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Tech on a high Sector sees 50% rise in jobs [Bristol Evening Post (England)](Bristol Evening Post (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) THE number of people employed in the technology sector in Bristol increased by almost 50 per cent over the last year. And according to one recruitment firm the huge rise in numbers is due to the fact the city is fast establishing itself as a centre for cutting-edge companies and high-tech operators. The claim has come in the week that a delegation went to London's Tech City to sell Bristol to potential investors looking to move out of the capital and into the regions. The delegation included Bonnie Dean, the chief executive of Bristol Science Park, who gave a speech at the event, and representatives from Invest Bristol and Bath, the inward investment agency. The delegation also included Sure Sense and MyEnvolve, which are both based in the Bristol area and were among the businesses to pitch to investors at the session. Bonnie Dean said: "Sure Sense and MyEnvolve are fine examples of the type of cutting-edge digital business that can be found in Bristol and Bath's vibrant tech cluster. And their presentations showed the audience that the region is home to first-class investment opportunities, as well as exceptional talent and business acumen." David Maher Roberts, from Invest Bristol and Bath, said: "The technical and creative sector in Bristol has an excellent reputation for being home to an innovative and experienced talent pool, as well as a start-up-friendly environment. "London is no longer the only place for tech and creative companies to grow and prosper; the Bristol and Bath region has established itself as a place where innovative ideas are constantly being turned into groundbreaking products and services." As reported in the Bristol Post, the city was recently singled out in a report by the Think Tank Centre as "globally significant" and "high growth". Meanwhile, online takeaway service Just Eat, the world's largest mobile technology company Somo, Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and digital specialist Kainos have all recently announced plans to set up bases in Bristol. According to recruitment specialist the Venn Group, there has been particular demand for app specialists in Bristol over the last 12 months. The region has also received Government funding, potentially worth almost Pounds 500 million, as part of the Local Growth Fund. Sundeep Bakshi, Venn Group's director of operations in the South West, said: "The findings of our latest report are extremely positive and highlight the sustained optimism being shown in the South West at the moment. "The aerospace industry has previously created a raft of opportunities for professionals and now investment from the digital sector should do likewise. This means professional contractors are going to be highly sought-after, particularly in the fields of app development and cyber security. "We've also seen significant hiring in the public sector, particularly in the NHS. The Better Care Fund, which was launched to help integrate services into the health community, has been behind much of the growth." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |