Today sees the start of London Tech Week 2021 — showcasing how tech is transforming both business and society by driving important conversations around transformation, diversity and innovation. In conjunction the 12 Clusters of Tech report has been released and we've pulled out our top takeaways from the report discussing the thriving tech and digital ecosystem here in Wales.
12 Clusters of Tech report
Last September saw the announcement of the 12 Clusters of Tech — an initiative from UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG) and London Tech Week. As a founding member of the UKTCG, Tramshed Tech COO Mark John and fellow tech leaders from across the UK bring together deep insight into geographical clusters of technology and digital across the UK.
The aim of the 12 Clusters of Tech report was to definitively map out the UK tech scene and highlight the best innovators in each corner of the country. One year later and the report is complete and ready for release at London Tech Week 2021, taking place between Monday 20th to Friday 24th of September.
As always, London Tech Week will bring together founders, global leaders, senior investors and rising stars from across the world to collaborate and discuss the vital role of technology in society. The festival’s key purpose is to showcase how tech is transforming both business and society by driving important conversations around transformation, diversity and innovation of which we’re proud to play a part.
The Welsh Report
You may already know that the tech and digital ecosystem here in Wales is a thriving and rapidly expanding sector with scaling opportunities across Tech and into Cyber, Data and FinTech.
The Welsh report highlights that there has never been a better time for tech and digital startups in Wales — with a large number of support mechanisms, funds and expertise available for organisations across the board. It’s no wonder then that Wales’ cities are increasingly becoming centres of service and digital companies, with Cardiff currently the fastest-growing city in the UK.
Here are our top 10 takeaways from the report:
- The tech sector in Wales employs a workforce upwards of 40,000 people (2019)
- Wales is home to the technology centres of globally recognised brands such as Aston Martin, Airbus, Thales, BT and Sony
- Wales tech sector has an estimated £8.5bn contribution to the economy
“We’re very lucky in Wales to have a welcoming tech community built around hubs such as Tramshed Tech. Whilst the pandemic may have reduced face-to-face meetings, the partnerships and contacts we’ve made over the years have continued to be a big part of our success.” — Josh Evans, Co-Founder, Configur
- Wales is home to world leading tech manufacturer Newport Wafter Fab
- The tech sector in Wales is growing rapidly with £100 million of venture capital investments in 2019
- Wales’s cities host over 3600 tech businesses
- Household names founded in Wales include InsureTech’s Admiral, Go Compare and Confused.com
“Part of the reason AMPLYFI is growing so fast is our location. People join our team from all over the globe to solve hard problems without compromising on their quality of life. AMPLYFI’s combination of ground-breaking technology, culture and Welsh countryside allows us to compete for the smartest people with the biggest organisations in the world, which in turn helps us build better solutions for global decision makers.” — Chris Ganje, CEO, Amplyfi
- Admiral have over 7k employees worldwide, 5000 of which are based in South Wales
- The Welsh Cyber hotspot comprises of 400 SME’s, 9 primes, 7 academic research centres and a plethora of defence organisations and government agencies
- Cardiff is currently the fastest growing city in the UK
These takeaways provide an interesting snapshot into the tech scene in Wales. With such a strong foundation of support and proven track record, it’s not surprising that Wales is proving to be not only an attractive place for startups and early-stage businesses to start their journey but also a strategic base for larger organisations from across the World.
Don’t take our word for it, come and see it for yourself.
Come and see what Wales has to offer and decide for yourself whether this could be a great home for your business. We welcome anyone curious about joining our community at Tramshed Tech to come and visit us — we’d love show you around, introduce you to members of our vibrant community and connect you with our network of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors.
Until then check out all 12 Clusters of Tech Reports.
London Tech Week (20th to 24th September)
Learn more about London Tech Week and the programme of events on offer by heading over to https://londontechweek.com
