If you are investment planning in Cheshire, did you know that nearby Manchester has one of the fastest-growing tech sector clusters in Europe?
The largest city in the Northwest has a proud tradition in innovation dating back to the industrial revolution, and is once again thriving, contributing over £5 billion annually to the Greater Manchester economy, and employing more than 100,000 people.
The importance of the tech sector lies in the fact it is accessible to everyone – and not just those with a degree. It offers young people T-level qualifications and apprenticeships, and higher than average pay for people in the region.
With salaries hovering around £40,000, this is higher than the average for the area. Local mayor Andy Burnham is therefore keen on promoting the huge potential of the tech industry to boost the region’s economy.
The root of this success lies in shared expertise and resources between businesses, which helps them stay competitive. By offering high-quality, high-paid jobs, tech is transforming lives and communities across the region.
Local networks such as Manchester Digital have developed strong links between industry and universities, as well as effective public-private partnerships. One good example of this is Auto Trader, who are moving their workforce to Circle Square in a move designed to bring tech, education and the wider community closer together.
Local tech business leaders are therefore keen to see the previous government’s levelling up agenda put into practice, with further support for the industry and measures to address a UK skills gap calculated to cost circa £63 billion a year to the overall economy.
