Middlesbrough Digital

May 17th 2019

A glorious evening and a delicious hog roast set the scene at the latest Tees Valley Business Club fully subscribed event, hosted at Acklam Hall. Members and guests gathered for an update from Middlesbrough Digital; Middlesbrough Digital Manager, Dan Watson, Digital City Investment Manager, David Dixon and DigitalCity Cluster Innovation Manager at Teesside University, Scott Watson, Logic Architecture, Managing Director, Mark Barlow presented to the club on the story of Middlesbrough Digital so far and the future of the Boho Zone. To demonstrate further, a panel of BOHO Zone businesses were invited to the stage for a panel discussion.

Jane Reynolds Chair of the business club welcomed members to Acklam Hall and invited Dan Watson, David Dixon, Scott Watson and Mark Barlow to the stage to talk about the ever-transforming Digital Middlesbrough scene. David Dixon discussed the impact that Digital City has had for the region since 2004, with over 350 business created, 700 jobs created and provided 650 tech, digital and creative businesses support.

Scott Watson gave an insight into the Fellowship programme, which offers early stage businesses a programme of workshops and mentoring and a grant of up to £5,000. Scott urged any businesses that are themselves an early business or if they know any businesses that need support to come forward.

The Fellowship programme is just one of three programmes available, David Dixon spoke about both DigitalCity’s SCALE programme and Investor Ready programme that is available to businesses that can demonstrate high growth and a business capable of scaling up. DigitalCity’s SCALE programme has already transformed numerous businesses across the Tees Valley. David Dixon gave examples of how the programme has changed the way businesses operate and have scaled up since attending.

Mark Barlow from Logic Architecture was invited to the stage to discuss and show the plans of BOHO Next Generation; the creation of a ‘Digital Campus’ alongside the former town hall building within Middlehaven, attracting £20 million investment, including the development of 60,000 sq ft of office space and creating up to 2,000 jobs.

Dan Watson welcomed four Boho businesses to the stage James Lee, Marketing Director at Mabo, Bob Makin, Managing Director at Sockmonkey Studies, Danielle Bloom, Director, Calm Digital and Peter Turner, Cocoon & Bauer.

Dan Watson: Why did you choose the BOHO Zone and what are the benefits?

James Lee: “Born and bred in Middlesbrough we wanted to create the business in our hometown, the Boho Zone was a great fit for us. But for the social element too for our staff, being based in the town has given the team easy access to the town’s facilities. BOHO offered a collaborative scene and we’ve worked with lots of businesses in the zone, which has been a huge benefit.”

Danielle Bloom: “By choosing the BOHO Zone we’ve received lots of support to help us grow and we’ve been able to work collaboratively with businesses at BOHO. Because of our location close to the industry sector, it’s helped a great deal with one of our latest products.”

Bob Makin: “The rates relief was a great help for us to reinvest the money back into the business, as well the funds and programmes Teesside University have provided. Being based in BOHO has enabled us to be competitive in the market.”

Peter Turner: “I was sick of travelling to work outside of the Tees Valley and came back to Middlesbrough to set up my business and chose the BOHO Zone as if was a great fit. I’ve recently picked up a lot of work from the Tees Valley region, which previously didn’t happen!”

Dan Watson: What’s the future for Middlesbrough Digital?

Bob Makin: “Keep going! We hope to put Teesside on the map again for the games industry.”

Danielle Bloom: “More collaborations, more support, Middlesbrough Digital will drastically grow.”

James Lee: “The future is fantastic for the digital scene in Middlesbrough, huge companies invest in Middlesbrough based businesses and it will only increase.”

We’re looking forward to seeing you at our next event, which will be held at The Grand Marque, Wynyard on the 20th June.