“Tech hub of Europe” sees launch of London Technology Week 2015

London Technology Week 2015 launches, with Mayor Boris Jonhson attending, as research shows the UK capital is the tech hub of Europe.

The burgeoning tech scene of the UK’s capital was confirmed to be the best in Europe by new research, which was published to celebrate the opening of London Technology Week. The event is set to last all week, scheduled until Sunday, 21 June.

In fact, London was the premier choice for almost three times as many tech startups as the next attractive city Paris. Over 1,000 tech startups came to London between 2005 and 2014, nearly triple the 381 startups that set up shop in Paris.

"Over the last decade more international tech investment projects have come to London than Paris, Dublin, Madrid, Amsterdam and Munich combined," noted Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners.

The research was conducted by EY to coincide with London Technology Week, a week-long celebration of the tech industry in the capital.

London's tech industry is booming

Since the prime minister David Cameron and mayor Boris Johnson launched the Tech City project five years ago, the tech industry has positively blossomed, as figures by Oxford Economics suggest that London’s digital sector has grown by 46 per cent in the last five years.

The report also showed that the number of people employed in the sector now surpasses the 200,000 mark, a 17 per cent increase since the inception of Tech City.

“With our unrivalled mix of investors, talent and creativity it is hardly surprising that tech businesses and entrepreneurs are clamouring to be part of the incredible London tech story,” said Mr Johnson at the opening of London Tech Week.

"This sector has flourished beyond recognition in the last five years, creating thousands of jobs and outpacing the rest of the economy.

“London Technology Week is rightly a celebration of that success. Now we need to continue our work to boost connectivity across the capital and arm the tech stars of the future with the skills they will need to drive forward this valuable industry for years to come.”

Mayor Boris Johnson launches Tech.London

Mr Johnson will also oversee the launching of a new dedicated online hub for the city’s digital industry Tech.London. The hub will aim to build a community as well as keep entrepreneurs updated on developments in the industry, with news, blogs and videos featured alongside information about jobs, classes, incubators, workspaces and other resources.

“Tech.London is where it all comes together - providing access to our booming tech and startup economy, from entrepreneurs with a great idea, to investors looking for the next big thing,” added Mr Johnson.

Pic credit: London Technology Week