PwC to create 1,000 new tech jobs in Manchester
PwC has launched a new tech hub in Manchester and is set to create up to 1,000 new roles over three years.
The tech hub will be based at the firm’s No 1 Spinningfields office and will be focused on developing new tools to use across PwC’s business but to also support clients.
At least 100 of the new jobs are being recruited immediately for the tech hub and PwC is also planning to grow its own talent via partnerships with local organisations.
Heading up the tech hub is Ben Higgin, PwC UK Executive Board Member with responsibility for technology and investments.
Ben, who is originally from Altrincham, is returning to the region to focus on developing the hub.
He said: “There is not only a huge demand for digitisation, AI and data analytics services from our own organisation but from our clients too. This is an exciting opportunity to be able to develop new products that we can use for our people, to drive that digital transformation.
“We chose Manchester because it has a growing vibrant tech scene, it is attracting exciting businesses as well as talent and is at the forefront of innovation.
“We want to grow our presence regionally and make sure the work we are doing in Manchester supports our growth nationally.
“We’re excited about taking on new tech talent but we also want to grow our own skills base and we’re having conversation with firms here to do that.”
Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner, said: “The opening of our technology hub reflects the critical and growing role of new technologies to our business and our clients.
“It also underscores our commitment to regional growth and supporting regional rebalancing. More than half of our staff are now based outside London and that proportion will continue to grow. “
He added: “Alongside our offices in Bradford and Leeds, our expansion in the North West reflects our confidence in regional growth and the important role of offices in attracting people and nurturing talent. Skills in technology and strengthening regional prosperity are vital to the UK economy and closing the productivity gap.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s fantastic to see PwC’s ongoing commitment in Manchester and further recognition of the city’s distinctive status.
The city is the fastest-growing digital and tech hub in Europe and we are fast becoming the UK’s leading digital city-region. As more and more businesses set-up, grow and move here, we are building an ecosystem that supports businesses and talent at every level.
“It’s great that PwC continues to support our culture of collaboration, working with others to grow jobs, skills and opportunity.”
PwC’s new Manchester tech hub follows the June opening of an Advanced Research and development centre in Belfast, bringing 800 new jobs to Northern Ireland.
