Leeds is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most dynamic tech hubs, driving innovation and growth across multiple sectors. With a thriving startup ecosystem and a strong culture of collaboration between businesses, universities, and public institutions, the city is transforming into a hotspot for cutting-edge technology.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how Leeds’ digital ecosystem is expanding and show you how our platform provides real-time insights and data on this growth.
Moving beyond traditional SIC codes
To get a clearer picture of the Leeds tech sector it is essential to move beyond the traditional industrial classification systems like SIC codes. With Leeds making its stride in the frontier sectors it’s essential we use Real Time Industrial Classifications or (RTICs) to understand the tech landscape of Leeds.
Based on the study we did with the Leeds Digital Festival in July we found that Leeds tech RTICs grew 125 per cent faster than the national average. The top growing tech RTICs include software development and cyber security to digital agencies.
Our Software Develop RTIC is one of the notable sectors. It has outpaced the national average by growing at 20% (based on the study from July). The companies in the Software Development RTIC in Leeds employs a headcount of over 9,000 and making a total turnover £1.78 million.
The growth in the sector could be attributed to the investment in this sector. The companies within this sector have received total investment of £124.46 million according to our Dealroom data and a total Innovate UK grant amounting to £1.58 million.
A notable company driving the growth of Leeds’s tech scene is BJSS .They have doubled their headcount from 1,500 to an estimated 3,000 people in the years between 2020-2023. BJSS is known for its innovative approaches to software engineering, including delivering digital transformation projects across multiple sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.
Female Led tech innovation
Diversity in tech is something that comes up a lot when we talk about the Leeds scene, and it’s a topic worth digging into.
Supporting female founders and leaders isn’t just important, it’s essential for the growth of the sector. One area where Leeds is making waves is the agency market, which has the highest share of female-founded businesses among the city’s fastest-growing tech sectors.
It’s progress, but we’ve still got a way to go. That’s why it’s so important to shout about and celebrate these businesses, they’re helping shape the future of tech in Leeds for the better.
High growth female-founded companies based out of Leeds include:
- Savy Marketing– A scaleup company that works as creative and marketing agency with offices in Leeds. They specialise in helping brands connect with customers through tailored marketing strategies
- So Contented Limited– A female led digital agency that focuses on content creation and management. They are an SME born out of Leeds.
Leeds is rapidly solidifying its position as a leading hub for digital innovation in the UK, outpacing the national average and driving growth in key sectors like software development, cybersecurity, and digital agencies.
The use of Real-Time Industry Classifications (RTICs) gives us a clearer understanding of the dynamic and evolving tech landscape in the city, enabling more accurate insights into sector performance.
With significant investments, a strong emphasis on diversity, and companies like BJSS and female-led businesses leading the charge, Leeds is well-positioned to shape the future of the UK’s digital economy. As the city continues to evolve, it’s essential to keep a close eye on its growth, and our platform provides the real-time insights needed to stay informed and ahead of the curve.
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