A MAJOR new tech initiative is being launched to strengthen West Yorkshire’s position as a digital powerhouse.
Tech West Yorkshire, backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to create one of the UK’s leading technology hubs by connecting businesses, universities, investors, and skills providers across the region.
Covering Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale, and Kirklees, the scheme is designed to foster a more connected and resilient tech ecosystem that drives economic growth across the region.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “From our Northern Square Mile of FinTech firms to our multimillion-pound HealthTech Investment Zone, our great region is building its reputation as a leading digital, tech and AI powerhouse.
“By bringing together our world-class talent, ambitious businesses and innovative universities, we will help companies across West Yorkshire to flourish, supporting the creation of good, skilled jobs.
“With our Local Growth Plan backing our fastest growing sectors to grow even faster, and our Business Growth Hub supporting all of our local businesses to succeed, we’re building a stronger, better off West Yorkshire powered by the jobs and businesses of the future.”
The announcement comes as West Yorkshire’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly, with around 9,700 digital, tech, and AI businesses employing more than 50,000 people.
Leeds alone is home to over 3,500 tech firms and has the third-largest concentration of high-growth businesses in the UK outside London.
The city’s tech sector is growing 125 per cent faster than the national average, according to the Combined Authority.
Tech West Yorkshire will focus on promoting events across districts, supporting access to finance and export opportunities, and strengthening collaboration between businesses and universities.
There will also be a focus on encouraging more people into digital careers and supporting high-growth areas such as AI, fintech, cybersecurity, healthtech, and digital infrastructure.
Deb Hetherington, director of Leeds Digital, said: “There is already a huge amount of good work happening across West Yorkshire, but too often businesses and communities have operated separately from one another.
“The opportunity now is to build stronger connections across the region and make it easier for people to collaborate, share ideas and create opportunities together.”
Read More:
- Boy left ‘covered in blood’ with fractured skull after axe attack in Bradford
- Police take action as two cars promptly seized for parking wholly on the pavement
- Alexander admits Pointon “one of best he’s worked with” despite rocky City start
Universities are expected to play a key role, with the region producing more data science graduates than anywhere else in the UK.
More than 43,000 students graduate each year from West Yorkshire’s seven universities.
