Global Reach 2021 maps North’s digital and creative growth

Preliminary findings from research by SODA and Prolific North into the global reach of the region’s digital and creative businesses will be shared at a forthcoming webinar.

The upcoming Global Reach report will provide a unique insight into the North of England’s place on a global stage, and its importance and influence internationally.

Looking at the international activity of tech, marketing, media and creative companies in the North, a preview of some of its headline findings will be discussed by an expert panel at the Global Reach webinar on Thursday.

Prolific North has worked with the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University to put together the research.

Speaking at the event will Dr Kirsty Fairclough, Reader in Screen Studies at SODA, as well as Katy Leeson, MD of Social Chain and Nickii Gray, Chief Executive Partner of Intermarketing, who’ll talk alongside industry specialists including Sarah Novotny, Head of Digital, Creative & Tech at Business Growth Hub and  Caroline Monk, Executive Partner at Beever and Struthers.

Dr Fairclough said: “It has been a pleasure to undertake this research which demonstrates the continued power of the North on the global creative, digital and technology stages. We are excited to share a snapshot of our findings at the upcoming event.”

In 2013, the initial Global Reach report identified around 250 companies in the North with a global presence, who in total employed over 18,000 staff. Seven years on, the report will reveal how far the region has come in terms of international success. Full findings will be shared later this year.

Speaking at the launch of the research in September, Professor Toby Heys, Head of SODA, said: “At the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University, it is essential for us to understand the constant shifts in digital culture, business and technology.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Prolific North on this research which maps investment into digital businesses across the North. It could not be better timed or more welcomed as we open our doors to our first cohort of students in 2021.”

18 March 2021