The latest research from the annual Tech Nation report has revealed the six most attractive cities for tech professionals in the UK. Each has at least one fast-growing digital hub, to which those searching for the best technology roles are flocking.

Which cities made the list?

Here’s a rundown of the best cities to head for if you want to jumpstart or progress your career in IT, digital or tech:

1. London

It’s no surprise that London remains top of the list of most attractive cities for tech jobs, as it the top choice for careers in most industries. London is apparently the best tech city not only in the UK, but the whole of Europe. The capital offers exceptional support for its 40,000 tech companies and entrepreneurs, including up to 5,000 start-ups, and received over £2.4 billion in investment for tech industries in 2017. Its eCommerce and Fintech sub-industries are thriving, and some of the biggest companies currently operating from London include google and Amazon.

 

2. Manchester

Manchester is one of the UK’s newest technology hubs, with the added benefit of a significantly cheaper cost of living for tech workers. Since the BBC moved to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays, this particular digital hub has swollen to include Ericsson and ITV along with numerous smaller start-ups. Manchester has healthy biotech, eCommerce and healthtech industries and the average salary for digital and tech roles is £47,349.

 

3. Edinburgh

The Scottish capital has seen an explosion in tech talent and emerging industries in the last few years. A huge 7% of the city’s workers now work as developers and engineers, with an average salary exceeding that of Manchester at £53,000. Codebase, the largest tech incubator in the UK, is based in Edinburgh.

 

4. Bristol and Bath

These neighbouring cities have a tradition of excellence in engineering, with a particular specialism in robotics. Sony is based in this area, but the most impressive tech hub is in Bristol – the British Robotics Lab, the largest of its kind in Europe.

 

5. Birmingham

At the time of the Tech Nation report, an estimated 38,000 people in Birmingham worked in tech, at more than 6,000 tech and digital organisations. One notable local initiative is Silicon Canal, which is known for supporting burgeoning tech industries with regular events and meetups.

 

6. Brighton

The last of the top six tech cities is Brighton. This seaside destination has long been known for its art scene, which has inevitably led to a burgeoning digital and creative industry in Brighton. The city is known for its creative digital marketing talent, as well as its expertise in gaming and media. The average salary here is £44,608.

 

If you’re searching for a new challenge in tech or digital, SOLOS can help. No matter where you’re based, we have the specialist expertise to hunt down the perfect role for you. Our experts can also help if you’re a tech company on the lookout for exciting new talent. Please call us on 0115 9274400 to get started.  

 

 

 

photo courtesy of Phil_Bird @ freedigitalphotos.net