Digital sector creates "huge" opportunities for region’s businesses

BUSINESSES in Yorkshire have huge opportunities ahead with the emerging digital sector, according to an industry expert.

Deloitte partner Paul Thompson who heads up Deloitte Digital – the part of the firm which works in online and mobile strategy, design and development – said he see’s digital as one of the  highest growth areas in the business and has seen a demand for digital work across the sectors.

“We are seeing all types of business, whether b2b or consumer, see the real benefits of digital in terms of improving their customer experience and helping them get to the market and engage with customers. Adopting a digital strategy allows business to rapidly expand on a global basis.

“There are a significant proportion of fast growing technology companies in Yorkshire and business here can look forward to huge opportunities with this sector.”

Deloitte has recently announced it is creating 1,200 new jobs – 500 in its digital business.

A proportion of these could be in Yorkshire, depending on where the talent is, Deloitte said.

Thompson said in the Leeds-based digital team there are already a number of lead developers. “We are serious about this in terms of attracting the best talent,” he said. “We are looking to recruit where the talent is across the offices and we have a good track-record recruiting in Yorkshire. It also depends where our clients are.”

David Sproul, chief executive and senior partner at Deloitte UK, said: “Our digital business has grown by 100% over the last two years and we expect to double in size by the end of next year, with clients increasingly seeking advice on developing technology software, products and digital services.”