Read the full reportThe UK Tech Cluster Group is led by representatives of the key digital clusters across the UK (Bristol, Brighton, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle, etc). Its aim is to support the thriving clusters outside London. The Group collaborates regularly on research, events, and policy initiatives, providing leadership and valuable regional intelligence to policymakers at all levels.
From Brighton to Oxford, Maidstone to Southampton; the South East’s tech success isn’t fuelled by one city or specialism, but by its long-standing tradition for diversity, collaboration and innovation.
CreaTech
Creative Technologies (or CreaTech) companies blend creative skills and emerging technologies to power new audience experiences. CreaTech companies raised $1.26bn in investment last year, ensuring the sector is well-positioned for significant growth. Virtual and Augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence and 5G-enabled edge computing all power CreaTech innovation – and all flourish in the South East. Brighton & Hove has the highest density of “creative embedded” companies in any UK cluster. Games companies in Guildford and Reading also boost the region’s CreaTech economy.
Creative Assembly
Location: Horsham
Established: 1987
https://www.creative-assembly.com
UK games studios don't come much bigger or more successful than Creative Assembly. Its Total War franchise, powered by its proprietary Warscape technology, is now one of the biggest strategy games in the world. Creative Assembly’s large Horsham operation boasts an awards cabinet deservedly brimming with BAFTAs, Ivor Novellos and Best Place to Work trophies.
We bring diverse talents from across the globe together and give them the creative freedom to craft award-winning games that deliver fantastic experiences to our players. We are one of the largest employers in Horsham and you'll find the town centre is full of Creative Assembly staff.
Lucy Boxall, Director of Corporate Communications, Creative Assembly
Studio BE
Location: Brighton
Established: 2019
https://www.studiobe.co.uk
Studio BE utilises artificial intelligence and virtual technologies to produce personalised multi-platform, digital content for young audiences, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
The TV world is ripe for disruption. We are investing in new technology like virtual production and AI that will push forward our company and the wider industry. We love the creative community down on the coast, which we believe is unique.
Brandon Relph, CEO, Studio BE
Make Real
Location: Brighton
Established: 2001
https://makereal.co.uk/
Make Real is an award-winning immersive technologies content developer and publisher, with a proven track record in creating meaningful and memorable learning experiences for the entertainment and enterprise sectors. Working with some of the world’s largest organisations, from Vodafone to EDF Energy, they create and deliver unique content using their background in learning, games and simulation design.
The Brighton area offers the South East’s greatest collection of creative and technology focussed individuals and companies. This enables us to work in partnership with a unique blend of makers for our wide scope of projects, from gamified learning apps to challenging physical installations mixing all realities.
Sam Watts, Immersive Partnerships Director, Make Real VR
Read about the other categories:
Established Leaders
Scale-Ups
Ones to Watch
MedTech
SpaceTech
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With thanks to our regional sponsor, EY Breakthrough Incentives