Digital

In a world where big data, robotics, and artificial intelligence are encompassing all streams of the modern world, the digital sector is growing to be one of the fastest and most robust sectors across the UK.

With the impact of new technologies and new forms of data there is an anticipated demand in the creative and digital sector. The growth in cloud, and mobile technologies as well as data analytics are expected to transform enterprises and a large part can be attributed to global trends in the technology sector and the need for the development of new techniques and digital innovation.

The recent Government announcement that the West Midlands has been chosen as the home of the UK’s 5G technology and is backed by £150million of investment is
significant in supporting this sectors growth. 

Industrial Overview 

Telford is now being transformed with new technology at the heart of the change and it is important for all sectors to move from traditional manufacturing and engineering focus to customer centricity and digital industry to shape future business. 

Capgemini, a global market leader in digital transformation and at the forefront of the evolution has led the way with a recent £1.2 million investment in Telford. We also
have prominence within the public sector with HMRC establishing its specialist digital center here. 

There are a range of service sector activities, such as computer aided design and digital security that are both intrinsic to and often wholly dependent on the
manufacturing sector and these manufacturers integrated services (manuservices) are equivalent to as much as 12% of locally produced GVA. 

The E innovation center at the Telford Innovation Campus is an example of bringing small businesses together using digital technologies.

Key Stats

• 48,800 creative jobs within creative industries across West Midlands. Combined Authority, with a further 40,000 creative jobs in other industries.
• £4bn+ GVA estimated for creative industries across the West Midlands
• The value of the Uk creative Industry in 2017 was £101.5bn
• The WMCA targets a £7bn increase in creative and digital sectors GVA together with 29,000 jobs by 2031.
• 86% of creative jobs cannot be automated and are high value in GVA terms.
• Birmingham City University (BCU) is the largest provider of graduates in creative disciplines of any university outside London and the South East.

CASE STUDY: Capgemini - Leaders in digital
 

Capgemini UK’s work in Telford is enabling the government to deliver key digital services and inspiring the next generation of IT professionals. 
 

A major contract brought global IT company Capgemini to Telford almost two decades ago and since then it’s become embedded in the town.

The firm’s name adorns a Phoenix, its main building where most of its 1,800 Telford-based employees work, as well as the shirts of AFC Telford United.

However, despite being a global player in digital transformation, Capgemini doesn’t tend to be a household name – even in Telford.

‘We are probably one of the least well known of the major employers here. We tend to do things more quietly than others,’ explains John Gallagher, head of delivery for the company’s HMRC Business Unit.

Those things include working with the council, Telford College and other fellow employers to help local students access high tech, higher paid jobs through a new Digital Skills Hub.

It’s a chance to share specialist skills the company has been able to build up thanks to its long-standing work with client HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Click here to read the full case study.