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Sunderland set to become centre of computer excellence

Sunderland’s growing software industry is putting the city on the map, according to MP Julie Elliott.

The new £10 million Sunderland Software Centre, which is currently being built, will create 140 new high tech jobs in the city, as well as cementing Sunderland as the city at the centre of the North East software industry.

The new space will offer businesses of all sizes the opportunity to receive one-to-one business and technical mentoring and assistance with finance and business plans to introductions to potential investors.

The MP for Sunderland Central commented: “Hopefully in time Sunderland will become not only the regional focus for the software industry but the national focus, and then hopefully internationally, so that when people think of Sunderland they think of software.”

Sunderland Software City has already benefited from over £6.5 million of European Union Investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, which was secured through One North East. Over £300 million is being invested in the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support.

Chief Executive Officer Bernie Callaghan added: “We share Julie’s vision of Sunderland and the wider North East becoming synonymous with software and we’re very grateful for her backing.

“A sustainable and flourishing software industry with a global reputation for innovation and excellence is being created in the region, which can continue to thrive with the right encouragement.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .