Growing Tech Hubs in the UK: Beyond London

London has long been regarded as the tech capital of the UK, and even Europe, with its thriving ecosystem of startups, investors, and talent. However, in recent years, other cities across the UK have emerged as attractive alternatives for tech companies and workers, offering lower costs, higher quality of life, and access to regional markets and networks. In this article, we will explore some of the up-and-coming tech hubs in the UK, beyond London, and what they have to offer in terms of tech jobs, average salaries, and average house prices. We will also highlight some of the interesting features and landmarks of each city that make them unique and appealing.

Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and the third-largest city in the UK, with a population of over 800,000. It is a major centre for finance, legal, and professional services, as well as a cultural and educational hub. Leeds has a strong and diverse tech sector, with over 3,500 digital businesses employing over 70,000 people, according to Tech Nation. Some of the notable tech companies based in Leeds include Sky Betting & Gaming, Asda, NHS Digital, and TransUnion. Leeds is also home to several tech accelerators, incubators, and co-working spaces, such as Nexus, Futurelabs, and Platform.

The average salary for tech jobs in Leeds is £37,250*, according to Totaljobs, which is 37.9% above the median salary in the city (£27,023), according to Glassdoor. The average house price in Leeds is £214,024, according to Zoopla, which is 7.9% below the UK average (£232,530).

Leeds is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a rich history and heritage. It has a wide range of cultural attractions, such as the Royal Armouries Museum, the Leeds Art Gallery, and the Leeds Grand Theatre. It also has a lively nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and music venues. Leeds is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, and the North York Moors within easy reach.

Manchester

Manchester is the second-largest city in the UK, with a population of over 2.7 million. It is a global city, with a strong reputation for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Manchester has a booming tech sector, with over 10,000 digital businesses employing over 100,000 people, according to Tech Nation. Some of the leading tech companies based in Manchester include The Hut Group, AO.com, Boohoo, and On The Beach. Manchester is also a hub for e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, and cybersecurity, as well as a host of tech events, such as the Manchester Digital Festival, the Manchester Tech Trust, and the Manchester Science Festival.

The average salary for tech jobs in Manchester is £42,500*, according to Totaljobs, which is 41.4% above the median salary in the city (£30,050), according to Glassdoor. The average house price in Manchester is £209,856, according to Zoopla, which is 9.8% below the UK average.

Manchester is a dynamic and diverse city, with a proud industrial and social heritage. It has a rich cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, theatres, and concert halls, such as the Manchester Museum, the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Palace Theatre, and the Bridgewater Hall. It also has a vibrant nightlife, with many pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as a famous music scene. Manchester is well-connected to the rest of the UK and Europe, with an international airport, a high-speed rail network, and a tram system.

Bristol

Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England, with a population of over 460,000. It is a creative and innovative city, with a strong focus on sustainability, social justice, and digital inclusion. Bristol has a thriving tech sector, with over 7,500 digital businesses employing over 50,000 people, according to Tech Nation. Some of the prominent tech companies based in Bristol include Dyson, Just Eat, Graphcore, and Ovo Energy. Bristol is also a leader in emerging technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart cities, with research centres such as the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the University of Bristol, and the Bristol VR Lab.

The average salary for tech jobs in Bristol is £42,500*, according to Totaljobs, which is 38.5% above the median salary in the city (£30,700), according to Glassdoor. The average house price in Bristol is £336,096, according to Zoopla, which is 44.5% above the UK average.

Bristol is a lively and diverse city, with a rich maritime and artistic heritage. It has a variety of cultural attractions, such as the SS Great Britain, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the Bristol Old Vic, and the Bristol Hippodrome. It also has a vibrant nightlife, with many pubs, bars, clubs, and festivals, such as the Bristol Harbour Festival, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, and the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival. Bristol is surrounded by stunning scenery, with the Mendip Hills, the Cotswolds, and the Wye Valley nearby.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second-largest city in Scotland, with a population of over 500,000. It is a historic and cultural city, with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a world-famous festival, and a royal palace. Edinburgh has a flourishing tech sector, with over 3,000 digital businesses employing over 40,000 people, according to Tech Nation. Some of the notable tech companies based in Edinburgh include Skyscanner, FanDuel, FreeAgent, and Nucleus Financial. Edinburgh is also a centre for fintech, edtech, and biotech, with research institutes such as the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh BioQuarter, and the Edinburgh Futures Institute.

