An initiative to boost the Lancashire tech cluster has been launched with firms given the opportunity to sign up as founder members of Digital Lancashire.
The not-for-profit has been established to shine a light on the county’s tech offering whilst providing a focus for skills development, recruitment, support, engagement and collaborations.
The first 100 companies or individuals that sign up as members through Digital Lancashire’s website will receive a free ‘Founder Membership’.
Digital Lancashire has been founded by six owners of digital companies in the area.
“Having worked in the digital sector for over 15 years, I know how much businesses can benefit from collaboration and networking with like-minded companies to find and deliver work and with educational establishments to help discover and develop talent,” said Stewart Townsend, managing director of Digital Lancashire.
“Collectively we know how much more can be done to benefit each business, the sector as a whole and our local communities and the county.”
The new body will look to share knowledge, experiences and information via events, mentoring and support groups.
It will also work with schools, colleges and universities on a wider strategy for developing digital skills and literacy in Lancashire, with the aim of introducing and retaining digital talent in the area.
Michael Gibson, chair of Digital Lancashire and director of Miralis Data in Lancaster, said: “The digital economy in Lancashire is booming with fantastic businesses including, amongst others, digital agencies, e-commerce companies, online software, big data and artificial intelligence.
“With the digital sector growing three times faster than the rest of the economy and pay 36 per cent higher on average it is vital for Lancashire’s economy that we do everything possible to boost the digital sector.”
The first 100 sign-ups will be recognised as ‘Founder Members’ for as long as membership is maintained. Membership is free for the first 12 months.
Below: Lancashire success story Luke Massie on his Vibe Tickets business