Tech Nation focus: how Sunderland’s tech scene shapes up in 2017

The brand new Tech Nation Report 2017 details the growth of the tech and digital sector across the UK. In a series of articles, we’ll be highlighting what it says about individual cities across the North.

This time, let’s look at Sunderland.

Sunderland is an engine for the growth of the digital sector across the North East. It’s home to Sunderland Software City, which provides support to companies way beyond the city’s boundaries. The Tech Nation report says there are 5,742 digital jobs there, with an average advertised salary of £38, 895.

The report highlights the successes of two local firms: online gambling giant Tombola and customer journey specialists SaleCycle. Sunderland is also notable as the home to ‘startup factory‘, the Leighton Group among many other firms.

Key numbers:

Number of digital: 5,742

Digital GVA: £148 million

Average advertised digital salary: £38,895

Digital concentration: 0.21

Startup births: 21

Tech sector growth potential: 81%

What local startups like about Sunderland

• 81% like the tech sector’s growth potential
• 71% praise the city’s cost of living
• 63%like the overall quality of life

What local startups say is a challenge

• 49% cite a lack of supply of highly skilled workers
• 42% say there’s low awareness of the local digital industry
• 29% complain about poor transport infrastructure

Read the full Tech Nation Report study of Sunderland. You can find the methodology here.