Sky’s the limit for technology professionals
20th October 2015
The head of technology for Sky’s new digital centre in Leeds spoke of the need to arrest the brain drain from the north of England as he outlined the company’s plans at a high-tech meet-up at The Deep.
Matt Grest said the new facility, which is taking shape now next to the Royal Armouries in Leeds city centre, will house 700 people in the technology team working on Sky’s new digital products, some of which are still under wraps.
He said the roadshow, which began at The Deep and continued round other major cities, offered audiences the chance to fill more than 400 jobs which are on offer, but he said the initiative was more than a recruitment drive.
Matt said: “At Sky we are leading the way in digital services. This roadshow is a great opportunity for us to share our expertise as part of our commitment to supporting the emergence of a thriving technology sector in and around Leeds. We believe this is good for the region, for local talent and for Sky’s investment in Leeds Dock.”
After attracting more than 130 technology professionals to The Deep, the roadshow moved on to York, Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds, where the new facility will lead Sky’s development of apps and websites for Sky News and Sky Sports and other digital products.
Matt said: “Previously if you were from the north and wanted to work on world class digital products you would have had to go to London or the west coast of the States. We want to arrest the brain drain and offer an opportunity to do this wort of work in the north.
“It is about showcasing and sharing what we do and understanding what other people are doing. We are bringing all these people together and they can talk between themselves and share methods and approaches on how they use technology and how to solve particular problems.”
Freya Cross, Business and Corporate Manager at The Deep, said: “We are very pleased that Sky selected The Deep as the venue for an event which is very significant in terms of supporting their investment in the north of England.
“Not only did they recognise the quality of the facilities that we have here, they also clearly see Hull as a city which has a great deal of ability and experience in the digital sector. Hopefully their interest will generate opportunities for businesses and individuals to enhance their skills.”