Search is on for TechNorth execs

THE Government is recruiting for its new TechNorth body which will seek to support technology-related businesses and attract inward investment.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg launched the organisation in October saying it would bring together tech businesses based in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle to act as a “virtual hub” to rival Berlin, New York and Shanghai.

The move is in line with Chancellor George Osborne’s idea of a “Northern powerhouse” which seeks to encourage closer collaboration between Northern cities to foster economic activity.

TechCity, a similar organisation established to put London’s tech community on the map, is advertising five TechNorth roles on its website.

These are: Head of TechNorth, head of marketing, head of inward investment, head of digital skills, and head of start-up ecosystem.

The salaries are not disclosed and the location has not yet been confirmed, although all roles will require travel across the North.

In Greater Manchester the tech world straddles two sectors – creative, digital and media which has 6,000 businesses employing 70,000 people, and technology and communications which supports about 100,000 jobs. Last year media and creative contributed £1.1bn to Manchester’s economy while technology and communications was responsible for £1.9bn.

In Liverpool nearly 50,000 people are employed in digital and creative businesses, including gaming, music, digital media and design.