TMT hotspots across the region in good health

The TMT sector in the North West continues to flourish, with six key clusters including MediaCityUK accounting for 640 businesses and 10,225 jobs across the region.

Deloitte first identified six regional TMT hotspots in 2012, classifying them based on their high concentration of technology, media and telecoms businesses, as well as the infrastructure and accommodation in place and the possibilities for future TMT development.

These hotspots are:

• MediaCityUK, Manchester
• The Sharp Project, Manchester
• Sci-Tech Daresbury, near Runcorn and Warrington
• RopeWalks/Baltic Triangle, Liverpool
• Manchester Science Partnerships, Manchester
• Liverpool Science Park, Liverpool

Deloitte found that the biggest hotspot by far, MediaCityUK, is now home to 250 businesses and employs a huge 7,000 people across the site, evidence that the relocation of the BBC and ITV have helped to attract other TMT businesses to the area.

Manchester Science Partnerships-based companies equate to 75 at the city centre campus in Manchester generating 1,200 jobs, with an additional 15 businesses and 330 jobs across all sites.

Liverpool’s RopeWalks/Baltic Triangle is now home to 120 companies employing 740 people, 100 TMT businesses with a headcount of 600 are currently based at Sci-Tech Daresbury, and 60 TMT companies employing 480 members of staff operate from The Sharp Project, all illustrating the buoyancy of the TMT sector across the region.

The research also revealed that Liverpool Science Park is now the location of choice for 35 TMT companies employing 185 individuals, and has an infrastructure and accommodation setting the foundation for strong future development.

Jodi Birkett, TMT partner at Deloitte in the North West, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see figures like these and shows that the region is a great place to do TMT business. The TMT sector is a fantastic North West asset, with hundreds of businesses doing truly world-leading work.

“MediaCityUK continues to go from strength to strength as companies flock to capitalise on the media giants based there, but the smaller clusters are also thriving, showing that significant success in the TMT industry isn’t just being confined to established areas. Of course we mustn’t forget that these hotspots are also complemented by major regional players across our cities, creating a rich ecosystem of TMT innovation.

“The so-called Northern Powerhouse is high on political and media agendas at the moment, and the TMT sector can play a significant role in its success. With continued focus on nurturing collaborative, inspirational arenas for digital, creative and technology businesses, the North West can be a real centre of TMT excellence.”

Deloitte has a long-established TMT service line, which advises a significant number of businesses across the North West.