TechNorth plans should spark entrepreneurial spirit in the North West

Last week, the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, unveiled plans to create a new technology cluster in the North of England. TechNorth, as it's been labelled, has been described as a new technology hub for the region.

Forming part of Tech City UK, TechNorth will encompass five cities, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle with the aim of putting the region on the international technology map. TechNorth hopes to emulate the success of Tech City in East London, now widely regarded as one of the world's foremost digital technology centres. There are now more than 3,000 digital firms in Tech City employing some 48,000 people.

Paul Kenyon, EVP at Avecto said the announcement was a step in the right direction for the region and its entrepreneurial spirit:

"We believe that collaboration in this sector is hugely beneficial, especially if we are to compete with the likes of London.

"When it comes to the North, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Encouraging major cities to pool together their energy, strength and resources, as part of the TechNorth plans, will create a strong supportive network that will help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and large companies to expand.

"Manchester already has a strong and established tech scene but it's important that we continue to embrace collaboration with other cities and strive to further improve our tech credentials, if we are to be recognised on a global scale.”

The TechNorth announcement comes after the leaders of five northern cities presented a £15bn plan to improve the transport infrastructure in the region back in August. The One North proposal has since been followed by a push for a HS3 rail link running between Liverpool and Hull.