Burnley among UK's top tech towns

Burnley has been named as one of the UK’s top 16 tech towns by a new report in the Financial Times.

Burnley was identified as one of the UK's top towns for the growth of its digital technology sector, according to information compiled by Tech Nation 2018, a report published by a government-funded advocacy body of the same name.

The report identifies the UK's leading 16 tech towns that have a higher than average number of digital businesses with a technology sector growing faster than the economy as a whole.

Burnley has a large number of businesses at the forefront of the digital sector including the world renowned AMS Neve who make digital sound desks for the film and music industry, employing highly skilled digital technicians, and FDM Digital Solutions Ltd, one of the country's most advanced 3D printing companies.

Mark Crabtree, managing director of AMS Neve, said: "This is great news for Burnley. The town has been working hard to grow and shine a light on its digital sector in recent years and this news proves the hard work is paying off.

"Burnley has established a Digital Cluster Group which is probably the most advanced in Lancashire and we are working to make the town a premier location for such businesses to locate providing a contrasting offer to the big city style, including the new Landmark project which is underway and Vision Park in Burnley's Knowledge Quarter."

Burnley’s digital economy has also had a massive boost after Mark  announced ambitious plans to transform an iconic local building into a thriving, hi tech hub for digital SMEs and micro-businesses to be named the Landmark.

Burnley Council leader, Mark Townsend said: " Burnley came second in the UK last year for digital jobs growth, so I'm not surprised we've featured as a top Tech Town - I'm delighted. Burnley is embracing digital technology which will have huge rewards for the town's economy, making us a more competitive and prosperous place.

"The digital economy is leading the growth of Burnley's economy and we've been working to raise the profile of the town as a successful digital cluster, to rival the clusters of Manchester, Leeds and even London, creating new business space such as Vision Park to house growing digital businesses."

However, while it's good news for Burnley, RSM quickly noted that the North West overall was underrepresented on the list.

Jonathan Lowe, partner and head of TMT in the North West at RSM, said: "It’s great to see the UK tech sector growing 2.6 times faster than the rest of the British economy and the number of jobs outstripping the rest of the UK by five times. However, there is a distinct lack of Northern representation in the latest report.

"The top challenges for the tech sector in the North include access to funding, lack of tech training, access to talent and lack of government support. This is despite a key driver for UK tech companies valuing quality of life and sense of place as a key driver for choosing a location, where the Northern hubs rate favourably."

He added: "We welcome targeted investment into the sector such as the recent £3m into the creative industries, but in isolation this investment will be ineffective. Businesses are crying out for more progress to improve transport links, key infrastructure and communication to ensure tech businesses can resource new start-ups. "A combination of financial support and transformative changes is key to seeing the tech sector in the North flourish – without it, start-ups in the region will struggle to attract sufficient, appropriate investment and bridge the skills gap. This is where I would call on the government to leverage initiatives like the Northern Powerhouse to step up and help the North to reach its potential to become a thriving tech hub on a national and international stage."