Page 5 - Survey 2020: The Star Business

Wednesday,January22,2020 www.thestar.co.uk
THESTAR 5
DIGITAL
AMBITION: SECTOR GROUP SET TO BOOST CULTURE AND THE ECONOMY IN 2020
Digital to contribute even more
Mel Kanarek
Sheffield Digitalr Director
@melkanarek
Sheffield’s digital sector had a great year in 2019, with growth coming from established local companies, new start-ups and inward investment.
The sector is maturing rapidly and we expect the trend to continue in 2020, de- spite uncertainty in the na- tional economy.
Digital firms are hiring, offering everything from en- try level support and testing roles, to mid-level develop- ment and senior leadership posts.
Recruitment continues to be a challenge, but compa- nies are becoming more pro- active in building links with education and supporting initiatives to attract a more diverse range of people into the industry.
The city also has more room for companies to grow as an increasing amount of “tech-friendly” workspace becomes available.
We expect this demand to continue this year, par- ticularly for grow-on space for successful start-ups. During 2020, expect Shef- field to continue to assert its dominance in four key areas: learning technologies, crea- tive technologies, movement technologies and advanced manufacturing technologies.
While the advanced manu- facturing story is a famil- iar one, it’s also notable that highly successful companies such as Twinkl, TES Global and Tutorful are building on Sheffield’s significance as a centre for online learning and the use of technology in education.
Twinkl’s new incubator, TwinklHive, is open for ap- plications and will support EdTech startups with a cus- tomisable investment oppor- tunity, including options for mentorship and a cash injec- tion.
The digital community is keen to raise Sheffield’s profile as a thriving hub for the digital industries. Shef- field Digital will continue to run its quarterly Showcase
events and, following the success of its first appear- ance in 2019, the Sheffield Digital Festival will again take place in May. The plan is for a week of activity, from May 15 to 21, including a vari- ety of events to appeal to all.
The Main Event on the fi- nal day will be in the Ko-Host event space at Castle House. We are also delighted to see that the Front End North conference will be back in 2020, on February 7 at the Crucible.
2020 will not be without its challenges, but expect the digital sector to make an even greater contribution to Sheffield’s economy and the cultural life of the city, with Sheffield Digital supporting it all the way.
THURSDAY 19TH MARCH 2020 CUTLERS’
HALL, SHEFFIELD
Awards
The Star is once again searching for Sheffield’s stand out women in celebration of International Women’s Day.
We have twelve award categories available, which will highlight the city’s most prominent females who have made a difference to the lives of others.
The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 8th March at Kenwood Hall Hotel, Sheffield.
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, deluxe Afternoon Tea as well the awards themselves which promise to have you on your feet as we celebrate the very best of our city. Each finalist will receive a complimentary ticket to attend, limited additional tickets will be available to purchase.
To find out how to enter, simply visit www.womenofsheffield.co.uk before the deadline of Friday 7th February
08 KEY TOPICS
25 EXPERT SPEAKERS
01 GREAT NORTHERN CONFERENCE
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Mel Kanarek.
THE GREAT NORTHERN CONFERENCE
2020
BUILDING FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
WWW.GREATNORTHERNCONFERENCE.CO.UK