This week Tech City UK, the government-backed organisation designed to accelerate the growth of the digital economy, launched Tech Nation 2016.
Endorsed by the Prime Minister, Tech Nation 2016 is the most comprehensive analysis of the digital economy in the UK ever undertaken, presenting data around the employment, turnover and distribution of digital businesses in 27 digital clusters across the country.
The report’s findings show an industry in rude health, with 1.56m people now working in the digital tech sector. These benefits are being felt well beyond the tech sector, with 41% of digital jobs existing in what are thought of as traditionally non-digital industries such as the public sector and financial services.
“Britain’s world leading tech sector gives us a competitive edge that is not just transforming our daily lives but also our economy,” said Prime Minister David Cameron, commenting on the report’s findings. “Tech is transforming the way we do all kinds of business.
“Indeed, more than half of all digital jobs now aren’t in high-tech hubs of London or Leeds – they are in businesses of every description, in every sector. This Government will continue to back, with all levers at our disposal, the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that is redefining and strengthening the modern British economy.”
The report will act as a vital resource for government departments, investors and entrepreneurs, providing unprecedented insights into the diverse strengths of the British digital industry.
Seven Hills worked with Tech City UK to deliver the Tech Nation 2016 campaign, producing and designing the report and leading the international media outreach.
Eileen Burbidge, chair of Tech City UK, launched Tech Nation 2016 on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, with broadcast coverage continuing throughout the day on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wake Up To Money, CNN International and London Live. Detailed analysis of the report’s findings appeared in the Financial Times, The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and The Sun, reflecting the scale and importance of Tech Nation 2016.