TIGA, the network of developers and digital publishers, said today that now is the time for the UK Government and local governments to promote high technology clusters around the UK.
The trade association representing the UK videogames industry made the comments following the news that the combined business activity of England’s regions rose last month at the quickest pace for over a decade.
According to the Lloyds Bank regional purchasing managers’ index, expansion was fastest in northwest England, followed by the southeast, southwest and London. All 12 UK regions registered growth, with business activity being driven by increased consumer demand and higher investment spending among public and private sector clients.
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
“Since the onset of the recession there has been a general recognition that the UK economy needs to be rebalanced, with growth coming from exports and business investment and with more activity from the regions outside of London. Lloyds Bank’s research shows encouraging signs, with all 12 UK regions reported growth.
“Now is an opportune time for policy makers to promote the development of high technology clusters as part of a process of ensuring that economic growth benefits all parts of the UK. There are concentrations of games studios in areas including Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guildford, Leamington Spa, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, and Sheffield.
“Policy makers can support these clusters and boost start-ups by establishing additional business incubators, fostering local industry and university links, strengthening connections with finance providers and promoting mentoring services for businesses. Now is the time to capitalise on the growing regional recovery and invest in high technology businesses.”
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Notes to editors:
About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association representing the video games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 16 business awards.
TIGA focuses on three sets of activities: political representation, profile raising and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.
For further information, please contact:
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org
Drew Field, TIGA Communications Director on: 07720 643 344, or email: drew.field@tiga.org