Tech tower – Middlesbrough’ s Boho X is home to global games guru Double Eleven.
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Middlesbrough
Once better known for shipbuilding and steel, Middlesbrough is now rewriting its future in code.
According to the 2024 UK Tech Jobs Report, Middlesbrough claimed the title of the UK’ s fastest-growing tech hub outside London, ranking sixth nationally overall – behind only the likes of Westminster, Camden and Hackney.
But here’ s the kicker: Middlesbrough’ s tech sector is growing faster than anywhere else in the country, with a year-on-year surge of 13.79 %.
With 165 tech companies and counting, the town is punching well above its weight. It’ s not just growing – it’ s accelerating. It’ s becoming a magnet for startups and established players who want the best of both worlds: access to cutting-edge innovation without the high price tag of the capital.
Middlesbrough’ s success is part of a broader tech boom sweeping across Teesside. From energy data and e-commerce to gaming and AI, the region is teeming with fast-growing companies and ambitious founders.
At the heart of it all is Teesside University, a key player in the area’ s digital transformation. Its computing and digital arts schools have helped launch hundreds of successful ventures, while the arrival of the impressive new Digital Life centre will ensure it continues to power the next generation of entrepreneurs as a digital incubator.
As Danielle Croce, director at health and safety tech firm Intasite and Tees
: The UK’ s fastestgrowing tech powerhouse
Businesswoman of the Year 2024, puts it:“ The growth in Middlesbrough’ s tech scene reflects the region’ s commitment to innovation and its strong support network for startups and established companies.
“ Local talent is nurtured by nearby universities, while the Tees Tech Awards give businesses a platform to shine. For companies like ours, close to Middlesbrough, it’ s an inspiring time to be part of this forwardthinking tech community.”
Despite recognised global challenges, Middlesbrough’ s gaming sector is red hot.
Double Eleven, whose staff occupy the entirety of the landmark Boho X building in central Middlesbrough, is a global name working with industry giants such as Bethesda and Paradox.
Just down the road, Radical Forge – a double VelociTees winner after fast recent growth – and Behaviour UK, part of Canadian games juggernaut Behaviour Interactive, are helping turn Middlesbrough into a serious destination for game dev talent.
But it’ s not just about games. Tech heavyweights such as Salesfire( whose CEO Rich Himsworth was Tees Business Leader of the Year), Industrial Technology Systems( ITS) and Fitfactory( helmed by former Tees Tech Business Leader Jason Pritchard) are driving growth in SaaS, automation and data systems.
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