The Economist branches out with new Birmingham tech hub
The Economist is set to launch a new technology innovation unit in Birmingham as it looks to boost in-house support for its digital services.
The new hub, which will be the company’s first UK site outside London, will house roughly 45 members of staff focused on development and support for the magazine’s website, mobile apps and marketing tools.
Read more: State seizes permanent control of G4S 'war zone' prison
“We did an exhaustive search to land in Birmingham, which will provide us with access to a pipeline of world-class technologists to join our team in support of The Economist’s world-class journalism,” said chief digital officer Andrew Williams.
“As we work to grow our in-house technology team, we are committed to our future in Birmingham and excited about the opportunities presented by the technology community there.”
The new site comes as a growing number of businesses look to invest in the burgeoning tech scene in the West Midlands. Birmingham is currently developing a new tech district, dubbed the 'Silicon Canal', in a bid to attract businesses and talent.
Read more: London startups to take fintech unicorn crown from San Francisco
Last year the government announced it will invest up to £50m in the area, which will be used as the UK’s first multi-city 5G test bed.
Nevertheless, London remains the heart of the UK's tech scene. A report published earlier this week revealed the capital is on track to becoming home to the same number of fintech unicorns as San Francisco, the world’s current leader.