Why Yorkshire's tech sector has been so resilient through Covid-19

The digital transformation and technological strength of businesses, in every corner of the world, has accelerated beyond expectations this year.

But then 2020 has been no ordinary year. At a time when social distancing is the norm, Yorkshire businesses have not been immune to Covid-19 restrictions.

However, they are weathering the storm with the kind of digital dexterity that speaks volumes of the innovation, creativity and forward-thinking that’s alive and kicking within Yorkshire’s business community.

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Stuart Clarke, director of the Leeds Digital Festival, said: “The pandemic has showcased just how digitally adept Yorkshire businesses have become.

Leeds Digital Festival has proven to be very pouplar since its inception in 2015.Leeds Digital Festival has proven to be very pouplar since its inception in 2015.
Leeds Digital Festival has proven to be very pouplar since its inception in 2015.

“Covid-19 has impacted every industry, but we’ve seen a real resilience in the region’s tech sector: its innovation and creativity has enabled it not just to weather the storm, but also to thrive and grow.”

And ambitious companies of all shapes and sizes, from start-ups to corporates, are providing a beacon of hope and inspiration to all businesses across Yorkshire, showing that an organisation can adapt – and even grow – during turbulent, difficult times.

Mr Clarke added: “2020 will without a doubt go down in history as a catalyst for innovation and growth against a backdrop of unstable financial markets and uncertain economic security.

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“We are seeing so many companies, born and bred in Yorkshire, opening a new digitally driven door of opportunity.

Stuart Clarke, director of the Leeds Digital Festival, said: “The pandemic has showcased just how digitally adept Yorkshire businesses have become."Stuart Clarke, director of the Leeds Digital Festival, said: “The pandemic has showcased just how digitally adept Yorkshire businesses have become."
Stuart Clarke, director of the Leeds Digital Festival, said: “The pandemic has showcased just how digitally adept Yorkshire businesses have become."

“For example, start-up Calbot has capitalised on the growth in virtual meetings by launching its meeting scheduling software, gaining customers around the world.

“Leeds-based early-warning risk intelligence firm Crisp has continued to grow, with over 50 new team members joining since March 2020 – a real testament to its global scale and ambition.”

Companies like Calbot and Crisp also have a lot of support among like-minded associates within Yorkshire’s close-knit business community. Mr Clarke said: “Yorkshire is also home to some of the UK’s best universities. They are brimming with graduates in STEM and digital sectors who can help businesses to excel in their digital transformation, enabling long-term growth.

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“Couple this with knowledge sharing, collaboration and partnership – all principles that Leeds Digital Festival was formed upon – and what you’ve got is a strong, innovative business community where people who want to see others succeed support one another in their journey of growth.”

Leeds Digital Festival returned for a fifth edition this year.Leeds Digital Festival returned for a fifth edition this year.
Leeds Digital Festival returned for a fifth edition this year.

Flora Mewies, partner at Ward Hadaway, says events such as Leeds Digital Festival, which the law firm also sponsors, are vital to the development of innovative and progressive businesses in Yorkshire.

She added: “Yorkshire is home to some exceptionally skilled and talented business leaders who have started their businesses from scratch and now run multi-million-pound companies with an international reach. Digital transformation has been fundamental to this with the pandemic highlighting just how digitally able Yorkshire businesses are, as well as their agility in responding to the crisis.

“We’re also seeing high numbers of clients from across the UK working with our specialist immigration team to help global tech talent secure sponsored Skilled Worker visas, EU Settlement Scheme visas and the elite Tech Nation Visa.

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“This scheme, part of the Global Talent Visa programme, enables the brightest and best tech talent from around the world to come and work in the UK’s digital technology sector. We’re developing a particular skillset in this vital area, which ultimately supports the growth of the UK economy, in a world dominated by digital.”

Flora Mewies, partner at Ward Hadaway, says events such as Leeds Digital Festival are vital to the development of innovative and progressive businesses in Yorkshire.Flora Mewies, partner at Ward Hadaway, says events such as Leeds Digital Festival are vital to the development of innovative and progressive businesses in Yorkshire.
Flora Mewies, partner at Ward Hadaway, says events such as Leeds Digital Festival are vital to the development of innovative and progressive businesses in Yorkshire.

Inspiring growth with law firm

In the ongoing series ‘Inspiring Growth’ Greg Wright, in association with UK Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway, talks to business leaders supporting growth in our region.

This week we talk to Stuart Clarke, an adviser to several businesses through his Paceline PR consultancy, and director of the Leeds Digital Festival which fosters digital culture among the region’s business community, alongside Flora Mewies, a partner at Ward Hadaway.

The series which was conceived and commissioned by the Leeds-based law firm celebrates entrepreneurialism and shines a spotlight on business success.

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James Mitchinson

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