Sunderland Software City

Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South

A local MP has described Sunderland Software City as “a massive asset to Sunderland and to the region”

In an online interview, Bridget Phillipson, member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South, described the initiative as “incredibly important”.

Bridget said: “I think it’s incredible what’s been achieved here.

 “For the North East to have the largest number of tech start ups outside of London at such a difficult time economically is remarkable and it’s a testament to the hard work of the people here and the skills of our graduates.

When asked why she thought the software industry is so important to the North East’s economic future, she said:

“It’s a growth industry, it’s a green industry and it also allows graduates to stay here in the North East and find well-paid, highly-skilled work.

“But also, we want to see increasing growth in the private sector and that allows us do to that.

“(Sunderland Software City) has been particularly important in the support it provides both to those start ups and individuals who want to set up their own companies but also to larger companies.

“Having that expertise and support is incredibly important…you might have a great idea but not the technical know-how, or equally you might have the technical know-how but not the business expertise.

“In order to get the support, to get investment, to get the physical bricks and mortar where you can base yourself, I think it’s a massive asset to Sunderland and to the region”.

The interview can be seen in full here

Chief Executive Officer Bernie Callaghan said: “It’s a very exciting time for the North East software industry, with Sunderland this week again named one of the best places in the UK to start a business.

“There’s such support throughout the region for what we’re trying to achieve – a sustainable and thriving North East software industry – and we’re very grateful for Bridget’s backing.”