A Cumbrian entrepreneur has set out a vision to create a community aimed at nurturing the county’s digital industries.
Graham Hadaway from Windermere says his aim is to grow digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Cumbria at a time when demand has never been greater
“Having worked in Cumbria for over ten years and in many industries I have searched high and low for a digital community in Cumbria, only to find myself heading to Lancaster, Manchester and London to get my tech fix,” Graham said.
“This has driven me to consider how we can create something in Cumbria—a place where we can harness opportunities and connect people. This has led to the idea of The Tech District.”
A cluster focusing on electrical industries already exists with more than 30 signed up to form the Electech Cluster around Morecambe Bay.
Graham’s idea is to give a united voice to all the technology industries of Cumbria to share ideas and help SMEs hire, collaborate and support those looking to start new companies. As well push to bring more digital businesses into the county.
“We have so much industrial activities going on in this county, why can’t we be the digital furnace of the north?” Graham said. “There won’t be an AI solution to make this happen—it will require good old-fashioned conversations and community building.
“It’s about showing those growing up here now that innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities exist right on their doorstep.
“Some may disagree but I would say we are fortunate to have large players in the area providing many jobs, however I do believe this sometimes limits the vision of people to take the plunge and go ahead with a start-up, form a new company or change careers.
“We need to work on how we support and grow SMEs and enable failures.
“As well as understand that people aren’t going to come and live in Cumbria if we can’t have a more rounded culture as well, having things for people to do outside of work is just as important as having the jobs available.”
A landing page for the digital platform is now live and anyone interested in joining the cluster is invited to register https://techdistrictcumbria.co.uk/ interest in the idea.
By having a single identity it’s hoped that awareness for the fantastic opportunities, achievements and events that are happening in the county can be achieved.
This will, in time, encourage more people to live and work in Cumbria who come from digital backgrounds and encourage more business in Cumbria to use technology to connect and thrive.
