Technology group ClearCourse has opened a Northern tech hub in Preston, Lancashire, and will invest a further £1m to promote growth in the area.
The Northern Tech Hub will be home to three of ClearCourse’s businesses – EKM, FLG and BrightOffice. Initially, around 150 employees will move to the Northern Tech Hub.
ClearChourse will spend the £1m on hiring, upskilling current staff as well as learning and development.
London-headquartered ClearCourse is a group of tech companies that invest in software businesses for small and medium enterprises in the UK.
“We’ve always been keen to work with companies across the UK, and we’re establishing the Northern Tech Hub in recognition of the amazing firms in the area, in support of the government’s levelling up agenda,” said John Antunes, managing director, ClearCourse Group.
According to the Lancashire Post, Preston is the UK’s fastest growing city for tech jobs.
“The Hub will help to encourage really exciting sharing of ideas and experience between our firms and will be testament to the huge potential of the North as a really exciting centre for tech growth,” added Antunes.
Julie Gordon, chief people officer, ClearCourse, said: “Our £1m investment into people and skills in the North West illustrates the great potential and opportunities that can be found in the region and across the country. Our hub stimulates engagement among employees, fosters collaboration, and enables us to attract the best talent that the region has to offer.”
ClearCourse is showing no sign of slowing down regarding northern investment, with the Preston hub following on from the launch of its Manchester office in August last year. It also acquired job management software provider Eworks Manager in December.
The Lancashire hub is the latest example of tech hubs being launched outside of London and the South East. Earlier this month, Bruntwood SciTech acquired Glasgow’s Met Tower for £16.2m to convert it into a new Glasgow hub for tech and digital businesses.
Earlier this year saw the UK tech industry reach a $1tn (£764bn) valuation, a milestone that has previously only been reached by the US and China.
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