The average salary for tech jobs in Edinburgh is £37,500*, according to Totaljobs, which is 32.6% above the median salary in the city (£28,300), according to Glassdoor. The average house price in Edinburgh is £287,055, according to Zoopla, which is 23.5% above the UK average.

Edinburgh is a beautiful and charming city, with a stunning skyline, a medieval old town, and a Georgian new town. It has a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It also has a lively nightlife, with many pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as a renowned comedy scene. Edinburgh is well-connected to the rest of the UK and Europe, with an international airport, a high-speed rail network, and a tram system.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and the fourth-largest city in the UK, with a population of over 600,000. It is a vibrant and modern city, with a strong industrial and cultural legacy. Glasgow has a growing tech sector, with over 2,500 digital businesses employing over 30,000 people, according to Tech Nation. Some of the leading tech companies based in Glasgow include Aggreko, STV, M Squared Lasers, and Encompass. Glasgow is also a hub for gaming, digital media, and software engineering, with academic institutions such as the University of Glasgow, the Glasgow School of Art, and the Glasgow Caledonian University.

The average salary for tech jobs in Glasgow is £37,500*, according to Totaljobs, which is 36.4% above the median salary in the city (£27,500), according to Glassdoor. The average house price in Glasgow is £175,813, according to Zoopla, which is 24.4% below the UK average.

Glasgow is a dynamic and diverse city, with a rich history and heritage. It has a wide range of cultural attractions, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and the Glasgow Science Centre. It also has a vibrant nightlife, with many pubs, bars, clubs, and music venues, such as the King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the Barrowland Ballroom, and the SSE Hydro. Glasgow is surrounded by stunning scenery, with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Clyde Valley, and the Ayrshire coast within easy reach.

Birmingham

Birmingham is the second-largest city in England and the fifth-largest city in the UK, with a population of over 1.1 million. It is a diverse and multicultural city, with a strong entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. Birmingham has a burgeoning tech sector, with over 6,000 digital businesses employing over 50,000 people, according to Tech Nation. Some of the prominent tech companies based in Birmingham include Gymshark, Advanced, Kainos, and Majestic. Birmingham is also a leader in transport, manufacturing, and healthcare technologies, with research centres such as the University of Birmingham, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The average salary for tech jobs in Birmingham is £42,500*, according to [Totaljobs]

In this article, we have seen that London is not the only option for tech businesses and workers in the UK, as there are many other cities that are growing and thriving in the tech sector. We have compared the data on the number of tech jobs, average salaries, and average house prices in four of these cities: Bristol, Manchester, Cambridge, and Birmingham. We have found that each of these cities has its own strengths, opportunities, and challenges, and that the cost of living varies significantly among them. While London remains the most expensive and competitive city, the other cities offer lower costs, higher quality of life, and access to regional markets and networks. As the UK’s tech sector continues to expand and diversify, these cities are likely to play a key role in driving innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the post-Brexit and post-pandemic era where remote work is commonplace.

*The salaries mentioned in this article are a general average across tech jobs, dependent on your experience, skillset and place of work this could be much higher or slightly lower in reality.

Data & Analytics skills in 2024, where to focus?

As someone who interacts with professionals in the Data & Analytics market on a daily basis, I am often asked by candidates where they should be upskilling or where I see the biggest increases in demand in the market. So far in 2024, the two key areas I am seeing a large increase in demand are in Data Governance/Enablement and DataOps requirements. In this article you will find my thoughts on both of these areas as well as insights from Ayoob Ibrahim - Talent Acquisition Manager at Billigence who works closely with projects in the Data Enablement space.

Data enablement and governance may see similar on the surface, but they are quite different in practice.

Data Governance is the process of managing the availability, usability, integrity, and security of the data used in an organization. It involves the creation of policies, procedures, and standards to ensure that data is managed effectively and efficiently. Data Governance is essential for organizations that rely on data to make informed decisions. It helps ensure that data is accurate, reliable, and consistent across the organization. Data Governance also helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements and avoid costly penalties.

