Thames Valley: Strong talent base in digital sector fuels tech growth
The Thames Valley has long been known as a stalwart of the technology sector. With thriving multinational technology businesses and a growing community of budding start ups, it’s easy to see why our lending to technology businesses in the region has grown by nearly 60% in the past year, reports Neil Bellamy, head of technology, media & telecoms at NatWest.
Across the Thames Valley we continue to see growth in three main sectors: software companies, cyber security and unified communications (UC) businesses.
Software companies continue to represent the largest proportion of high-growth businesses as they help businesses to automate, improve efficiency and productivity. This isn’t a new sector (Microsoft is 42 years old this year) but what is often missed is how relevant software development remains for today’s digital economy and how much room is left for growth.
Cyber security is undoubtedly one of the biggest risk factors for most businesses as they transform digitally. With ransomware attacks so often in the news there is huge potential for further growth and innovation in that space.
And finally unified comms (UC) businesses which help businesses digitalise and unify their communications strategies. SME businesses in particular are doing well in this space – taking advantage of their ability to tailor services for customers’ needs where larger businesses struggle with their higher cost to service model.
The role of the region’s universities cannot be overstated, with high levels of research and development into innovation across the fields of communications, robotic autonomous systems and digital entertainment.
And we’re lucky to be able to work with some of the bright sparks of tomorrow through our partnership with university incubators.
A young, talented workforce and developed support networks add to the region’s brand, as well as the Government’s continued investment in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Cambridge, Oxford and London, with the aim of producing a supercluster of high-tech industry to rival Silicon Valley.
It’s clear to see the Thames Valley has an incredibly strong talent base in the digital sector and we’re looking forward to seeing how it continues to thrive and grow over the coming years.