Member Article

What makes the North East such a great place to ‘do digital’?

From the days of Swan and the lightbulb, the North East has always been a place of ideas.

In recent years this heritage of innovation has evolved to meet with the demand of today’s technology, and we’ve seen this manifest itself in a rise of the North East digital and creative economy.

According to a recent report by Tech City, there are now 26,856 digital employment jobs in the North East, where we’ve seen a rise of 24% in the number of digital companies incorporated between 2010 and 2013.

But what makes our region a great place to ‘do digital’, and why has it become the leading location outside London to start-up a company in the digital media and animation sector?

According to a resounding 70% of respondents to the Tech City report, access to property in the North East and a general positive perception of the region are among key growth drivers for the digital cluster here.

Jamie Mableson, Senior Development Manager at Metnor Property Group, owner of digital business hub, Generator Studios, Newcastle, said:

“Having recently welcomed London-based digital agency TheTin to the Generator Studios, we can confidently say that the North East presents an attractive place for digital businesses to locate.

“We’ve experienced a rise in the number of digital and creative businesses taking up office space in recent years, because they want to take advantage of benefits like 1Gb superfast broadband and data connectivity, but also because they are enticed by the culture of innovation that our region offers.”

Sajida Kosar, Senior Project Manager at TheTin, said: “We are really excited about opening our Newcastle office and needed a world class work space. Generator Studios had everything we needed for the company to thrive and grow, and it’s really inspiring to have so many exciting businesses as neighbours in the building.”

Generator Studios has become home to a number of digital and creative businesses over the years, including web app designer Hedgehog Lab and marketing agency Gardiner Richardson.

Darren Richardson, Director at Gardiner Richardson, said: “Working in a collaborative environment alongside other creative people and businesses helps us to maintain an innovative approach and embrace new ways of thinking. We find this really adds value to our business.”

On the back of the rise in digital businesses based in the North East, a strong digital identity has emerged, reinforced by organisations like Dynamo North East and events such as Thinking Digital.

The North East was also selected as the first region outside of London to launch a Digital Leaders Local campaign in a bid to boost the local supply chain and promote the region as a place to do business.

Jamie Mableson concluded: “The region has a lot to offer businesses operating in the digital and creative sector – be it digital connectivity, skills or culture. Together with affordable office space, this makes for a compelling business case, and one which has led to a number digital businesses locating to Generator Studios and the North East in general.”

Generator Studios, a Grade II listed building, was originally developed in 2001 and became an instant hub for creative industries. A limited number of studios are available from 500 to 3,500 sq. ft.

For more information contact Jamie Mableson on 0191 268 4000 or visit the website at www.generatorstudios.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hannah McGivern .