The rise of Newcastle as a leading UK tech hub gets a significant boost this week, with news that global technology consultancy, Thoughtworks, is opening a new office in the city and creating 100 roles for senior tech professionals.
As a leading business that integrates strategy, design and software engineering to drive innovation, Thoughtworks’ decision to establish a presence in the North East represents a significant development for the region, which has one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the UK. Thoughtworks will be looking to make a tangible contribution to the region’s growth; in terms of attracting business, supporting innovation and investing in the sector’s broader social impact. A recent report by Tech Nation has ranked Newcastle the ninth most important tech hub in the UK, ahead of larger cities such as Leeds, Birmingham and Glasgow.
Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, has been supporting Thoughtworks with its move to the North East. Invest Newcastle introduced Thoughtworks to funding streams and local networks, including North of Tyne’s Inward Investment Grant Fund which supports companies moving into the area. Thoughtworks has been awarded £691,482 from this fund that will support the creation of jobs that otherwise would not exist and the growth of the digital economy in Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland.
The new Newcastle base for Thoughtworks will become a centralized operations hub for Thoughtworks UK, servicing national and international clients. The firm, which is headquartered in Chicago - and has offices in London and Manchester - employs more than 9,000 people across 48 offices in 17 countries.
Patrick Sarnacke, Thoughtworks UK managing director comments:
“We are delighted to be opening an office in Newcastle. Technology is about people - we are committed to attracting and investing in an exciting new team of Thoughtworkers in the region, continuing our work to ensure technology can enable a more inclusive, diverse and equitable society and to make a positive and lasting impact on the business community and society at large. This comes at an exciting time for Thoughtworks as we continue to build on our strategy, design, data and software engineering expertise to support our clients’ transformation ambitions”.
Cllr Joyce McCarty, cabinet member for Inclusive Economy said:
“Our digital and tech strengths continue to shine through. We couldn’t be prouder that a global company like Thoughtworks will be joining our tech community, creating 100 high value jobs and supporting us to make a lasting social and economic impact. This investment couldn’t come at a more opportune time, as we look to grow our economy through our strengths and create a better future for everyone who lives and works in our great city. As thought leaders in diversity and inclusion, they will be a real asset to the region as we all work together to create an inclusive economy that provides opportunity for all.”
Jennifer Hartley, director, Invest Newcastle part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative said:
“This investment from Thoughtworks not only shows the strength of our tech sector but highlights the power of partnership working. Our tech eco system and networks like Dynamo that stimulate growth along with assets like North East Futures UTC and The National Innovation Centre of Data, who help support, grow and upskill future talent, played a crucial role in securing this investment.
“This investment further cements our position as a leading tech hub, our ability to compete on a world stage and as a tech career destination. Their plans to diversify and grow align with Newcastle’s strengths, not only within the tech sector but across sectors such as renewable energy and life sciences, strategically important sectors right across the supply chain.
“Thoughtworks are a great cultural fit with our city and our ambitions, and we are delighted that they will be joining our collaborative community of disruptive thinkers and innovators, investing in a diverse and inclusive talent pipeline, working together to make an extraordinary impact on the world. “
North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll added:
“Part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Invest Newcastle’s mission is to help businesses locate, expand, and thrive in Newcastle and Gateshead. They champion the city on a national and international stage, working collaboratively to drive forward economic growth.”
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About NewcastleGateshead Initiative
Established in 2000, NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) is the destination and investment agency for Newcastle Gateshead. Our work is supported by both Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, private sector partners and more than 1,000 businesses and stakeholders who work with us to make better places to enjoy, stay and invest. Our team of 25 are in the heart of Newcastle’s city centre, in The Common Room of the North, a venue of unique history and heritage. As well as attracting investment, strategically important businesses and people to Newcastle and Gateshead, our work is dedicated to supporting initiatives that make a lasting social and economic impact. All our work is aligned to our overall mission of creating better places for everyone.
About Invest Newcastle
Part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Invest Newcastle drives and delivers economic growth in Newcastle and Gateshead. They secure capital investment, work to attract new businesses and create jobs. They help businesses to locate, expand and thrive through a bespoke range of services. They champion the region and its strengths on a national and international stage, promoting Newcastle as a city to collaborate, innovate and thrive. Since it was established in 2013, it has supported more than 200 new businesses to relocate or expand, helping to create and safeguard more than 11,000 jobs.
About the North of Tyne Combined Authority
The North of Tyne Combined Authority is a combined authority with an elected mayor that was created in November 2018, when Parliament signed off on a £600 million devolution deal bringing Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside councils together in an unprecedented transfer of power and investment from Westminster to the North East. It is tasked with initiating projects to boost growth, create jobs, and create a more green, inclusive economy. North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll was elected on a promise to support communities in the North of Tyne to create and build wealth, then keep that wealth in the region.