122 | Tees Business
TEES TALK
Lynsey Robinson, DigitalCity, Teesside
University
“It’s great to see the hard work that Teesside
University and Middlesbrough Council
have put into DigitalCity over the last 15
years is continuing with such an ambitious
infrastructure project.
“The work we do with digital businesses
and entrepreneurs demonstrates that they
are crying out for more, fantastic facilities
that really help to shout about the excellent
businesses and talent we have here. I believe
the ambition shown in this project is really
important for our future economic growth.”
James Lees, Mabo Media
“I do think the plans are very ambitious – but
also hugely exciting. I, for one, really hope
they come off. Middlesbrough is one of the
fastest-growing digital and tech clusters in
the UK and these companies need as much
support to help facilitate growth to help make
Middlesbrough the UK’s digital city.
“All too often we see our digital talent
leave the area to the likes of London and
Manchester. Our Middlesbrough-based
businesses need this talent to remain local –
and creating a huge central base for this will
go a long way to helping achieve that.”
Tony Wentworth, Jacksons Law Firm
“It is really exciting to see the plans for a
digital city in Middlesbrough. This region
has some amazing tech businesses and a
university with an international reputation
in the digital sector. Our existing and future
digital entrepreneurs need somewhere to
grow and flourish.
“If we want to be a centre of excellence,
to retain our tech specialists and to draw
others to our region from all over the world,
then we need to provide them with the first
class facilities they need to achieve their
own aspirations. Ambition is good – so let’s
embrace these plans positively.”
Mark Easby, Better
“The plans to make Middlesbrough the digital
city are exactly what we need to continue
building momentum around the digital and
creative cluster in the region.
“The growing community – which includes
companies ranging from leading global
businesses through to the most exciting
start-ups – is building a national profile, so
we must continue to be brave and ambitious
by building a fit-for-purpose environment to
promote business growth, attract investment,
develop skilled people and retain talent.”
Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston has announced plans to
make Middlesbrough the digital city, starting with a £45m
digital development featuring a skyscraper and 700-seat
amphitheatre. Do you think this is a good investment or a
waste of money? Exciting and ambitious or pie in the sky?
We asked Tees business leaders for their thoughts…
Dean Benson, Visualsoft
“A project of this size and scale is
something I have personally been wanting
for a long time. Our region is perfectly
placed to truly become a digital leader and
it is fantastic to hear that this ambition is
echoed by Andy Preston and Tees Valley
mayor Ben Houchen. There is no reason
why Middlesbrough and the wider Tees
Valley shouldn’t strive to be the home for
future tech unicorns.”
Dominic Lusardi, Animmersion
“Having been part of the digital cluster
since its inception, I’ve seen it grow from
nothing to occupying most of the Boho
Zone. We need to keep the ambition going
and set a new bar to aspire to and the next
Boho does exactly this.
“If the area wants to be known for its
digital industry, it needs the space to grow
and this development does exactly that –
and sets a level of ambition and optimism
we need. If we want to attract and retain
the talent, let’s make it believable.”
Chloe Clover, Wander Films
“This is a super exciting opportunity for
the Tees Valley. Digital is the future – and
this investment is a huge stepping stone
to securing Middlesbrough’s place on that
digital map.
“There’s a huge movement in
Middlesbrough right now – a lot of young
businesses are started within the digital
industry, so we’re totally behind having
somewhere like this to help young
businesses get a leg-up and enticing bigger
players to move here. Plus, who doesn’t
want a helipad on their office roof?!”
Jess Tucker, Social Allies
“This project will be truly transformational,
not only for Middlesbrough but for the
wider region. Middlesbrough’s digital sector
is an exciting one which is growing rapidly.
“I believe that a project of this size will
not only help to further accelerate this
growth but can cement Middlesbrough as
a sector leader. I personally cannot wait
to start using the first class facilities this
project will undoubtedly deliver.”