With over 6,000 tech firms employing almost 40,000 people, Birmingham is quickly positioning itself as one of the fastest growing tech economies in the UK. In fact, Birmingham City University predicts that the tech and digital sector will grow by a further 14,000 roles across the West Midlands by 2025, adding to its current 70,000.

If you add into the mix the city’s strong graduate retention rates, which have in turn created one of the youngest populations in Europe, it’s clear that the future looks bright for Birmingham’s digital industry. 

However, despite the wealth of tech talent and the fastest growing start-up scene outside of London, the majority of existing digital and tech innovation space comprises dated, low-spec office buildings that have been adapted for purpose.

If landlords wish to continue to attract the growing number of innovative and ambitious tech firms, it is going to become increasingly important for them to create a sense of place with a defined environment, providing occupiers with a platform to collaborate with like-minded businesses.

We are already witnessing certain schemes rising to this challenge, in particular the Innovation Birmingham campus, which was recently acquired by Bruntwood SciTech. The site is the UK’s largest campus dedicated to digital technology businesses and proposals are now evolving to deliver a new, state of the art technology-led facility, providing space for existing tenants to grow along with adding appeal for new, larger occupiers.

In addition, we are also seeing demand from the digital sector for flexible office space, with the Custard Factory, Alpha Tower and Tricorn House all meeting the desired requirements. The new Oozells Building at Brindleyplace also now offers a larger area of modern, well-designed flexible office space which is already appealing to firms in the sector.

As the city’s tech economy continues to develop and thrive, we believe that the most desirable office spaces will be those that offer opportunities for occupiers to collaborate with other businesses in an energised environment, creating a community of firms with a shared digital focus.

This will henceforth play a huge role in attracting talent, allowing Birmingham to continue to excel as one of the UK’s most prominent digital hubs.

Further information

Contact Savills Birmingham