While London’s tech scene is continuing to command the attention of journalists and investors alike, one region that has gone under the radar in recent years but is now starting to establish itself as a real UK leader is the Leeds tech ecosystem. Leeds is home to more than 1300 tech businesses and is the largest centre of digital, financial and business services outside of the capital.
With less than a month to go until the eagerly awaited Leeds Digital Festival we shine a spotlight on five of the leading Leeds Tech businesses.
The Data Shed
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the Mabgate Mills based business are specialists in all things data and aren’t shy when it comes to talking about their analytics obsession. Founded in 2013 by former colleagues Anna Sutton and Ed Thewlis, the firm was born to help organisations overcome challenges when it comes to their data, particularly getting the right data in to the hands of the right people.
With experience delivering value-based analytics solutions for clients including Qantas, Hermes and cap hpi the business is well placed to capitalise on the increasing reliance organisations are placing on data-driven decision making following the pandemic and are forecasting further growth over the next two years.
TPP
Based in Horsforth but operating across the globe, TPP are one of the UK’s leading HealthTech businesses. Founded in 1997, the firm’s mission is simple – to completely connect healthcare. Their core product SystmOne hosts more than 50 million UK patient records and is used by nearly 8,000 NHS organisations, helping pioneer research and give patients more control over their care.
Powered by SystmOne TPP have also created Airmid, a patient-facing platform that empowers users to engage with their care network and take control of their personal wellbeing. The app facilitates everything from appointment booking through to video consultations and enables users to truly take control of their healthcare.
SatSense
The recent recipients of over £1.5m in investment, SatSense are one of Leeds’ start-ups to watch. Founded by University of Leeds Professors Andy Hooper and Tim Wright and now stewarded by CEO Matthew Bray, the business specialise in using data to monitor the potentially damaging movement of infrastructure.
As climate change continues to wreak havoc on ground conditions across the globe, SatSense’s platform is designed to identify areas and buildings that are at risk of subsidence and provide warnings ahead of time. Detecting these problems early can not only save businesses money but also help them avoid potential disasters.
dxw
Headquartered between Leeds and London, dxw are an independent digital agency that provide support to both the public and third sectors, notably to organisations with a mission to improve people’s lives. Offering a range of services from developing and hosting live services all the way through to defining organisational strategy, the business strive to deliver positive and sustainable change.
Working with clients such as Mind, NHS England and the Department of Education the business has delivered some truly outstanding work throughout the pandemic. With lockdown restrictions meaning that newly qualified teachers were unable to access vital training resources, dxw developed a bespoke website for the DfE to host online teacher training material in just 3 weeks, ensuring that the next generation of NQTs were not left behind by the pandemic.
Slingshot Simulations
Another business who have closed an impressive funding round earlier this year, Slingshot Simulations are global pioneers in the rapidly growing Digital Twin space. Offering simulation technology to commercial audiences, the business’ innovative platform enables firms to create virtual ‘twins’ of products, buildings or objects in order to test a range of new ideas.
The firm is already receiving attention from nearly 100 potential customers and is putting its technology to good use, taking part in a government trial helping to find ways to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution across Leeds, York and Hull.
If you’d like to read more about our work in the technology sector click here to view the results we’ve delivered for some of the UK’s most exciting start-ups.
