Disruption North scheme launched to boost digital and tech firms in Birmingham

Disruption North, a new scheme launched to help boost digital and tech-focused businesses in cities from Birmingham to Newcastle, will aim to profile and celebrate innovation in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle and, through a range of channels, provide opportunities for firms and stakeholders.

The initiative is a collaboration between business intelligence platform DisruptionHub and Bruntwood SciTech, aimed at helping to support the development of jobs, talent and ecosystems that Northern cities need to grow and thrive on a global stage.

Phil Kemp, CEO of Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Legal and General and commercial property firm Bruntwood, said: “Collaboration is at the heart of Bruntwood SciTech and partnering with DisruptionHub creates a real opportunity to celebrate and showcase some of the brilliant, market-disrupting innovators and technologies from across the North.

“There are great ideas forming, scaling and growing in many of the North’s key cities helping to contribute to the growth and strength of the UK tech economy.

“We’re always looking for ways to support our customers to tell their stories by identifying new platforms and opportunities for collaboration, network building, and cross sector communication, which Disruption North will certainly do”.

Disruption North will interview and share opinion from startups and established businesses, who will then be able to apply to achieve the status of “Northern Star”, and be profiled across the Disruption North network and platform.

Rob Prevett, co-founder and CEO of DisruptonHub, said: “After five years of running DisruptionHub I’ve met hundreds of exciting individuals and companies working in digital innovation.

“But I’m always frustrated at how little exposure companies outside of London receive when there’s such an abundance of talent, particularly in the North. The reality is there’s so much going on here and it’s a really great environment for growing digital businesses.

“The aim is to highlight not just the plethora of talent in the North but to demonstrate the value for businesses that find a home in these cities.”