Sunderland Software City

David Dunn, Chief Executive Officer Sunderland Software City

Sunderland Software City's David Dunn give his thoughts on today's publication of the Centre for Cities Outlook 2012 Report

 If you read the papers today you might think the outlook is pretty bleak for Sunderland, with think tank Centre for Cities again naming the city amongst the five “most likely to face real challenges in 2012”.

I’m not going to lie to you: London – named on Centre for Cities “cities to watch” list – continues to wield more economic power than Sunderland. 

But the truth is, Sunderland isn’t a city facing challenges so much as a city meeting them.

Several years ago, Sunderland identified software as an industry with the potential to be at the heart of the city’s economic rebirth, and took action to make it happen .

Today, the North East’s growing software industry has been estimated to have a value in excess of £250m and its achievements are not just recognised at home, but around the World.  Not only can Sunderland boast a growing number of high-performing software companies (more than 60 at the last count) the city is developing a global reputation for excellence in software, with Sunderland-made software being used today in all five continents.

Growing software companies need new recruits, meaning increasing job opportunities in the sector both for the “knowledge workers” Centre for Cities would tell you we don’t have, and in less technical but no less important support roles like sales and administration. 

Having such a diverse range of world class software businesses on their doorstep is great for other businesses too – giving them the tools to increase efficiency and productivity and to save money. 

Some points the Centre for Cities makes do ring true. When they say Sunderland has a “weak urban core” they’re right – the city centre remains economically underpowered. But Sunderland is tacking that head on with the opening of the Sunderland Software Centre this summer – supporting over 300 new jobs and bringing 70 new companies to the city centre.

Does Sunderland face a challenging 2012? Of course it does, everywhere does!

But is Sunderland meeting those challenges?  In my view, yes it is.