The Northern tech sector is growing – and so are the opportunities for B2B scaleups

The opening of No10 North in Manchester last month is the latest sign of the North’s growing importance to the UK economy.

Manchester has firmly established itself as a leading tech hub, while Leeds has built particular strengths in data, fintech and healthtech. Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle are also home to growing technology communities of their own. Across the region, leading universities, established industries and expanding investor networks are creating an increasingly attractive environment for tech businesses.

Greater Manchester alone has a £5bn tech ecosystem, while 4,385 new tech companies were incorporated across the North West last year – up 24% year on year. 

For companies already based in the North, now is the opportunity to build on that momentum. And for European tech companies looking to enter or expand in the UK, it’s further evidence of the strength of the technology hubs beyond London.

Growth brings a bigger opportunity to be heard

As the Northern tech sector grows, so does the opportunity for the businesses within it to have a bigger voice. That doesn’t mean simply telling a regional growth story. The most interesting Northern tech companies are tackling challenges that matter to businesses and consumers across the UK and internationally.

It’s something we’ve seen first hand. At CommsCo we have experience with scaleups across the North, including Leeds-based retail data and AI company HyperFinity, Harrogate-based smart energy company Chameleon Technology, and Manchester-based psychometric assessment platform Arctic Shores.

Since we started working with HyperFinity in April, we’ve secured more than 60 pieces of coverage across national, regional and trade media, including The Daily Express, Yorkshire Post and Retail Gazette. In just a short time, we’ve been able to move the needle, with plenty of research, customer stories and profile opportunities in the pipeline too.

The key has been looking beyond the company itself to the wider conversations where its expertise can add something. For HyperFinity, that means using original data and expert insight to contribute to debates around retail, AI, loyalty and changing consumer behaviour. Equally, for Chameleon Technology, it means bringing years of expertise to conversations about how households and businesses can better understand and manage their energy use – on a nationwide level.

A bigger role for Northern tech

No10 North has put more attention on Manchester, but the bigger opportunity stretches across the region. The North already has many of the ingredients needed to play an even greater role in UK tech, with ambitious businesses, specialist expertise, leading universities, skilled talent and growing investment.

As that ecosystem develops, we should expect to see more companies starting, scaling and choosing to invest in the North – and more Northern tech leaders shaping conversations well beyond the region.

For Northern tech businesses, the opportunity is there: have a voice on the national stage, stay close to the issues shaping the news agenda, use research to bring something new to the conversation, and don’t be afraid to challenge the bigger players. The North has momentum and now is the time to make it count.

If you’re building a B2B technology business and want to raise your profile, get in touch at hello@thecommsco.com.