Data enablement is the practice of ensuring that the right data is accessible to the right people, has become a critical aspect of organizational success. In the past, data governance may not have been a popular topic, but with the increasing emphasis on compliance, especially with regulations like GDPR, it has become crucial. Now, the focus is on discussing the benefits and long-term returns associated with proper data handling. Ensuring that the right data is accessible to the right people can significantly expedite high-level decision-making, ultimately driving revenue. The shift towards data enablement reflects a positive approach, highlighting the strategic advantages and opportunities that effective data utilization can bring to an organization.

Ayoob says: "The surge in demand for effective data governance, or as we prefer to call it, data enablement, has sparked a noticeable shift in the industry. Small to mid-sized consultancies, exemplified by companies like Billigence, are increasingly taking on more work in this domain. This trend is challenging the dominance of the traditional big players, often referred to as the "Big 4."

One key factor contributing to this shift is the specialized expertise that smaller consultancies bring to the table. Unlike the Big 4, which may have a more generalized approach, smaller firms often focus on specific industries or sectors, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges and nuances within those domains.

Enter the role of a Data Enablement Analyst or Manager, a crucial position tasked with overseeing and ensuring the effective and secure management of an organization's data assets. These professionals play a pivotal role in implementing policies, standards, and processes to safeguard data integrity, privacy, and compliance.

When it comes to the skills required for success in this field, expertise in Data Quality, Data Management, and a thorough understanding of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are paramount. Small to mid-sized consultancies excel in recruiting individuals with precisely these skill sets, as they prioritize hiring experts who can navigate the intricacies of data enablement within specific industries.

A quick look at the most common industries hiring Data Enablement professionals reveals a diverse landscape. Technology, Information and Internet, Credit Intermediation, and Insurance are among the sectors leading the charge in adopting robust data enablement practices.

Interestingly, the gender distribution in data enablement hires is evolving. As of 2023, the industry sees a notable balance, with women representing 40% of hires and men constituting the remaining 60%. This shift towards gender diversity highlights the industry's commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce.

As remote and hybrid work models continue to gain traction across various industries, the availability of remote jobs in data enablement stands at 6.0%, while hybrid job opportunities are significantly higher at 72.2%. This flexibility in work arrangements aligns with the changing dynamics of the modern workplace and allows professionals in the field to adapt to the evolving nature of data enablement.

The realm of data enablement signals a paradigm shift in how organizations approach the management of their data assets. With a focus on specialized domain knowledge, these consultancies are proving that expertise often trumps size, offering tailored solutions that resonate with the unique challenges faced by businesses in today's data-driven world. The shift from data governance to data enablement reflects a positive evolution, highlighting strategic advantages and opportunities for organizations to thrive in the era of data-driven decision-making."

Source - (2) LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2024: 25 UK roles that are growing in demand | LinkedIn 

In addition to the concepts of Data Governance and Enablement, there are several technologies that can help organizations manage their data more effectively.

Collibra is a popular platform for Data Governance & Enablement that provides flexible governance, continuous quality, and built-in privacy to all types of data. It allows organizations to automate and operationalize data governance workflows and processes, and deliver trusted data for the people, by the people across the organization.

DataOps is a set of practices, processes, and technologies that enable organizations to improve the speed, accuracy, and reliability of their data

management and analytics operations. DataOps is often compared to DevOps and agile methodologies used in software development, as it aims to break down silos, encourage collaboration, and streamline workflows for data teams. The core philosophy of DataOps is to treat data as a valuable asset that must be managed and processed efficiently. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different teams, such as data engineers, data scientists, and business analysts, to ensure that everyone has access to the right data at the right time. DataOps also encourages a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, as teams work together to identify and address bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their data pipelines and processes.

DataOps often involves managing cloud infrastructure and orchestration tools to quickly deliver high-quality data with improved security. Some of the cloud infrastructure responsibilities that DataOps roles often include are:

• Designing and implementing the technical infrastructure for data pipelines

• Managing and deploying data infrastructure

• Setting up standards, processes, and methodologies for data analytics products

• Providing access to multiple data sources

• Facilitating testing and monitoring of data management processes

• Governing data quality, security, privacy, retention

• Generating data model and data versioning

• Ensuring compliance with company security standards

Some of the technologies that can help with these responsibilities include Azure BICEP and Terraform. Both of these tools are infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tools that allow you to manage your cloud infrastructure as code. While Terraform is a general-purpose tool, BICEP is designed specifically for Azure-related tasks. They both offer CLI tools and allow you to manage IT and development infrastructure as code .

