New research shows Warwick District still leading the tech sector

Warwick District continues to lead the way nationally in the technology sector, topping the table for companies in the industry, according to new research.

The West Midlands' tech sector grew by more than eight per cent in the past year, headed by Warwick District where tech firms account for 14 per cent of businesses, according to the latest KPMG/Markit Tech Monitor UK Survey.

The survey revealed that the number of technology businesses in the West Midlands region rose by 8.4 per cent between 2014 and 2015, with figures surging by a quarter since 2010.

Nationally, the region was ranked fourth on the list of areas with the greatest proportion of tech sector companies, behind London, the south-east and the east of England.

Powered by the world-renowned gaming cluster in Leamington "Silicon" Spa, Warwick District's tech firms made up 14 per cent of businesses in the area, followed by Coventry (12 per cent), Solihull (11 per cent), Telford & Wrekin (9 per cent) and Redditch (nine per cent).

Warwick District also experienced the fastest increase in enterprises since 2014.

Mike Steventon, Midlands regional chairman for KPMG described the figures as "hugely encouraging."

"It is important that the UK has a strong tech sector and vital for the West Midlands to be at the forefront of innovation," he said. "So it is hugely encouraging to see our region’s tech industry grow by 25 per cent in just five years.

"Perhaps more importantly, we are carving out niches in the region, building on our region’s heritage in areas such as automotive and manufacturing, but doing so in a modern and innovative way.

"This creation of tech centres of excellence will create a virtuous circle of attracting global investment and acting as a magnet to the best tech talent."