Teesside’s Digital Sector Reports Substantial Growth

Digital enterprises in Teesside are demonstrating “exciting” levels of expansion, according to reports from academics and company executives. Chloe Clover, who heads the Middlesbrough-based video production firm Wander Films, also indicated that the digital industry in the region, a former industrial heartland, possesses an “ambition to grow” further. David Hughes, an academic from Teesside University, stated that the area is “transitioning from a heavy emitting economy to a really clean green digital future.” He added, “There are new businesses starting all the time.” Dr Jo Noble, also affiliated with Teesside University, noted that several new initiatives in the locality are attempting to integrate technology with the region’s established industrial foundations. For instance, she explained, researchers working for the oil industry have successfully developed animations illustrating how cables could be connected to rigs. Dr Noble remarked, “If you’re able to animate that and provide simulations before they are actually built – that’s a huge advantage.” One of the most significant success stories from the region is the game developer previously known as SockMoney Studios. This company was founded in 2013 in Middlesbrough by two graduates of Teesside University. In 2023, the firm was acquired by the Canadian gaming enterprise Behaviour Interactive. Bob Makin, a co-founder of SockMoney, commented, “Now we’re working on similar things like [major brands such as Assassin’s Creed] right in the centre of Middlesbrough.”