Wirral's Tech Hub Aims to Rival London and New York, Urging Merseyside to Celebrate Gaming Industry
Business leaders in Wirral and Merseyside are calling for a major shift in how the region promotes itself, arguing that it should move beyond its musical heritage to celebrate its growing technology and gaming sectors. David Tully, creative director at Start Yard in Birkenhead and owner of virtual reality company Scene Graph Studios, emphasized that Liverpool and surrounding areas need to highlight their modern strengths.
"Liverpool is a fantastic place in the UK, but we need to carry on and celebrate ourselves a bit more," said Tully. He pointed out that while Liverpool has long been known as the land of music since The Beatles, it is now a hub for tech innovation that deserves recognition.
A Thriving Start-Up Hub in Birkenhead
Start Yard, located at a former Cammell Laird depot in Birkenhead, has evolved from quiet beginnings into a bustling center for start-ups. With 22 spaces available, 19 are currently occupied, and the hub is attracting entrepreneurs from Liverpool and beyond. Chris Lee, the founder of Start Yard, who previously worked on regenerating Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, envisions similar success for Central Birkenhead.
"The biggest issue is you can always make it happen fast with a bit of joined-up action," said Lee, comparing Birkenhead's potential to tech hotspots like Shoreditch in London or the Meatpacking District in New York. He highlighted the affordability and flexibility of the location, making it an ideal place for new businesses to establish themselves and create local jobs.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Tech Sector
Despite the progress, Tully expressed concern that Merseyside is not doing enough to promote its gaming and tech industries. "It's the land of tech but we do not talk about it. The amount of games companies in Liverpool, we do not talk about it," he said, noting that many professionals are too focused on their work to celebrate their achievements. He warned of a "brain drain" from Liverpool, where talented individuals leave the region due to a lack of local opportunities.
To address this, Start Yard is hosting a free start-up event on April 16, aimed at encouraging more young people to enter business. Supported by funding awarded to Wirral Council for town regeneration, this initiative reflects a broader effort to revitalize Birkenhead, which has faced decline in recent decades.
Community Growth and Future Prospects
Chris Lee acknowledged the difficulties of starting a business, stating that many fail within the first three to four years due to a lack of luck or determination. However, he remains optimistic, saying, "It hasn't been easy for us but we are four years in and the community has flourished." Plans are underway to add eight more units in the next year, further expanding the hub's capacity.
Darran Medley, a tenant at Start Yard who works for fashion networking company MIF Industries, highlighted the practical advantages of Birkenhead. "Getting people out of London isn't easy but you can get a train here in two hours and you can't do that across London sometimes," he said. He added that while Birkenhead's reputation may not always be positive, places like Start Yard are changing the narrative by showcasing the vibrant activity in the area.
Overall, the message from Wirral's tech leaders is clear: with good companies, students, and universities in place, Merseyside has the infrastructure to attract tech jobs and investment. By promoting its gaming and technology successes more vigorously, the region can build a brighter economic future and rival global tech centers.
