'The technology sector is thriving across the UK': Just Eat CTO welcomes Tech Nation report findings

'The digital economy has become an integral part of our country,' says Prime Minister David Cameron

Tech Nation, a project designed to monitor technology sector growth across the UK, has been welcomed by Carlos Morgado, CTO of online food ordering service Just Eat.

Last year, the firm opened a new office in Bristol, an area the government-backed Tech Nation interactive data project - curated by Tech City UK - has identified as one of the fastest growing technology clusters in the country.

Speaking about the report, Morgado told Computing that it "shows that the technology sector is thriving across the UK".

"A range of innovative companies in everything from electronics and hardware to software and e-commerce are disrupting traditional industries, and creating whole new ways of doing business," he said.

"However, finding great technology talent in the UK continues to be challenging and every new hire is a win in itself."

Nonetheless, Morgado - who last year gave an in-depth interview to Computing about Just Eat's IT strategy - sees a bright future for Just Eat in Bristol, a region he praised as a good location for technology professionals.

"This city has established itself as a real technology hub giving us access to the excellent talent we need to hire, as well as networks, infrastructure, and a great quality of life. We've been impressed on all these fronts since opening the hub last year," he said.

"The team has ambitious plans to drive the next phase of Just Eat's innovation with new ideas to improve the takeaway experience for our customers and support restaurants' growth and success," Morgado concluded.

According to the Tech Nation report, 1.46 million people - seven and a half per cent of the entire UK workforce - are currently employed in the digital industries, with 74 per cent of those based outside of London.

Aside from Bristol, other areas of "technology cluster" growth include Bath, Reading and Greater Manchester.

Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed the launch of Tech Nation and the findings in the report.

"The digital economy has become an integral part of our country and the rapid growth of many digital businesses has confirmed Britain's position as a global hub of technology excellence," he said.

"We are committed to supporting the growth of our digital industry nationwide and Tech Nation shows the great innovation and thriving entrepreneurial spirit that is driving the sector forward across the country," Cameron added.

However, there are those who aren't so positive about the UK's digital economy. A report by independent private sector group Tech London Advocates argued that a talent shortage and immigration laws were holding back the London technology scene.