Monster Digital Cities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.