Around the UK - North East

Led by our North East representative, e-skills UK has been working with key partners in the region to deliver on the objectives outlined in our strategic plan for England.

Latest LMI

• There are 2,190 workplaces in the IT & Telecoms industry in the North East – 92% of which are IT companies and 8% Telecoms. In the IT industry in North East, a small number of large firms employ a large proportion of the workforce; micro firms make up 94% of the number of IT & Telecoms businesses in the region, but just 19% of the actual workforce. By contrast, firms with 200 or more employees make up just 1% of the total number of workplaces, but employ 37% of the workforce.
• 49,000 people work in the IT & Telecoms workforce in North East. This comprises around 36,000 in the IT & Telecoms industry itself, and a further 13,000 working as IT or Telecoms professionals in other industries.
• The profile of IT & Telecoms professionals in North East is an ageing one. The proportion aged 16-29 has dropped from 28% in 2001 to 24% in 2007, as the sector favours experienced workers from other sectors over young recruits from the education system.
• The IT & Telecoms workforce in the region is highly qualified. 52% of IT & Telecoms professionals hold a qualification at level 4 or higher, compared to 29% for the overall working population in the North East. Moreover, only 6% of IT & Telecoms professionals in North East are not qualified to level 2, compared to 14% of the region’s employed workforce.
  

For the latest analysis of key labour market intelligence specific to the North East, please refer to the 'Technology Counts England: IT and Telecoms Insights 2008' report. The report provides an in depth understanding of the existing IT & Telecoms landscape in the nine English regions, with forecasts of the future based on the best available global intelligence.

ICT policy for the region

'Leading the Way', the North East's Regional Economic Strategy for 2006-2016 sets out how the region hopes to deliver greater and sustainable prosperity to the region and its people.

North East productivity levels lag behind UK averages and the report recognises how effective business support and inward investment can significantly improve these productivity levels. Eight dimensions to effective, accessible and targeted business support are detailed, one of which being the 'utilising Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)'.

About our partners

Codeworks Connect is the trade association for digital businesses working in North East England.

Set up in 2004, they provide first class support to businesses working in the region's thriving digital sector.

Their members work in all areas of digital media and technology – from web design and development right through to animation, games, e-commerce and software development. Connect members have access to a wide range of support including Placements. PR support. Networking events and lots more. All designed to help them grow and succeed. 

Last modified: 30 Jun 2009