Monster Digital Cities
The best places to carve out your digital career path
London is the heart of the Britain’s digital industry, but it’s not the only place to develop a digital career in the UK. We’ve looked at digital economic growth and quality of living to form Monster Digital Cities – the top ten places for digital careers outside the capital. Click the postcards to find out more.











Manchester
Manchester is already well-known for its music and football, now the reputation of its digital sector is growing. That’s thanks in no small part to MediaCityUK, where media organisations like the BBC and ITV are now based.
Its digital talent pool is bolstered by three local universities and bodies like the Manchester Tech Trust and Manchester Digital.
Employment stats
- NCC
- ANS
- UKFast
Green spaces
20% including Chorlton Meadows (170 acres)
Digital events

Leeds
Leeds is a compact, accessible and pedestrian-friendly city – you can get just about anywhere by foot, from its cluster of restaurants, bars and clubs to the surrounding areas of natural beauty. Its thriving digital economy is boosted by three universities and several digital events including its Digital Festival.
Employment stats
- Emis
- Bjss
- Rockstar games
Green spaces
22%, including tropical birds, butterflies and reptiles at Roundhay Park
Digital events

Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove is one of the UK’s most vibrant, colourful and creative cities. It’s home to the UK’s largest digital festival, a number of digital industries thrive there, and its digital economy adds just as much to the local economy as its formidable tourism sector.
Employment stats
- Brandwatch
- Cogapp
- Clearleft
Green spaces
10%, 147 parks and gardens including Stanmer Park
Digital events

Bristol
Bristol is home to an increasing number of global businesses and is the UK’s leading academic centre for robotics research. It’s also the best place to live in the UK according to the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live Guide 2017.
Employment stats
- BT
- IBM
- Nokia
Green spaces
29%, including Ashton Court Estate
Digital events

Cardiff
Cardiff’s flourishing digital tech sector is driven by robust infrastructure, excellent universities and competitive costs. Just a two-hour train journey from London, it’s a beautiful port city proud of its culture, history and language.
Employment stats
- Delio
- DevOpsGuys
- Admiral
Green spaces
8% including Roath Park, boasting tropical plants from around the world
Digital events

Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes is the exception that proves the rule – the only large town that makes the Digital Cities list. Its digital economy is supported by the council, the EU and the Open University. Just 30 minutes from London, it has stunning parks and well-designed urban spaces.
Employment stats
- Open University
- Santander
- Xero
Green spaces
40%, including Emberton Country Park for a spot of camping
Digital events

Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle boasts the second-highest average digital earnings of any city on the list. Located on the stunning Northumberland coastline, Newcastle offers everything from sandy beaches to bustling nightlife.
Employment stats
- Sage
- Orchard Information Systems
- Performance Horizon
Green spaces
10% including Jesmond Dene and its tranquil waterfalls
Digital events

Belfast
Belfast has become the ‘cybersecurity capital of Europe’, and is home to several other flourishing digital industries. It has a friendly, village-like atmosphere but is one of Ireland’s most exciting cities.
Employment stats
- Allstate
- Citigroup
- PwC
Green spaces
24%, 47 parks including Lady Dixon Park, home to 20,000 different blooms
Digital events

Birmingham
Employment stats
- SCC
- Rolls-Royce
- Telecom Networks
Green spaces
25%, 600+ parks and green spaces including Cannon Hill Park and 35 miles of canals
Digital events

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is an important part of the country’s digital ecosphere, with the highest digital earnings of any city on the list. It boasts magnificent architecture, from the medieval Old Town to the towering splendour of Edinburgh Castle. And don’t forget its world-famous arts festival.
Employment stats
- RBS
- LLoyds
- Standard Life
Green spaces
49%, the largest proportion of green space of any UK city