Member Article

Generator and Sunderland Software City strengthen alliance

MoU strengthens support for North East’s software, Creative and Digital sectors

Two of the North East’s best known business support organisations have committed to a formal agreement to work together to create new opportunities and accelerate the growth of the region’s software, creative and digital sector.

Sunderland Software City and Generator, the Newcastle-based music development agency which recently acquired membership and networking group Digital Union, have signed a memorandum of understanding to work in partnership to provide industry specific business support, access to finance, training, events and networking to software, creative and digital businesses in the North East.

The agreement follows years of informal working between the two organisations, who between them have 14 years’ experience of developing the creative and digital industries; supporting over 1500 businesses and creating in excess of 800 new jobs.

The agreement will see a number of joint activities between the organisations and a referral scheme to share learning and development programmes across their respective business communities.

David Dunn, CEO of Sunderland Software City said: “We’ve worked informally in the past with Generator and our combined experience of working with businesses delivering tangible results and growing strong and connected networks in the software, creative, digital and music sectors presents a clear rationale for formalised working.

“There are now a number of different organisations operating in a similar field in the region which makes it more difficult for end users in the sector to know who to turn to for the most appropriate support for them.

“Joining forces to signpost businesses to the most appropriate outlet of support and sharing expertise, knowledge and opportunities between Sunderland Software City and Digital Union will clarify this offer and strengthen and accelerate the growth of the tech and digital industries in the North East of England.”

Jim Mawdsley, Chief Executive of Digital Union said “It is essential for the sector that alliances such as this are forged so that we can combine experience, expertise, and resources to ensure we can support consistent growth. As a recognised support organisation, we see Sunderland Software City as an important partner for both us and the North East Creative and Digital industries. It is a further boost to an already rapidly expanding area of our economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Amy Watson .