By James Bunting, CEO of Leighton & Chair of the Dynamo North East Advisory Board
As someone who has enjoyed an extensive career in the North East tech sector, more recently as the CEO of Newcastle-based software development business, Leighton, I am optimistic about how the region is poised for a promising future.
Following my recent appointment as Chair of Dynamo North East’s Advisory Board, I wanted to share my perspective on the future of the North East tech industry, highlighting key predictions, challenges and initiatives that may shape our journey ahead.
Envisioning the future
Looking ahead, I feel the North East tech sector holds immense potential. Our region boasts a diverse range of technology businesses spanning various industries. We have established giants like Sage, SMEs like Visualsoft and start-ups like My Sales Coach. In my new role, I’ll be drawing upon the experiences and expertise of a wide range of organisations to help propel us forward. The diversity of our region’s tech businesses, combined with our innate innovative spirit will set the stage for groundbreaking advancements in the coming years.
Challenges and obstacles
While artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate discussions, we must shift our focus towards our people as the primary catalyst for growth. Attracting a greater number of individuals from diverse backgrounds into the region’s tech sector is crucial. Equally important is providing them with relevant technical training and essential skills such as emotional intelligence and effective communication. By fostering an environment that encourages local talent to stay and contribute to North East organisations, we can build a sustainable tech ecosystem.
Additionally, reports of limited funding options for tech startups in comparison to London and other regions raise apprehension. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, increased funding opportunities, and elevating the profile of North East tech organisations on a national and international scale.
Shared values for a common goal
I feel our region has a set of shared values of community, innovation, ingenuity and pride. These values and a tenacious “get stuff done” mindset will enable us to foster collaboration among North East organisations for the betterment of our tech sector. And with five reputable universities at our disposal, we should be leveraging their resources to harness the full potential of our people and skills.
Attracting and retaining top talent
To counter the threat of local technologists opting to work remotely for non-local companies, or leave the region altogether, initiatives must be taken to attract and retain top talent. The recently concluded TechNExt festival is a great example – encompassing the entire region, it emphasised education and knowledge sharing. Within this event, Tech Talent Live provided invaluable insights for individuals interested in pursuing tech careers in the North East. Dynamo’s Tech Talent Engine, an online careers hub and employment network, also plays a vital role in connecting talent with opportunities within the region.
The future of the North East tech sector shines brightly, driven by our vibrant community, shared values, and relentless pursuit of innovation. By embracing and empowering our people, fostering collaboration, and overcoming challenges, we can unlock unprecedented growth and solidify our position as a technology powerhouse.
leighton.com