The average contract day rates for Data Governance/Enablement and DataOps consultants are between £500 and £600 per day . These rates are indicative of the high demand for these skills in the market. Organizations are willing to pay a premium for professionals who can help them manage their data effectively and efficiently.

Of course there are other more known areas of the Data & Analytics world that also have a high demand but If you are looking to upskill in the Data & Analytics market in 2024, these are two areas certainly worth considering.

The Data & Analytics Technology Landscape in 2024

The Data & Analytics technology landscape in 2024 is driven by two major trends: the continued adoption and advancement of cloud data platforms and the advancement of generative AI and large language models. These trends are continuously transforming how data is ingested, stored, processed, analysed and applied across various domains and industries.

Cloud data platforms are software-as-a-service solutions that offer scalable, secure and flexible data management and analytics capabilities. They enable users to access, integrate, transform and query data from various sources, such as data warehouses, data lakes, streaming data, structured and semi-structured data, etc. They also provide tools for data science, data engineering, data applications and data sharing.

Some prominent cloud data platforms in 2024 are AWS and Snowflake, Azure and Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the use cases, requirements and preferences of the users. Here is a brief comparison of the key features and differentiators of each platform:

- AWS and Snowflake: This partnership offers a seamless integration between Snowflake's cloud data platform and AWS's cloud services, such as S3, Redshift, Glue, Athena, etc. Snowflake is known for its decoupled storage and compute architecture, its usage-based pricing model, its support for concurrency scaling and accessibility, and its security-first approach. Snowflake is ideal for users who want a fully managed cloud data platform that is cloud agnostic, has zero maintenance, limitless instant scaling, built-in query optimization and hybrid columnar storage .

- Azure and Databricks: This collaboration provides a unified analytics platform that combines Databricks' Spark-based analytics engine with Azure's cloud services, such as Blob Storage, Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, etc. Databricks is renowned for its interactive notebooks, its Delta Lake technology for data reliability and performance, its MLflow framework for machine learning lifecycle management, and its Koalas library for pandas compatibility. Databricks is ideal for users who want a fast and reliable analytics platform that supports advanced data engineering and data science workflows .

- Microsoft Fabric: This is a relatively new entrant in the cloud data platform market, but it has already gained traction among users who are familiar with Power BI and Azure data services. Microsoft Fabric is powered by AI capabilities, such as Co-Pilot, Chat GPT and AI-driven insights, that aim to streamline data and analytics processes. Microsoft Fabric also adheres to the principle of segregating storage and computation, optimizing efficiency. It boasts seamless integration with popular office applications and collaboration platforms such as Teams. With OneLake, Power BI, Azure Synapse and Azure Data Explorer working harmoniously, users get a tightly integrated analytics solution and a unified data lake. Microsoft Fabric is ideal for users who want an end-to-end integration and ease of use for their data and analytics needs .

Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) are another key trend in the Data & Analytics technology landscape in 2024. These are AI systems that can generate novel content or outputs based on existing data or inputs. They can be used for various purposes, such as text summarization, text generation, image generation, speech synthesis, etc. They can also enhance existing applications or create new ones that leverage natural language processing (NLP), computer vision (CV), speech recognition (SR), etc.

Some of the prominent examples of generative AI and LLMs are GPT-4 by OpenAI, BERT-2 by Google, Turing-NLG by Microsoft and Megatron-LM by NVIDIA. These models have billions or trillions of parameters and can learn from massive amounts of data across various domains and languages. They can generate coherent and fluent texts or images that are indistinguishable from human-produced ones. They can also answer complex questions or perform sophisticated tasks that require reasoning or creativity .

Generative AI and LLMs have enormous potential to impact various domains and industries in positive ways. They can provide efficiency, insight and opportunity for data-driven innovation and decision-making. They can also enable new forms of communication, collaboration and creativity. However, they also pose significant challenges and risks, such as deepfakes and misinformation, ethical and social implications, technical limitations and security threats .

The Data & Analytics technology landscape in 2024 is a dynamic and exciting field that offers immense opportunities for growth and transformation. However, it also requires careful consideration of the trade-offs and implications of the technologies involved. Users need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each cloud data platform and generative AI system. They also need to be responsible and ethical in their use of data and AI.