership and innovation.

We give you the opportunity to expand your sphere of influence and address your business challenges – digitally. Our members aim to solve problems through digital solutions and collaboration, regardless of their industry sector.

Sphere Network events enable you to share knowledge, access new networks and opportunities to influence across the North East of England and beyond. You’ll be invited to attend different types of event online and in physical locations across the region: 

What’s Bubbling – informal networking with a wide network, an opportunity for serendipitous meetings and new, unexpected collaboration opportunities;

Round Table – throwing open industry challenges to find new problem-solving routes;

Deep Dive – focusing on the contribution of a specific existing or emerging technology that can have an impact across multiple sectors.

Independent

Cross-Sector

Collaborative

SPHERE NETWORK TEAM

Screenshot 2021-07-23 at 12.21.35

ALISON FREER

Past Chair and Alumni Member 

Sue Ormerod

Interim-Chair – Future of Work and  Digital Skills

HELENA HILL

Vice-Chair – User Experience, Service Design and Organisational Change

Charles Sellers

Governance – IoT, IIoT, Sensors and Rural Economy

Kate Baucherel

Board Member – Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Diversity

Marianne Whitfield

Board Member – VR, AR, Data, and Machine Learning

Justin Barlow

Alumni Member

STUART LYNN

Board Member – Digital Transformation

ALEX CRAIG

Board Member – Tech in the Legal Sector, IP & Data Protection 

SAVVAS pAPAGIANNIDIS

Alumni Member

GRAHAM ARMITAGE

Board Member – Ageing & Health

Steve Blanks

Alumni Member

Alastair Irons

Board Member – Cybersecurity

Follow Sphere Network on Twitter for the latest updates on events, tech and more

Contact Us

Tell us more about your sector and the challenges you want to solve with Sphere Network