North of England set for technology jobs boom

Government outlines TechNorth scheme which it insists will put region on the global tech map

A technology jobs bonanza could be on the way for the north of England over the coming years, according to the government, which today outlined its plans to put the region on the global tech map.

In a speech in Sheffield today deputy prime minister Nick Clegg unveiled the government's TechNorth initiative, which aims to attract tech investors to the region, particularly Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds.

The scheme aims to support existing technology businesses' growth by pooling resources and ideas, the government said, adding that the move will position the north of England as a "place where the digital tech industry thrives".

Clegg said at the moment there are about 200,000 ICT jobs in the region, but that "over time" he plans to double that, which will in turn boost the local and national economy. He added that the scheme will put the area on a par with other tech hubs around the world.

"We've listened to local business leaders and there is a clear need for us to seize an opportunity to capitalise on existing tech talent by creating a northern tech hub to rival Berlin, New York, or Shanghai," he said.

"Time is of the essence, so I'm in Sheffield today to bring creative minds from across the north together so that we can grow this from an idea into reality.

"As a first step, I am announcing the creation of TechNorth, an agency tasked with promoting a world-class tech cluster spanning five cities in the north."

The north of England has been championed by those in the channel, with Manchester resident ANS Group regularly talking up its home city's credentials as a tech hub. More recently, reseller Softcat announced plans to open a new Leeds office, and fellow LSP Comparex also plans to reopen a base in York.