Become an advocate for tech across the north of England

Join Volker Hirsch FRSA as an advocate for tech across the north of England.

The north of England employs almost 300,000 people in the digital sector with an average salary of £45,000 per annum and a gross value added of a staggering £9.9 billion. The sector makes up for 16% of all businesses in the region. Despite these figures, the North is still being dwarfed by London, which employs more people in the sector than all of the North together.

There are initiatives evolving to address this, many of which are public-sector driven. In order to also give the private sector a voice, Tech North Advocates (TNA) has been founded: a non-profit, private-sector led initiative aiming to amplify voices in this all-important market segment. 

"The Northern Powerhouse needs a voice from its tech community, and we want to provide that. TNA was inspired by and is the little sister of Tech London Advocates, which, over the past few years has turned into a powerful voice for the tech sector in London. We believe having such a voice is even more important for the north of England. A common mouthpiece for tech will help drive investment in northern tech communities and foster respective skill development, which will harness the livelihood and growth of our communities in the North."
- Volker Hirsch FRSA

Becoming a Tech North Advocate

Advocates are asked to do three things:

• Be on message about northern tech - TNA can help with these via the communication channels they are setting up as well as through the wider Tech Advocates network
• Introduce a new Advocate - they are big believers in 'network effects'
• Help one another for the 'greater good', building a vibrant tech sector for the North

If Advocates want to give more time, TNA is creating specific working groups focused on different themes and issues such as immigration, education, property, capital, and women in tech. They are also likely to introduce more local groups in which specific cities and sub-regions can organise themselves. Advocates will be listed on the Tech North Advocates website.

Fellows are invited to attend the official launch of Tech North Advocates on 22 April at 5pm in Manchester, at a reception at the Business Rocks conference.

Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill St, Manchester, M2 3GX.

If you have any questions, are interested in becoming a Tech North Advocate, or to RSVP to attend the launch, please contact Volker Hirsch FRSA: [email protected]