Tech North

Tech North is a UK Government-backed initiative aimed at promoting and supporting the growth of the digital economy in Northern England, particularly in cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, and Newcastle upon Tyne. The initiative was launched in 2014 by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Prime Minister David Cameron, with the goal of creating a Silicon Valley-style hub in the north of England. Tech North works closely with organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM to provide support and resources to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, including those in the University of Manchester, University of Leeds, and University of Sheffield.

Introduction to Tech North

Tech North is part of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, which aims to boost economic growth and reduce the north-south divide in the United Kingdom. The organization is led by a team of experienced professionals, including Richard Gregory, who has worked with companies such as BT Group and Orange S.A., and Doug Ward, who has experience in the digital media industry, having worked with BBC and Channel 4. Tech North has also partnered with universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London to provide access to research and development facilities and expertise, including those in the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, which are also supported by GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre.

History of Tech North

The concept of Tech North was first announced in 2014 by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne in his Budget speech, with the goal of creating a tech hub in the north of England to rival London and the South East England. The initiative was launched in response to the growing demand for digital skills and the need to create more jobs and opportunities in the North of England, including in cities such as Hull, Bradford, and Sunderland. Since its launch, Tech North has worked with a range of partners, including local authorities such as Manchester City Council, Leeds City Council, and Liverpool City Council, as well as private sector companies like Accenture, Deloitte, and KPMG, to deliver a range of initiatives and programs, including those supported by European Union funding, such as the European Regional Development Fund.

Initiatives and Programs

Tech North has launched a range of initiatives and programs to support the growth of the digital economy in the north of England, including the Northern Tech Awards, which recognize and celebrate the achievements of tech companies in the region, such as AO World, Missguided, and The Hut Group. The organization has also established a range of networking events and conferences, including the Tech North Conference, which brings together business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the region, including those from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, Tech North has partnered with organizations such as Code Club, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and STEMNET to deliver coding and digital skills training to young people and adults in the region, including those in Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff.

Impact and Achievements

Since its launch, Tech North has had a significant impact on the digital economy in the north of England, with the region experiencing rapid growth in tech jobs and startups. The initiative has also helped to attract investment from venture capital firms and angel investors, including Balderton Capital, Index Ventures, and Seedcamp, with companies such as Skyscanner, Just Eat, and Funding Circle receiving funding. According to a report by KPMG, the digital economy in the north of England is now worth over £10 billion and supports over 100,000 jobs, with cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast also benefiting from the initiative.

Organization and Partnerships

Tech North is a not-for-profit organization that is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from private sector companies, universities, and local authorities, such as University of Manchester, Manchester City Council, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The organization has also established a range of partnerships with other initiatives and organizations, including Tech City UK, Digital Catapult, and Innovate UK, to support the growth of the digital economy in the United Kingdom, including in regions such as East Midlands, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Additionally, Tech North has worked with government agencies such as Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and HM Treasury to develop policies and programs that support the growth of the digital economy, including the Digital Economy Act 2017 and the Industrial Strategy.

Future Developments and Challenges

As Tech North continues to grow and evolve, the organization is facing a range of challenges, including the need to attract and retain talent in the region, particularly in cities such as Preston, Blackpool, and Middlesbrough. The organization is also working to address the digital skills gap in the region, with a focus on providing training and development opportunities for young people and adults, including those in rural areas and disadvantaged communities. Despite these challenges, Tech North remains committed to its mission of promoting and supporting the growth of the digital economy in the north of England, and is working with partners such as NHS England, NHS Digital, and Ofcom to deliver a range of initiatives and programs that support the development of digital health, digital inclusion, and cybersecurity in the region, including the NHS Long Term Plan and the National Cyber Security Strategy. Category:Technology