Tech City UK has appointed Claire Braithwaite as the new head of Tech North and Herb Kim as the executive chair of the advisory board.
TechNorth is part of the Tech City network and aims to support startups in the North of England. TechNorth strives to develop the region’s digital economy through attracting more talent, entrepreneurs and investment to cities such as Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Sunderland. Braithwaite will start her role on the 27th April 2015 and Kim will start his with immediate effect.
Braithwaite said: “Over 170,000 people are employed in digital businesses in the developing tech clusters of Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Newcastle and Sunderland alone. TechNorth will shine a light on digital businesses across this dynamic region of the UK and aims to help in creating an optimum set of conditions for digital businesses to thrive in.
“I’m looking forward to showing the world the great entrepreneurial talent and digital business expertise the north has to offer.”
Kim added: “I’m honoured and excited to have the opportunity to support the establishment and success of the TechNorth initiative.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase and continue to grow our achievements in digital technology from Newcastle to Sheffield and Liverpool to Hull.
“I look forward to working closely with Claire Braithwaite to make TechNorth a great asset for northern England.”
CEO of Tech City UK Gerard Grech said he is “delighted to have such a strong leadership at the helm”.
He added: “Claire’s digital business acumen and Herb’s strategic and international experience will create an effective team. Both will contribute to the success of the northern powerhouse and the understanding of the needs and opportunities for digital entrepreneurs across the region.”
Prime Minister David Cameron commented upon the TechNorth establishment.
He said: “The Tech Nation report demonstrates the great innovation and thriving entrepreneurial spirit that is driving the sector forward across the country. Backing the industries of the future is a key part of our long-term economic plan to support business, create more jobs and build a more resilient economy.
“The north is growing and by ensuring we foster the right conditions for digital business growth, we can go even further in solidifying the position of the entire UK as a global hub of technology excellence.”