University initiative adds to digital team with appointment of Teesside consultancy

Teesside University-led initiative, DigitalCity is adding to its offering having secured the services of Stockton-based Sapere through a tendering process .

Sapere operates as a software design and development company and as part of the DigitalCity panel has helped a number of local, traditional businesses in the Tees Valley to digitise through the pandemic.

Through fully funded, two to five-day assist programmes, consultants work with the DigitalCity team to help local businesses find the most appropriate digital solutions that support their development and long-term goals, and ultimately facilitate business growth.

Sapere works closely with Tees Valley-based businesses to gain a thorough understanding of their challenges before creating an in-depth report. Reoccurring problems include inefficient software, a lack of integration and time-consuming processes.

The not-for-profit organisation, Tees Music Alliance (TMA) is one example that has utilised the DigitalCity initiative during the UK lockdown. Sapere worked with TMA to look at possible software solutions, and after being signposted to local funding opportunities was able to develop a new system quickly.

This has enabled the organisation to stream live music to paying customers using an innovative streaming camera, among other digital enhancements.

Martin Green, digital sector growth manager at DigitalCity said: “We are determined to help businesses in the region to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic.

“By working with industry experts like Sapere, we are able to support several organisations in similar positions to Tees Music Alliance and build their resilience for future adversity.”

Paul Drake, operations manager at Sapere said: “The fully funded programme delivered by DigitalCity really is excellent.

“It provides businesses like Tees Music Alliance with the opportunity to work with digital experts to help define a solution to a business challenge. Without the support this might not have been achievable.

“I’d recommend any business in the Tees Valley to reach out to DigitalCityto see how they can help your business grow.”