The view from here revisited: Stuart Clarke MBE

Leeds Digital Festival has been going for several years now. How do you reflect on this year’s festival, and what are your plans for the future?

Leeds Digital Festival has grown immensely over the past few years, evolving to reflect the dynamic shifts in the global tech landscape. What started as a few niche events has exploded into a two-week celebration of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, with around 200 events highlighting everything from AI and sustainability to careers and diversity. It’s no longer about the number of events but the quality of what’s on show.

One of the key differences now is the emphasis on people, which was especially notable this year. We’re seeing more opportunities around DE&I and digital careers, bringing together thousands to engage with training providers and employers. It’s an open platform where anyone, from the smallest startup to a global tech giant, can create and share valuable experiences, keeping it a true reflection of the sector’s growth and potential.

The feedback has been really positive, and the standard keeps rising each year. Next year will be particularly special—it’s our 10th anniversary, so we’re considering how to appropriately mark that milestone. We’re excited to continue raising the bar and making Leeds a global hotspot for digital innovation.

In March 2023, we launched “Leeds Digital,” which is a year-round platform for the community. Anyone can put their own events, news and insights on the platform, allowing us to stay engaged and connected outside the main festival period. The goal is to keep that momentum going throughout the year and to give individuals and companies a chance to collaborate and share knowledge continuously, not just during the festival itself.

How do you feel the tech ecosystem in the region has evolved since we last spoke?

It’s changed quite dramatically. Back in 2015, we’d struggle to keep tech talent who came out of university; many would leave the city because there just weren’t enough opportunities or the right networks to support them. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing more homegrown companies retain talent within Leeds. The ecosystem is more mature now.

Collaboration is also central to this growth – Leeds is far more collaborative compared to other cities, and I think that the “Yorkshire spirit” plays a huge role in this. We’re not just seeing local firms emerge but also major players like Channel 4 and Burberry entering the space, which boosts the city’s profile nationally and internationally.

What are some of the major opportunities and challenges you see for the region and its tech sector in the coming years?

A big opportunity is the continued growth in sectors like healthtech and fintech here in Leeds where we have developed a really strong base. We’re keeping more graduates in the city than we did ten years ago, and that’s crucial for continued growth.

Transport does remain a challenge, though – poor connectivity could put pressure on Leeds as a hub. If people can’t commute easily to Leeds, they either end up moving here, leading to housing pressures, or they leave the area entirely.

Leeds has significantly raised its profile on both the national and global stage with the arrival of major international companies such as PEXA and Cognizant, along with Microsoft announcing plans for a large data centre in the region.

These kinds of investments bring not only attention but also funding into the region, and we’re seeing a ripple effect from this. Local companies are also thriving, and many are re-investing in the area, creating a powerful growth cycle. This whole dynamic has taken off in the last 5-6 years, building a solid foundation for further expansion and opportunities in the coming years.

That said, funding is still one area where we can still improve overall. With more angel investors getting involved, it’s getting better, but there’s still room for more investment.

What do you think gives Leeds an advantage over other cities? 

Leeds is perfectly situated geographically – between London and Edinburgh, and only a short trip from Manchester and Sheffield. Beyond that, the city’s biggest tech strengths lie in sectors like healthtech, data and fintech. We’ve got the Department of Health, DWP, the National Wealth Fund, and now the Bank of England in the city, which has just added 500 new jobs, representing 10% of its workforce. We’re also about to see one of the largest data centres outside London established here. All of this is helping us keep more of our homegrown talent and positioning Leeds as a real tech hub. And don’t forget, we’re the most collaborative city in the UK!

What personal goals do you have for the Leeds Digital Festival and your role within the regional tech community?

I’m very driven by the desire to see the tech sector in Leeds continue to flourish. The Festival is part of that – it’s a platform that brings together so many different players, from the smallest start-ups to global entities, and it’s rewarding to see those collaborations turn into something bigger. Another personal goal is to build that ecosystem even further, whether through the Festival or other projects that support local talent and investment in the area. For example, my own business, Paceline PR, developed the PARSE peer-to-peer roundtables for startup founders as well as creating the Leeds Tech Map.

How has Nexus supported what you’re doing with the festival and the broader tech ecosystem?

On a personal level, Nexus has provided me with a platform to connect with a diverse range of tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It’s an environment that encourages collaboration, and being part of that community has really helped drive Leeds Digital forward. Nexus brings people together and encourages high standards, which has encouraged us to do the same with the festival.

For the broader tech ecosystem, Nexus plays a much bigger role than just being affiliated with the university. It serves as a hub where the academic world, start-ups, established tech firms, and international players can meet and exchange ideas.

It’s a true beacon for innovation in the region. By providing space, resources, and a collaborative environment, Nexus has helped elevate Leeds as a tech hub and continues to shape how we grow as a community. It’s created momentum, especially in areas like healthtech and data, and it brings a spirit of collaboration vital to the Yorkshire tech scene. It’s not just about big companies competing but about raising up everyone together and facilitating sustainable growth.

Keep your eyes peeled for more conversations as part of The View from Here revisited series.

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