Leeds’ economic strength lies in the diversity of its industries. Manufacturing, financial and business services, construction and retail will all require skilled technology workers and the fast-growing digital sector is accelerating demand for home-grown talent.
“Young people don’t need a university education to become programmers, with the right attitude and the ability to think logically and solve problems, they can learn on the job.”
Will Newham, Technical Director, Fluid
Leeds is the UK’s fastest growing city and has one of the most diverse economies in Britain. The city has retained its manufacturing strength while cementing its position as a centre for financial and business services. Construction, retail and leisure are all key sectors, and Leeds is becoming a digital powerhouse with the fastest scale up growth in the north of England. The digital sector alone is expected to grow by £1.6bn by 2025.
There is huge demand for skilled digital workers to support Leeds economic growth in all sectors. Across the board business are investing in new technologies for systems integration and data forecasting, improved customer experiences and process automation. They need data scientists, data analysts, software engineers and developers, as well as technical project managers and business analysts to help them capitalise on their technology investments.
That’s why the city’s tech leaders are coming together to tackle digital exclusion with Transition Partners and Leeds Community Foundation. People need access to three key things in order to fulfil their potential: equipment, connectivity and skills. Leeds Digital Charity Ball will raise funds to support people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to take their place in the growing digital workforce.
Sandra Patel Stewart, Transition Partners, said: “Elly Nettleton and I have had this dream for a few years now. We heard about Leeds Community Foundation, the region’s largest independent funder that focuses on creating a fair and inclusive society. We began to reach out to our network to see who wanted to be involved.”
Fluid joins Perform Partners, Leeds Building Society, Axiologik, Scott Logic, Hippo Digital UK, The Data Shed, Bruntwood SciTech, and Nimble Approach in sponsoring this first of its kind event.
“Fluid is Leeds born and bred and we’re proud of our heritage. We’re delighted to be one of the sponsors – together we can bridge the digital divide and drive positive change in our communities.”
Louise Pipe, Operations Director, Fluid
Leeds Digital Charity Ball is at the Queens Hotel on 28 April 2022.