Stuart Clarke is a very well-known figure in in his home city as Co-Founder of the ten-year-old Leeds Digital Festival: a two-week celebration of tech business hailed as the UK’s largest open event of its kind. Deservedly awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to the technology sector, he is also the founder of PR and marketing business Paceline and more recently founded UK Tech Week.
Stuart recently announced that he is to step down from his role as Festival Director at Leeds Digital Festival, so with the 2025 edition this September set to be his swansong, we took the opportunity to sit down with Stuart to hear his views on why Leeds' technology sector is so unique and such a thriving place to build a business.
Leeds finds its voice
In the decade that Stuart has been at the helm of the Leeds Digital Festival, the Leeds tech ecosystem has changed radically for the better, both in size and diversity, and in the increased interaction between companies. As Stuart says, the festival has really helped galvanise the sector:
“One of the things I've liked about the festival is that it's brought the tech sector together, and it's given us a bigger voice nationally and internationally.”
"There’s now a greater sense of collaboration between businesses and universities, more apprenticeships offering fresh routes into tech, and a stronger ecosystem that means we’re better able to retain talent in the region."
Talent in abundance
A strong talent pipeline is essential when growing businesses. That is something Clarke believes sets Leeds tech businesses apart, with Planet Sport being no exception:
“I think that talent is really key— building up the right calibre of people and letting them get on with it. One of the things I’ve noticed about Planet Sport is that you've got talented people who are good at their jobs and just crack on.”
The right environment
Leeds now has many more resources to support graduates and start-ups than than a decade ago, from an extensive network of services to business hubs at universities, and co-working spaces such as at Planet Sport's home, Avenue HQ.
As Clarke explains, “Instead of being isolated in a back bedroom, founders are now bumping into each other, getting advice, finding mentors, and that kind of environment makes a huge difference. It's a big reason we're seeing more startups and more success stories.”
Leeds is a great size to foster relationships among people and businesses. Compared with a city the size of London, it's much easier for Leodensians to meet and do business.
Networking and collaboration counts
As the festival built up in its early years, Clarke describes being overwhelmed by how collaborative the city was.
“I think it's a very generous city. People are generous with their contacts, their networks and introductions, and I think that's one of the reasons why we've grown so much over the last sort of 10 years or so, because we want the whole city to win."
Clarke described how the business and tech interest networks in the region drive regular collaboration, from Leeds Digital and its myriad tech meet-ups to Digital Sport North, which Andy Roberts helped found and proudly sponsors.
Increasingly attended by students and digital professionals alike across the sector, these networking and knowledge-sharing events foster working relationships and are integral in developing business, skills and insights.
Investment follows
Growing a business is easier when you have the right connections. Entrepreneurs and investors are increasingly drawn to the Leeds City Region by this high value network of companies working together.
That's now being followed by more investment from external venture capital, private equity and organisations such as the Leeds Angels, an exciting new angel investor network supporting early investment.
Looking ahead, Clarke describes continuing his work with start-ups and will continue to shout about the incredible amount of talent and innovation the wider country can call on as he leads UK Tech Week.
Moving to the role of Non-Executive Director, Clarke expects to see Leeds Digital Festival grow “onwards and upwards” as he hands the reins of day-to-day operations to highly respected digital leader, Deb Hetherington.
