Software, Digital and Creative

Sunderland is a global leader in digital, software and creative services, as well as a hotbed of tech talent. 

Nurtured by a network of organisations including local universities, businesses and industry support specialists, the city showcases its strengths in tech year on year, to support further growth and the development of a world-class digital infrastructure. This has already allowed Sunderland to be named as 2020's Smart City of the Year, with continuous growth in high speed connectivity, digital skills and tech expertise. 

From a pipeline of talent for the tech and digital sectors, to business hubs that play host to high-growth tech businesses that fly the flag for our city on an international stage, Sunderland offers excellent opportunities for businesses and investment in creative and digital industries. 

Building a Smart City

Sunderland's smart city vision drives much of the creative and digital sector from its renowned base in the North East, to foster a dynamic, healthy and vibrant place to work, live and invest.

Located on major national and international fibre routes, Sunderland offers a high speed and resilient digital infrastructure to support people, homes and businesses across the city. Strengthened by the connectivity and power provided by 5G rollout across the city, smart technology is at the heart of Sunderland's growth plans.  Not only are we ensuring that our businesses can run and expand with the advancements of technology, we are ensuring that our community is made up of 'digital citizens' with the technical know-how to support our 'knowledge economy'.

Tech Leaders in Sunderland

Software supports more than 200 companies in the city, with a blend of infrastructure, skills and support that attracts the very best. Businesses including tombola, Leighton, Salescycle and Software City all call Sunderland their home, while business hubs such as The Beam, Washington Business Centre, Evolve Business Centre and the £10 million Sunderland Software Centre host a variety of high-growth tech companies. In Sunderland you'll also find the region's Digital Catapult Centre which is dedicated to connecting leading start-ups to the UK industry. 

The region's five universities also feed into our exceptional workforce which sees the likes of Sunderland College's Next Gen Academy nurturing developers of the future.

Our Talent in the Sector

Over 52,000 students in the region are studying STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), which feeds into our community of fresh and experienced talent for tech and digital sectors. The North East has the highest proportion of computer science students in England, while our locally based businesses provide career opportunities across all areas, from web development to software start-ups and media hubs. 

Sunderland supports a skilled workforce, outstanding business networks, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting edge innovators and a superb digital infrastructure.
With the future of the city set to grow in its digital prowess, why not speak to our Business Investment team about growing your digital, creative and tech enterprises in Sunderland?