Network & Eco-System

North East England has an established digital and tech network that provides the ideal location and eco-system for starting and growing a business. 

Our tech clusters accelerate business growth by sharing best practice and providing opportunities to collaborate with cutting-edge digital firms and tech innovators. A comprehensive calendar of networking events, training and workshops, webinars and informal catch-ups provide regular access to the region’s most dynamic digital and tech players. 

Key networks and cluster groups

Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley (NETV) supports businesses from across the region to explore the growth and adoption of advanced digital technologies to improve the productivity and performance of organisations. 

Dynamo North East is a volunteer-led group that aims to grow the North East IT economy through collaboration, innovation and skills. It hosts regular events and an annual digital conference and runs several digital clusters and special interest groups to champion specialities like cybersecurity, digital construction, shared service operations and fintech. 

Innovation SuperNetwork brings together more than 50 partners and over 5,000 businesses to share new ideas, market opportunities, knowledge and funding to support innovative businesses in the North East. 

Sunderland Software City, the delivery organisation for North East and Tees Valley, supports technology start-ups and large businesses through regular tech meet-ups and organising the North East Digital Festival and Tech Talent events. 

Cyber North is spearheading the growth of a thriving cyber security ecosystem in the North East of England by creating opportunities to bring the community together, encourage progressive collaboration and to help establish the region as a centre of excellence for the cyber security sector.    

Fintech North is the first ever regional UK FinTech hub, we bring together a growing and vibrant community of over 8,000 people from across the North of England who either have an interest, or work in FinTech and its adjacent sectors.

Sphere Network combines academic research and industry experience to address cross-sector challenges through digital transformation and innovation. It offers informal networking, round table and deep-dive events to explore new problem-solving routes. 

North East Screen is the screen agency for North East England, supporting the regions film & TV industry.  With a number of programmes of support, North East Screen can support businesses by:

  • Production Fund –supports world class HETV and award-winning content filming in the North East to secure sustainable, high-end productions attracting inward investment and jobs.
  • Film Office – supports all incoming productions finding crew, locations and making filming in the region seamless through a film friendly local authority network.
  • Development Team – supports regional production and supply chain companies to attract talent and win business.
  • Skills Team – supports established crew and new entrants to the industry.  Through their work with the Screen Alliance North, the team is building a thriving and skilled workforce across the North of England.