Member Article

North East to grow as a tech hub

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said he wants to double the number of tech jobs in the North East.

The announcement of TechNorth, a major new ‘Northern Futures’ project, will bring together the pockets of excellence in tech industries from across the North, to form an internationally renowned virtual hub. Mr Clegg’s announcement is seemingly well received by Norhern businesses, as Tunderlined by a recent Sage survey.

Sage found that 52 per cent of small businesses owners believe too much investment is focussed on London and the South East, meaning the Deputy PM’s news is pleasing for the North East for one.

CEO of Sage UK and Ireland, Brendan Flattery, said: “The North East already has a thriving technology sector, the successes of Dynamo North East and accelerator programmes such as Ignite100 are testament to that, but we welcome any steps to enhance the region’s reputation as a tech hub. Â

“We welcome any initiative which supports a unified and shared voice for the sector, attracting further investment in the region.

“This announcement will be widely welcomed by North East businesses, a recent Sage survey found 52 per cent of small businesses owners believe too much investment is focussed on London and the South East. It is positive to see steps being taken to support our already world class technology sector.”