Member Article

Shadow Minister for Digital Economy backs Newcastle student entrepreneur’s latest app

Young North East entrepreneur Dylan McKee is catching the eye of digital leaders via the quick expansion of his newly launched app, The Parking Fairy.

The free app, which knows where you are as you drive into Newcastle and alerts you to the nearest parking space, was launched only last week and has since been made available for Android users as well as Apple.

The 20 year old, from Northumberland, is no stranger to app development despite his tender years. Running his own business, DJM Development, Dylan creates his own apps and also ones commissioned by other organisations. His most successful app to date, My Altitude, has had over a million downloads across the world.

His latest work has even gained the backing of Chi Onwurah, Newcastle Central MP and Shadow Minister for Digital Economy.

Chi said: “This is a fantastic example of the kind of digital innovation and entrepreneurship we have right here in the North East. I’m pleased to see open data being used in this way and, with a free app now available for Android too, I’m sure many people will be able to benefit from it when driving into the city.”

Dylan revealed: “I came up with the idea of The Parking Fairy to offer a simple but smart solution to the problem of struggling to find a parking space when you come into a city.

“I thought I would launch with just the version for Apple Watch and iPhones initially to test the waters and see if there was a demand. It’s fantastic to see just how popular it has been already and because so many people were also wanting to have it for Android, I’ve pulled out all the stops to quickly launch this too.”

For more info follow @parkingfairyapp on Twitter.