Ambitious plans for software development base

THE North East’s newest city has ambitious plans to attract millions in investment and create thousands of new jobs by becoming a centre for software development.

Sunderland Software City is a long-term vision to diversify the city’s industrial base and create a vibrant software industry by building on Sunderland’s strengths as a centre for IT.

Key partners include Leighton Group, the University of Sunderland, Sunderland City Council, the North East Business and Innovation Centre and regional development agency
One NorthEast.

While the vision is long-term, there is already significant activity at ground level. Companies like Leighton Group – part of an emerging band of software companies – are putting Sunderland’s name on the map.

The city’s reputation is such that it has been named as one of the world’s most IT intelligent communities for the past seven years.

It also enjoys several key assets that can be aligned to the development of a software sector. This is underpinned by high-quality sites and premises across the city boasting unrivalled telecommunications connectivity anywhere in the North East.

One of those high-quality sites is the e.volve business centre at Rainton Bridge Business Park. The hi-tech building is a hub for fast growing knowledge intensive businesses. It provides excellent telecommun- ications and network facilities and is able to assist new businesses through the early stages of growth with flexible accommodation and business support.

Among those ventures based at the centre are Guroo Ltd, an education software developer; the IT division of financial advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson Solutions; Travel and Tourism Ltd and PCI Services.

Another key asset is the University of Sunderland’s School of Computing. This boasts the largest ICT training facility in the UK producing high- calibre technical graduates.

Sunderland Council will play a key role in creating the support and physical infrastructure required to underpin a growing software sector.

Coun Bob Symonds, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “In partnership with the private sector, the council has been working hard to develop a world-class infrastructure of telecommunications.

“This has already attracted businesses and is supporting the growth of new companies.

“New buildings like the e.volve Business Centre at Rainton Bridge demonstrate why the city has been voted as one of the top seven global intelligent communities.

“We’re committed to working with the university, One NorthEast and the private sector to create the right environment for a more diverse, dynamic and modern industrial base.”

Paul Callaghan, chairman of growing technology, communications and media group, Leighton, added: “To build a sustainable and globally competitive software industry, we must support innovation to develop a range of products and services that people want to buy in a global market.

“Sunderland Software City is an exciting vision. It’s a big idea that is industry-led but harnesses the power of business, academia and the public sector.

“When all three come together like this, you have the recipe for success.”

http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-sector-reports/