Two North East’s tech sector support organisations are set to join forces to accelerate the growth of the digital tech economy and tackle the North East digital skills gap.
Newcastle-based tech and digital business network Dynamo and Sunderland Software City plan to deliver industry-specific business support and increase coordinated efforts to tackle a digital skills gap in the region.
The move, which will see Dynamo remain a Community Interest Company (CIC) but with staff integrating into Software City’s team, follows an increased collaboration during the pandemic between the two companies.
The two organisations have supported over 1,500 businesses with more than 1,000 new jobs created.
The new agreement is set to bring together Dynamo’s relationships and member network of digital companies with Software City’s expertise with addressing a diverse range of challenges facing the sector.
Dynamo’s newly formed Digital Talent Engine project, which will create a pipeline of digitally-skilled talent to support regional tech firms with growth, will become part of Software City’s skills programmes to provide a connected approach to tackle the region’s skills gap.
Dr David Dunn, who will serve as CEO of Dynamo alongside Software City, said that both Dynamo members and the wider tech community in the region will benefit from a more coordinated and joined-up support.
He said: “Both organisations have gained a deep understanding from their work over the past decade to develop the region’s digital economy. During this time the synergies between the two have become more apparent, especially in tackling skills shortages.”
Dr Dunn added: “We look forward to integrating the Dynamo team into Software City which will not only strengthen our skills offering but bolster operations across the entire organisation, as we support businesses with digital adoption, innovation and early-stage formulation.”
Charlie Hoult, who will continue as Chair of the Dynamo Advisory Board to enable the transition, added: “The great challenge we face in growing our regional tech sector lies in access to skills.
“It’s vital that we not only nurture more talent in the region but that we create the ways and means of attracting more skilled workers to the North East.
“This link up between Dynamo and Software City will help achieve our region’s ambitions, benefiting digital companies of all sizes operating in the North East. Coupling more capacity to deliver impactful projects with a joined up and clear service offering will benefit ambitious businesses looking for support. There’s no limit to the North East’s technology potential.”
