Manchester Digital takes steps to unlock growth in the North’s digital tech sector

Manchester Digital, the trade association for the North West’s thriving digital sector, has unveiled an updated strategy for tackling the issues that matter most to its members.

In light of research it carried out in 2015 to harness a greater understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the North’s digital tech sector, the organisation believes it has now highlighted a series of interventions that will best support the industry’s growth.

While Manchester Digital said it has already made headway in the area of talent and skills development, the trade association has today (June 15) outlined its new set of development priorities for the next two years.

The focus will include:

• Improved knowledge sharing through collaboration between different elements of the industry

• A simplified procurement process and better help for smaller firms as they bid for larger projects

• Creating a narrative that truly reflects the North’s status and its capabilities

• Intervention to retain talent in the region and promote growth and development of the talent pipeline through education

• Creating a multi-level mentoring programme

• Campaigning to open up the infrastructure market through devolution opportunities

Elsewhere, Manchester Digital’s report raises concerns that work being done in the region is, at present, under-represented by the public sector, claiming there exists a lack of understanding about how it should be supporting the digital tech industry.

Manchester Digital chair Graham Benson, who is also the CIO of Manchester-based auto lease firm Rentalcars.com, commented: “Our analysis of the digital sector comes as a number of big companies start to move their digital and tech teams here, demonstrating the pull of the region - Sainsbury’s and Bet365 being just a couple of examples.

“It’s now up to organisations like us to ensure the sector fulfils its potential.”

He continued: “The research we undertook last year has been refined and has resulted in us deciding to prioritise these five areas of focus where intervention is required – areas where we believe we can make the most impact.

“Now we must agree an action plan to ensure that we optimise the results of the intense interest currently being focussed on our region and work collaboratively with businesses, education, and the public sector to ensure we’re getting it right.”