Katie Gallagher, MD of trade association Manchester Digital, has been selected as chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group, succeeding Dr David Dunn of Sunderland Software City.
Gallagher was founding board member of the UK Tech Cluster Group when it was launched in 2018, and has been voted to take up this senior role.
The UK Tech Cluster Group unites organisations that understand local ecosystems to share insights on how to support UK-wide tech growth, working with government departments to provide intelligence, influence policy, and more.
Gallagher said: “I’m thrilled to be voted as the chair and pick up the excellent work began by David. We launched in 2018 to share crucial insights, affect policy change and, importantly, provide a single voice for tech organisations across the UK regions.
“Moving forwards, we are pleased to continue working together at a grassroots level to share connections and best practice across the different regions, as well as being part of the Levelling Up conversation.
“Overcoming the lack of talent, increasing sector collaboration and driving R&D activity are all areas we know that our industry wants us to focus on. In addition to this, we have seen a decline in early-stage start-ups and need to reinvigorate that pipeline and ensure the right support gets to the right people within the tech industry.
Dunn, who leaves the role after a four-year tenure, added: “I’m delighted to see Katie take over the reins as chairperson for the UK Tech Cluster Group. We’ve made huge progress in creating a forum where regional tech organisations can work together for the greater good, as well as supporting each other, and I know that Katie will continue on this trajectory.”
