That was the year that was

The region’s largest network for digital businesses will descend on the Wylam Brewery (Thursday March 6) in celebration of its achievements over the last 12 months.

Digital Union, who’s members include the likes of digital giants Orange Bus, Sunderland Software City, and the emerging IT firm Geek Talent, will come together to review its progress and address the key issues facing the industry.

The event  – which will see over 150 business from the region’s burgeoning sector in attendance – comes hot on the heels of the Tech Nation Report which placed the North East as one of the UK’s digital forerunners.

Jim Mawdsley, CEO of the creative digital support agency Generator and Head of Digital Union, explains: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our first year at the helm of Digital Union. So Many amazing businesses doing such great things here on our doorstep and being part of a business community that contributes £1.359 Billion.

“In terms of GVA contribution Newcastle Gateshead is now the 4th biggest tech Cluster in the UK and we have worked hard to ensure that it now gets the media attention that it deserves.

“This event is a chance for Digital Union to celebrate recent sector achievements and get together to mark success.

“However it’s not all good news and while our strategy to increase awareness of the sector and indeed our businesses we’ve also been looking at barriers to growth and what we can do to ensure a larger talent pool is developed.

“This event focusses mainly on this and what we alongside a committed group of member businesses have been working on to make a difference to their future growth.”

As well as highlighting Digital Union’s success stories over the last year and its evolution in the North East and around the world, tomorrow will also be an opportunity for guests and the event’s panel of experts to address one vital question facing the industry. What more can Digital Union do to reduce the skills gap?

The panel will also take a closer look at what Digital Union has been doing to develop systems to help Schools, colleges, and the higher education sector as part of its drive and commitment to ensure the Tech Sector in the region continues to thrive and flourish.

That Was The Year That Was will take place at the Wylam Brewery in Newcastle on Thursday April 6, 6pm-8pm.

Businesses who’d like to attend should register their interest via https://generator.org.uk/digital-union/.