The North East is home to 13 of the fastest growing technology companies in the North, according to a major tech investor.
More than a dozen tech firms from across the region have been named in the North Top 100 list, which showcases tech firms from across the North of England and Scotland that have significantly grown their revenue.
Named among the rapidly expanding firms is advertising platform SoPost. The business allows companies to connect with their customers online and offer them sample products.
SoPost is headquartered at The Core, at Newcastle Helix, and uses social media to reach customers and provide feedback on products made by big names such as L’Oreal, Estée Lauder, and Mondelez.
The company trebled its turnover over the last year and has expanded into seven countries.
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Commenting on the firm’s growth, CEO Jonathan Grubin said: “We’re on a really exciting journey here at SoPost, and it’s very exciting to again be recognised as one of the region’s fastest growing tech companies.
“Our business is going from strength to strength, as a result of the hard work and dedication of my teammates in Newcastle, Edinburgh, London and New York. We have no plans to slow down and look forward to continue building the company, and supporting the tech ecosystem, here in Newcastle and around the world.”
Another firm included in the top 100 list is Sunderland battery pack manufacturer Hyperdrive Innovation.
The company uses Nissan fuel cells to create battery packs that can be used to power a range of electric vehicles and store energy that can be used by commercial properties.
Stephen Irish, founder and commercial director at Hyperdrive, said: “It’s fantastic to see Hyperdrive in the Northern Tech League for a 3rd year running. We’re delighted to be a finalist for the Tech4Good Award which is designed to identify companies using their technology and business model to bring about positive changes in society.
“We’ve been growing 80% year on year and after manufacturing our 5000th battery pack in autumn 2018, we are very excited about the future as we continue to grow and enter new markets.”
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Stockton’s Visualsoft has also been included following the success of its ecommerce platform. The company specialises in growing its clients’ presence online through search engine optimisation, social media marketing and video production.
David Duke, Visualsoft’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re just a couple of months into 2019 and our team’s hard work and dedication is already being recognised – which is great to see.
“We have been helping retailers to grow their businesses online for over two decades, so to be acknowledged for forward-thinking innovation in this way is hugely rewarding.”
The remaining 10 North East firms to make the list are: Aspire Technology Solutions, Atlas Cloud, hedgehog lab, Mediaworks, Partnerize, Praesto Consulting, SITS Group, Venture Stream, Waterstons, and ZeroLight.
The Top 100 list is compiled by GP Bullhound as part of the Northern Tech Awards, which are taking place this year in Manchester on March 28.
Ten awards are up for grabs at the ceremony, which will also reveal the league table of the 100 fastest growing tech companies in the North.
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To qualify for entry firms were required to have at least three years of revenue growth and a minimum turnover of £500,000 in 2016.
Hugh Campbell, co-founder and managing partner at GP Bullhound, said: “Success in technology is all about talent.
“Companies in Northern England and Scotland need to attract the best and brightest, and this is aided by the budding tech scene we are seeing across the regions. With the rising living costs of London putting off new graduates, Northern and Scottish cities can seize this opportunity.”
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