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On the 24th of October, a business event was held at the Residence of France in London, where Atlantic France highlighted French innovation and engaged with British companies.
The UK is one of the main investors in Atlantic France, with 85 companies employing 4,400 people. Business Solutions Atlantic France was therefore pleased to participate in the special event “Genius Minds”, organised in London last week.
This exclusive business meeting brought together around fifty senior executives from British companies that have made or are considering significant investments in France. The goal? To strengthen economic collaboration between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on industries facing the dual challenges of sustainable development and the need for skilled talent in energy and digital transitions.
A key focus on decarbonisation
Two innovative companies from Atlantic France were showcased for their contributions to energy transition and sustainability:
- Fetis Group: a significant player in the energy transition sector, Fetis Group spearheads initiatives aimed at decarbonisation across multiple industries. Their projects provide concrete examples of how French companies are leading efforts to reduce carbon footprints.
- Weamec: this cluster brings together marine renewable training institutions, with some offering specialised courses in English. Their work is crucial as countries increasingly view the seas as a cornerstone of their renewable energy strategies.
The talent challenge: finding the workforce of the future
Another critical theme addressed during the event was talent recruitment. As industries across the globe undergo rapid transformations, finding the right talent has become a key challenge. This is particularly true for manufacturers, who are grappling with an increasing demand for highly specialised skills in sectors like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and digital manufacturing.
The event featured three roundtable discussions that focused on the talent landscape across three different French regions, including Atlantic France. The focus was on how these regions are working to nurture local talent and attract international expertise, particularly in industries where innovation is crucial. These discussions highlighted how regional initiatives are providing training and development opportunities that align with the needs of tomorrow’s workforce, and how British companies can benefit from engaging with these programmes.
TEDTalk-style sessions and networking
One of the highlights of the Genius Minds event was the inclusion of TEDTalk-style sessions designed to spark new ideas and inspire dialogue around innovation and technology. These talks featured prominent British and French entrepreneurs, researchers, and experts.
Participants enjoyed a video presentation by Dorian Foulon, gold medallist in the recent Paris Paralympic cycling competition, and a visit from Benoit Payard, creator of the inflatable electric quadricycle AirNAM and winner of the French innovation contest Concours Lépine.
The event concluded with a cocktail reception where attendees had the opportunity to network. A quiz on discovering France, hosted through a dedicated app, allowed participants to learn more about French innovations and ecosystems. The British company with the highest score in the quiz was awarded a special gift, showcasing the unique know-how and craftsmanship for which France is renowned.
The Ireland France Business Awards in November
The Genius Minds event is just one of many initiatives aimed at deepening the economic partnership between the UK and France. In November, our business advisor, Agathe Corre, will also be in Paris for the Ireland France Business Awards 2024.
Are you a British company interested in setting up a business in Atlantic France? Contact us to receive free and confidential advice about your project.
