TFI – Tech for Impact 2026: Event Recap & Highlights

March 2026 was B Corp Month, and it saw Optimising IT launch Tech for Impact (TFI), an exclusive invitation-only event. Leaders of the technology world, social enterprises, charities and other impact-driven organisations came together to tackle big questions on the current era and impact of technology.

The day involved a mixture of networking and talks, rather than the sales pitches and overviews found in traditional conferences. Our main goal for the TFI event was to bring tech leaders together to discuss impact through honest conversations, practical learning and shared experiences.

Bringing Purpose-Driven Tech Leaders Together

When we announced the TFI event, we set out our aims clearly, which included having conversations with leaders of the tech world regarding:

• How to use technology responsibly
• How to strengthen cyber security
• How to innovate at pace
• How to stay values-led while modernising
• How to scale impact sustainably

We held the Tech for Impact event on the 17th of March 2026 at Exeter Science Park in Devon, which we’ve found to be an amazing hub of innovation in the glorious South West.

The invite list was exclusive, as we only invited a small number of tech leaders for a people-focused, high-impact day, which ran from 10am to 3pm.

What Our Speakers Had To Say

Our speakers valued the TFI event, and gave us amazing feedback on how they felt about it. Many of them mentioned how it was a great opportunity to test what they know in a room of people that see their challenges in a different way. Others said it was a great day for learning, reflecting on current ways of operating and how to look for new innovative solutions to make a positive impact in the tech industry.

Our speakers spanned leaders of various different tech sectors. Let’s see what they had to say in our community-led event.

The Future of Technology and AI

Paul Smith (MBA CITP FBCS) from Amnesty International, the leading organisation working to create a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone, had an open conversation with our other guests and our Managing Director, Todd Gifford.

Paul spoke and asked several questions about the current state of technology, how artificial intelligence is influencing work and how organisations are facing risks because of the growth in the technology.

What Businesses Need To Know About Cyber Security in 2026

Our next speaker was Sasha Roshan, a passionate cyber security educator from Huntress, who guided the room on how hackers are utilising AI.

He also touched on shadow AI use, deep fakes and threats the technology poses, as well as solutions to counteract different attacks.

Driving Efficiency With Halo

Our third speaker was Chief Commercial Officer of Halo Services Solutions, Tim Barton-Wines. Optimising IT is a partner with Halo and a user of their platform, and Tim showed us the right ways we can use the platform to cut down on time and enhance productivity. AI, when used right, can help to transform businesses, and the Halo AI workflow platform is just one of the ways the technology is serving organisations in positive ways.

Using Technology for Social Good

Our final VIP speaker at TFI was Nikki Fairclough, the Co-Founder and Community Director of CommonGood UK. We’re big on social impact initiatives at Optimising IT, and it was a pleasure talking with Nikki on how UK businesses can do more for charity in creative and purposeful ways.

Key Takeaways from TFI – Tech for Impact

TFI was a collaborative day of learning about how technologies like AI are transforming businesses and the evolving range of cyber threats and how cyber security is evolving alongside them. We also discussed how important sustainable practices are and how different sectors can make a positive impact socially.

Every guest attending walked away with new knowledge and the incentive to modernise their business while remaining values-led.

Our Next TFI Event

It’s safe to say that TFI 2026 was a huge success and made a great impact on everyone in attendance. Next year’s Tech for Impact event will be taking place in London, with higher value and new impact-focused conversations. Get in touch with us to learn more or book your spot for next year.