City snapshot
The UK tech sector has seen significant growth over the last decade. Tech companies are more than ever competing for the best talent. This report showcases our top 15 Tech Destinations outside of London to inform the decision making process for both occupiers and investors.
Manchester
#1
Birmingham
#2
Glasgow
#3
Reading
#4
Edinburgh
#5
Bristol
#6
Newcastle
#7
Leeds
#8
Oxford
#9
Sheffield
#10
Nottingham
#11
Liverpool
#12
Cambridge
#13
Brighton
#14
Portsmouth
#15
Click on the the map to read each tech city profile.
#1
Manchester
Manchester has once again shown its strength as a leading tech location, maintaining the number one spot as the leading tech city in the UK outside of London.
Talent
TECH
Office
79
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
Information & Communication Employment v UK average
7.04
sq ft of office supply
3.5m
Population make-up 2020
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
76
Talent
Information & Communication Employment Outlook
+7.65%
TECH
Information & Communication Employment since 2015
+20%
Tech
Birmingham is one of the most notable movers in this years’ ranking, rising from its previous position of fourth in our 2019 edition.
Birmingham
#2
Average residential rent
£695
Cost of living
Prime office rent
£34.50
Office
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
73
Talent
Glasgow continues to attract tech talent and companies, maintaining its position at number three.
Glasgow
#3
pcm
Gen Z growth since 2015
+6.5%
Population
Population with NVQ4+
147,300
Talent
Gross pay
£38,165
Cost of living
Reading has long been the tech hub of the Thames Valley region, with over half of the towns office take-up driven by tech companies.
Reading
#4
Prime office rent
£37.50
office
Information & Communication Employment since 2015
+47%
Talent
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
76
Talent
With five universities located in Edinburgh, the city scores highly in the Guardian’s Computer Science Degree ranking resulting in Edinburgh placing in the top five UK cities for tech investment.
Edinburgh
#5
Tech companies
3,140
Tech
Average residential rent
£925
Cost of living
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
82
Talent
The cities tech score has increased from the previous edition of Tech Cities to place Bristol in sixth position - up from 11 in 2019.
Bristol
#6
Average residential rent
£600
Cost of living
Information & communication Employment
22,000
Tech
Tech companies
1,490
Tech
Two universities located in the city combined with reasonable living costs, Newcastle is a dynamic location attracting both young talent and a growing tech community.
Newcastle
#7
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
65
Talent
Average residential rent
£671
Cost of living
Tech companies
+59%
Tech
Sitting within the top 10, Leeds tech capabilities has significantly grown in the last decade. Channel 4’s selection of the city for their new HQ has helped to cement this and is expected to attract similar companies and innovative start-ups.
Leeds
#8
Population with NVQ4+
65,700
Education
Gen Z population
Strong
Population
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
83
Talent
With number of spin out companies coming from the university’s commercial innovation arm, Oxford has a high number of digital and tech jobs. Notable start-ups include Oxbotica and Biocarbon Engineering.
Oxford
#9
Tech companies
755
Tech
Prime office rent
£49.50
Office
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
78
Talent
Cambridge has received significant amounts of both public and private investment, placing in the top five UK tech hubs gaining VC investment during 2020.
Cambridge
#13
1
Manchester
Birmingham
2
Glasgow
3
Reading
4
Edinburgh
5
Bristol
6
Newcastle
7
Leeds
8
Oxford
9
Sheffield
10
Nottingham
11
Liverpool
12
Cambridge
13
Brighton
14
Portsmouth
15
Tech companies
1,135
TECH
Prime office rent
£26.50
OFFICE
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
75
Talent
Sheffield is home to a number of successful tech companies with a number of universities producing high levels of talent.
Sheffield
#10
Tech companies
1,290
Tech
Millennial growth 2015-2020
8.0%
Population
Average residential rent
£596
Cost of living
Nottingham has climbed the rankings to sit just outside of the top 10 top tech locations. With a high level of tech employment, we expect to see it to continue to grow as a tech destination.
Nottingham
#11
Average residential rent
£450
Education
Population with NVQ4+
27,500
Population
Guardian Scorings for Computer Science Degrees 2021
71
Talent
Liverpool has begun to establish itself as a tech destination, with high levels of talent and affordable costs of living.
Liverpool
#12
Prime office rent
£32.50
Office
Gen Z population
Strong
Population
Tech companies
2,115
Tech
A vibrant destination with strong millennial and gen Z presence. Traditionally home to digital advertising and marketing companies, Brighton is now expanding its tech capacities, with the gaming sector increasingly drawn to the city.
Brighton
#14
Prime office rent
£740
Office
Tech companies
1,350
Tech
Information & Communication Employment outlook
+3.75%
Talent
With strong roots in the defence industry, Portsmouth lends itself well to tech companies and has been going from strength to strength in recent times.
Portsmouth
#15
pcm
pcm
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
UK office markets are ideally placed to capitalise on the growth of tech. Accelerated by the pandemic, many large tech companies are exploring the option of a “hub and hub” strategy for the UK operations.
Office market
Living costs play a role in where talent chooses to location. Cities with a lower cost of living will have an advantage in attracting tech talent.
Cost of living
Cities with a strong tech presence are well placed to attract new talent. Strong information & communication employment will act to create agglomeration of economies resulting in increased knowledge sharing and innovation.
Tech Employment
Large concentrations of highly skilled workers and universities will be an advantage for cities looking to secure tech companies.
Education
Millennials Growth 2010-2020
Population make-up 2020
The presence of a diverse population has been an advantage for cities looking to attract tech companies. In addition to size and generational mix, access to a highly skilled female population is increasingly important tech companies in the UK.
Population
