Leeds鈥� technology sector has transformed over the past decade, creating an ecosystem that is retaining graduates, drawing in established firms and offering an alternative to London, according to Leeds Digital Festival director Stuart Clarke.
Clarke, who will step down as festival director in September after 10 years in the role to become non-executive chair, said the city鈥檚 distinctive culture, closer links with universities and stronger collaboration have been key to its growth.聽
鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a real shift,鈥� he told Planet Sport CMO Andy Roberts.
鈥淭en years ago, you could count the number of startups in the city on one hand and lots of the bright young talent from local universities would often move to London if they wanted to build a startup, because the money and the possibilities were there.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檙e so much better at keeping talent now, because we鈥檝e got an ecosystem to support it.聽
鈥淭he chances are, if you鈥檙e a second or third year at one of the universities in Leeds, you鈥檒l know someone a year or two ahead of you who鈥檚 stayed in the city and either worked for a tech firm or built their own startup.鈥�
The Leeds Digital Festival itself has grown from a pub meeting in 2015 into the UK鈥檚 largest open-platform tech event.聽
Clarke continued: 鈥淧eople say yes here, whether it鈥檚 giving young people a chance, sharing knowledge or introducing potential clients.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 something unique to Leeds, and it helps companies grow while staying rooted in the city.鈥�
Local focus combined with more venture capital, a new angel investor network and greater engagement between employers and students, has created fertile ground for startups.聽
Networks such as Leeds Digital and Digital Sport North have helped bring together students, founders, established companies and investors.
鈥淕rowing a business becomes so much easier when you鈥檝e got those connections and you鈥檙e not working in isolation,鈥� the 老九品茶Cloud Northern Leader added.
Clarke will remain involved in the sector through his PR & marketing work at Paceline, his role with UK Tech Week and as a non-executive board member of Leeds Digital Festival.聽
The festival will now be led by Deb Hetherington, a respected figure in the city鈥檚 digital and tech community.
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