Where do tech workers want to be based in the UK?

When considering your next move in the exciting world of tech careers, your location can make all the difference

The tech generation

It’s official – the tech industry has become the most popular field people want to work in, due to its flexible working opportunities and innovation. According to a 2017 survey by Tech Nation, tech workers not only contribute heavily to the UK economy, but they also have greater opportunities, as both recruitment and salaries in digital tech jobs continue to rise.

The UK context

With such a backdrop, the UK has more to offer the tech market than you might first think. We’ve compiled information on some of the best tech locations in the UK to help you think about your next career decision.

London

Of course, it was always going to be number 1 on our list. It is not only the most popular city in Britain for tech talent, but with more than 40,000 tech companies based within inner London alone, you would certainly be spoilt for choice. Average salaries come in at £61,800 and investment in new startups is high. This, combined with housing industry leaders such as Amazon, Google and Shazam, means that London is a tech worker’s dream.

Manchester

With its post-industrial downturn behind it, Manchester has risen to become a strong contender for the UK’s top technology centre. With various industry collaborations underway and strong representation in industries such as ecommerce, healthtech and biotech, Manchester makes sense. Living costs are half that of London and it boasts a comfortable average salary of around £47,349.

Edinburgh

Heading further north, Scotland’s capital city prides itself on being home to the UK’s largest tech hub: Codebase. Edinburgh has seen an explosion of recruitment in jobs for developers and engineers, and with companies such as Skyscanner and the top Scottish University situated here, it doesn’t look set to change. Average tech salaries are in the region of £53,000, making it a lucrative move.

Bristol and Bath

As Bristol is home to the Bristol Robotics Lab, which is the leading and largest robotic research centre in Europe, it is not hard to see that engineering excellence and innovation are in its blood. Companies such as Just Eat and Sony dominate the market and with a healthy average salary of £47,063, the openings are there.

Birmingham

After mass regeneration and investment in innovation, Birmingham has become a force to be reckoned with within the UK tech community. Fintech firms have boomed and there are nearly 40,000 tech workers employed in over 6,000 companies. With initiates such as Silicon Canal promoting and driving tech, the industry seems stable and strong, offering average salaries of £43,718.

Brighton

Admittedly this seaside city would not be the first place you would think of to be associated with the world of innovative, vibrant tech. However, its long association with art and technology has seen the recent emergence of some great creative industries in digital marketing, gaming and media. With an average tech salary of £44,608 and great seaside views, what’s not to love?

It seems that the UK tech world could be your oyster, all you need to decide is where to go!

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