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When you think of an emerging UK tech hub, Middlesbrough may not automatically spring to mind.
But the small and mighty port town in Yorkshire, which, at one point was one of the most important industrial towns in the UK, is having a resurgence. Now, it is emerging as a promising tech hub in its own right.
That’s according to a
recent report, which also found that although the tech industry in Middlesbrough is still relatively small and consists of roughly 165 companies, it is steadily
attracting startups and established enterprises.
5 jobs hiring across the UK
- Performance Manager, Forvis Mazars, Milton Keynes
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In fact, the town has recorded a 13.79% increase in the number of tech firms based in Middlesbrough over the past year.
The reasons for this are manifold: graduates from Teesside University, known for its tech programmes, are bolstering its talent pool. Plus, SockMonkey Studios, a Middlesbrough-based gaming company which was the brainchild of Teesside University graduates
Bob Makin and Darren Cuthbert, was sold to Canadian gaming giant Behaviour UK in 2023.
Additionally, the tech ecosystem is diverse and expanding in specific sectors including digital marketing, software development, and cybersecurity. TeesAMP, an 11-hectare business park, hopes to attract like-minded businesses to relocate there thanks to
its modern facilities.
Quality of life
However, it’s also worth noting that another factor in propelling Middlesbrough forward is the quality of life it offers its residents.
Compared to London, the cost of living is
33.2% lower, rent prices are 77.4% lower, and groceries are 28% cheaper.
Though salaries are also lower—the average salary after tax in Middlesbrough is £2,020 per month compared to £3,493.22 in London.
Childcare is also significantly more affordable in the area, with preschool or nursery costing £700 per month compared to £1,781.99 in London.
London remains on top
While the spotlight is currently on Middlesborough, London remains the premier thriving tech behemoth. Five areas dotted around the city account for the top five spots on the list of best areas in the UK for tech jobs.
The City of London reigns supreme as the best place in the UK to get a tech job thanks to the 2,610 tech companies that are located there. It also has some of the best connectivity in the capital, and residents enjoy shorter commuting times. As a result,
11% of the city’s workforce is employed in the tech sector.
The City of London is followed by neighbouring Westminster, which is home to 5,730 tech firms. They employ 9% of the workforce and experienced an 8.22% growth rate in 2024. However, the average yearly commute is much longer, totalling 101,742km.
While Camden and Hackney have built reputations as hipster hotspots thanks to their vibrant and thriving cultural scenes, both are also emerging as tech hubs. Camden and Hackney boast 5,355 and 4,525 tech firms, respectively.
Tech workers in Camden now account for 10.3% of the workforce while Hackney is similar at 10%. It’s also worth noting that salaries in Hackney have increased by 27.81% in recent years.
Leafy Islington holds the number five spot thanks to the 3,770 tech companies based there, and 11.3% of the workforce are employed in tech.
However, commuting times are also on the highest end of the scale with workers travelling a distance of 114,971km annually.
