How the North of England is Growing Its Tech-Hub Capabilities
by Northern Life
The tech scene is growing in the north
The North of England is growing its tech hub capabilities to become a dominant player in the UK tech industry, with cities like Manchester and Newcastle leading the way.
On this page, we will examine some of the key factors helping the North of England’s tech scene thrive despite various economic challenges.
How is the North of England growing its tech hub capabilities?
In recent years, the North of England has emerged as one of the UK’s leading technology hubs.
Some of the key factors that are fuelling its growth and transformation are continued government support, a highly skilled and talented workforce, notable universities, and a dedication and commitment to innovation, particularly in key tech sectors such as fintech (financial technology) and cybersecurity.
Some of the other key tech sectors that are currently thriving in the North of England are the following:
- Space tech
- Data technology
- Green tech
- Immersive technology
- Medtech
- Cloud computing
- IT services
- Advanced manufacturing
- Creative industries
- Game development
- eSports
- Software development
Government support is helping the North of England’s tech industry grow thanks to key initiatives such as the Levelling Up Agenda, which promotes digital transformation and supports regional development.
Government grant funding and continued investment have also helped other key tech sectors, such as advanced fuels and renewable energy. The cybersecurity sector has been helped by the NCF opening new headquarters in Lancashire and GCHQ opening a hub in Manchester.
Which technology has helped the iGaming industry flourish in the North of England?
The iGaming industry, which is home to countless UK-licensed websites that are legally permitted to accept real cash wagers so people can bet on sporting events or play slot machines online, is also flourishing in the North of England thanks to regulatory stability, faster and more secure online payment processing providers, enhanced cybersecurity, and a commitment to responsible gambling.
Other reasons why the iGaming industry thrives here include faster internet speeds, more powerful computing devices (e.g., better smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers), faster and more efficient web browsers, more responsive and intuitive websites, and artificial intelligence.
How is talent and education helping the North of England’s tech scene grow?
Sunrise over Newcastle Upon Tyne
The North of England has a large number of highly skilled students studying STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Many students who graduate with qualifications from distinguished universities such as Newcastle University and Durham University go on to have successful careers in the tech industry.
The top universities and education centres here provide a range of specialist technology courses focusing on new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
To further strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem and foster growth and innovation, some of these education centres, especially the research-intensive universities, are creating spin-out companies, such as Newcastle University’s CellulaREvolution.
Today’s biggest tech companies based in the North of England contribute billions annually to the economy and employ hundreds of thousands of workers. State-of-the-art facilities to help grow the tech industry are also constantly popping up, and continued foreign investment is helping some companies to expand.
Final thoughts
Over the coming years, the North of England is expected to reposition itself as a leading hub of technology in the United Kingdom. The key sectors expected to grow the most are software as a service, immersive tech, fintech, and cyber solutions.
Some of the most notable tech companies currently based in the North of England that are helping this region establish itself as a tech hub are Auto Trader, TalkTalk, Sage, The Hut Group, Firesprite, Partnerize, Matillion, iAM Compliant, Aeroknite, Aircards, to name just a few.
