Tech UK: TCIO expand mandate to engage regional clusters
Tech City’s expansion beyond the confines of East London has long been discussed. As sub-clusters emerge at every compass point in the capital, TCIO’s Joanna Shields took the opportunity when addressing the Institute of Directors Annual Convention to highlight the broader UK picture.
Currently “connected with 13 clusters” spread across the UK, TCIO will look to engage with the flourishing tech communities that have begun to mature outside of London.
Birmingham, often overlooked in favour the dizzy glamour of its northern neighbours Manchester and Newcastle have all attracted technological attention. As UK’s second-largest city, it houses a number of exciting projects including Shoreditch Office Space favourites, Oxygen. The West Midlands accelerator is about to launch the next round of start-up ‘supercharging’, currently occupying space in Google’s prestigious Bonhill Street Campus.
Marked as an Enterprise Zone back in 2012, Birmingham has laid the foundations for a strong tech scene. Super-fast broadband and fast-tracked tech planning regulation has made it faster and easier for innovative industry to evolve. Co-working spaces are increasingly common, providing young start-ups with the opportunity to undertake collaborative projects in a supportive environment.
TechHub, co-working trendsetters who recently announced the opening of a new Swansea space, have been in Manchester since 2010. In that time, impressive community expansion has been driven by ambitious residents and decision-makers alike. Three of the city council’s main tech projects have been brought under a single umbrella in order to create around 1,300 full time jobs. With lower overheads and fantastic infrastructure, Manchester offers start-ups a fantastic community in which to develop their ideas.
TCIO’s commitment to engaging with these regions is in keeping with the broader aims of the Government to create a ‘tech culture’ in Britain. Rather than isolating London as the home of UK technology, it is hoped that greater integration will promote innovation and collaboration between clusters.
Shoreditch Office Space has helped countless Tech City residents find work space in East London. For more information on our services, or to learn how we can help with your property search, please contact sean@shoreditchofficespace.com