In Yorkshire, the tech sector flourishes through collaboration, yet requires enhanced self-promotion. To compete with tech hubs like London and Manchester, Yorkshire must showcase its ingenuity to a broader audience.
Strategic initiatives by Tech North, including competitions and networking events, are reshaping the digital landscape. These efforts are crucial for elevating Yorkshire’s profile and fostering innovation.
Yorkshire’s tech scene is distinguished by its more relaxed nature compared to London. This distinctive approach fosters openness yet brings challenges in self-promotion. As Kane Fulton notes, Yorkshire founders can be introverted, impacting their ability to attract attention. Collaboration emerges as a strength in this environment.
Yorkshire’s tech start-ups often shy away from aggressive self-marketing, unlike those in bustling hubs such as London or Manchester. While this laid-back attitude nurtures a genuine sense of community, it also means many brilliant innovations remain under the radar.
Tech North, a key player in the region, has implemented various strategic initiatives to uplift Yorkshire’s tech industry. With their Northern Stars pitch competition, they spotlight exceptional early-stage start-ups and enhance the sector’s profile regionally.
Investment opportunities have expanded, thanks to the Tech North Angel Network. This initiative aims to clear paths for start-ups striving for growth.
Yorkshire’s tech community is less guarded, fostering collaboration.
Through the Founders’ Network events, start-up founders build tight bonds and share valuable insights. Such collaborations help navigate challenges and stimulate innovation within the community.
The willingness of corporates to engage with start-ups further reinforces the region’s ecosystem, creating a supportive environment for budding businesses. This cooperative approach holds the key to unleashing hidden potential and driving the tech scene forward.
To tackle the skills gap in the tech sector, Tech North has introduced the Northern Voices programme. This initiative, focused on empowering female speakers, aims at enriching the talent pool and promoting diversity in events.
Their UpSkill programme takes a broader approach, enhancing the competency of the tech workforce.
Recognising the need for modern infrastructure, Tech North has prioritised the development of co-working spaces and accelerators.
These facilities offer start-ups access to resources essential for growth.
Additionally, private sector sponsorship secured by Tech North helps fund their initiatives, ensuring sustained support for the infrastructure projects and providing a stable foundation for future advancements.
“If start-ups are aeroplanes looking to take off, our job is to clear any obstacles on their metaphorical runway,” stated Kane Fulton.
Yorkshire’s tech scene stands on the brink of transformation through improved self-promotion and collaboration. Tech North’s initiatives not only bolster visibility but also create a sustainable ecosystem for future growth.
By leveraging these strengths, the region is poised to attract attention and investments, guiding the community towards a prosperous future.
