Let’s talk about tech, baby.
The UK is fast emerging as a major hub for tech investment, accelerating ahead of the likes of Germany and France to become Europe’s top scaling tech nation in 2019 (Tech Nation).
Supercharging this tech-led revolution is the West Midlands.
Perhaps most well-known as a global centre for manufacturing and automotive production, the region is also on the rise as a top tech destination.
Home to the largest cluster of tech & digital firms outside London, and the UK’s regional start-up capital, thousands of tech-savvy professionals choose to develop their careers in the West Midlands each year.
Boosting the region’s appeal is its status as the UK’s first multi-city 5G testbed. Major innovation hubs in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton are exclusively offering companies the opportunity to trial and test applications of the network at scale, leading the race to get 5G industry-ready.
So what makes the West Midlands’ tech scene so popular with tech innovators?
Here, some of the UK’s industry pros reveal in their own words why the West Midlands is top for tech.
Julian David, CEO of techUK
“Diversity. You have an opportunity with such a diverse community to be different.”
Tim Kay, Sector Lead – Technology and Media at KPMG
“The breadth of expertise here, the number of sectors and segments we’ve got, and our depth of experience.”
Alex Arundale, Chief People Officer at Advanced
“Untapped potential and vibrancy. When I get out of [Birmingham] New Street station and walk to our office in The Mailbox, the vibrancy I feel there I don’t feel anywhere else in any other region where we have offices. It really is very special, and a lovely, positive experience.”
David Jordan, Midlands Director at BT
“It’s the opportunity. There is such a diverse set of industries, such a potential energy, and vibrancy. People are doing so many exciting things, and I think it is a fantastic thing to be part of. “
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