Kevin Eyres is the first of a series of mentors to be assigned to the Mentor Programme in a drive to harness the best of UK and international talent for Tech City.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, said:

"We are determined to support business developments in the UK, such as the one that has grown up in East London. The UK is already attracting strong investment from first-class technology entrepreneurs.

"By working with great mentors such as Kevin Eyres, start-up entrepreneurs will get extra support to grow into the successful, globally competitive businesses the UK needs to deliver balanced economic growth."

Kevin Eyres, at the launch of the Mentor Programme, said:

“We have a real opportunity to help make Tech City the digital capital of Europe. The basic assets are already in place and the momentum is growing. Now we need to foster this in every way we can to ensure it reaches its full potential. One of the main ways to do this is through delivering and developing talent.

“The mentorship programme we’re launching today will match high calibre non-exec talent to entrepreneurs. I’m proud to be the first mentor and delighted to have been asked to lead this talent initiative."

Kevin will lead all talent initiatives in his new role on the Tech City Investment Organisation’s (TCIO) advisory team. The mentoring will operate via webinars, teleconferences and face-to-face meetings.

The TCIO team is asking the Tech City community to help shape this Programme and entrepreneurs looking for a mentor can register by email, or if you have suggestions or thoughts please email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The launch takes place during Digital Shoreditch week which is highlighting the growth of technology-based activity in the area.

UK Trade & Investment has formed the Tech City Investment Organisation run by leading technology entrepreneurs to help boost investment and growth in Tech City. TechCity will provide a new home for technology businesses in the UK. Those already in the area include Italian company, Buongiorno, which this week announced its further expansion in the area. UK companies which have grown up in the area include: Tweetdeck http://www.tweetdeck.com and ustwo

The UK’s combined IT and creative industries sector is one of the most vibrant in the world and employs more than three million people and contributes more than £83bn to the UK economy.

London's Tech City has grown from some 15 high-tech companies in 2008 to around 200 today in Europe’s fastest-growing technology hub.