Yorkshire and the North East of England are rapidly becoming the UK’s most vibrant homes for technology and innovation. With exceptional universities, incredible infrastructure and established tech clusters, the regions are thriving. 

The areas are also hotspots for tech talent, with Equal Experts welcoming more than 500 highly experienced technology consultants from the regions into our growing global network. The growth of our network in tech-hub cities such as Leeds, Newcastle, Sunderland and Sheffield is enabling us to expand and support more customers  to solve complex problems or accelerate their digital transformations. We’re delighted to be part of the growing and dynamic technology landscapes in the North East and Yorkshire. 

Hubs of innovation

Yorkshire and the North East blend their rich industrial innovation heritage with modern technology to create unique tech hubs across the region.  

The North East’s five universities boast more than 67,000 students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and offer specialist courses in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Newcastle itself was ranked as the smartest city in the UK in the 2021 Smart City Index, measuring the technological provisions, activities and opportunities within cities. The city is also home to Newcastle Helix, a 24-acre innovation district home to world-leading research and education hubs alongside innovative start-ups, global businesses and government organisations. Similarly Sunderland benefits from Software City, providing opportunities for start-up, growth and careers support, as well as being home to the North East Tees Valley Centre, a regional Digital Catapult Centre, supporting organisations to accelerate new possibilities with advanced digital technologies.

Investments, research facilities and opportunities have also inspired rapid startup growth in Leeds and Sheffield, with the region being dubbed Silicon Yorkshire. The University of Leeds is helping to grow the region’s tech prestige, with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics focused on using data to drive research and public good initiatives, while Nexus Leeds supports innovators and entrepreneurs with access to research and facilities.  Sheffield meanwhile is home to another of one of the UK’s Catapult Centre’s – The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) works with BAE Systems and Airbus. 

Joining collaborative tech ecosystems

Both Yorkshire and the North East boast thriving collaborative ecosystems and, with the rapid expansion of our network in each area, we’ve been introduced to these hubs through our local technology associates. We’ve already been part of the Leeds Digital Festival, one of the biggest tech events in the UK,  and have started to hold social and educational events of our own in Leeds, York and Newcastle. 

At Equal Experts, ongoing learning and sharing our knowledge are two of our key values. We aim to support the growth of these ecosystems and create havens for the technology community. By sharing insights and expertise from both our local teams and our wider global network, we can enable local organisations, clients, and network members to engage in interesting and inspiring discussions

Local experts, global expertise

Since 2007 we’ve been helping UK organisations solve complex business problems, accelerate their digital transformation and unlock greater business value through technology. 

We’ve supported more than 100 partners across a diverse range of industries including government departments, financial services, retail, travel, and media. Our clients include John Lewis and Partners, Pret a Manger, Travelopia, the Home Office, and O2. Locally in the North East, we’re now working with HM Revenue and Customs, the  Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and insurance provider Covéa. 

Our unique cost-efficient network approach enables us to provide our clients with local, highly experienced experts who can start delivering business value immediately. Through the Equal Experts global network, our experts can leverage insights and expertise from  Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia to deliver unparalleled value to our clients. 

If you want to get involved with one of our events or learn more about Equal Experts, our services and our experience, contact our local Client Principal Kev Gray .