Here’s news for IT entrepreneurs. If you run a small enterprise and are looking

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for ways to grow, the North East region of England could be a favourable destination to expand. In return for creating jobs in the region, you will get funds, infrastructure, joint research opportunities with local universities and entry into the European market.

The Sunderland Software City (SSC) initiative was launched six months ago as part of the One North East programme to attract international IT investments in the area. The European Union Regional Development Fund and UK government sponsor the programme. “We work and support a range of software businesses from pre-startup stage to established organisations looking to expand into new markets,” said Bernie Callaghan, chief executive officer of SSC.

“Apart from other international IT destinations such as USA, Canada, China, South Korea and South America, we are also targeting the south Indian companies based in Bangalore, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram to invest in the North East,” he added.

Callaghan leads the delegation that has been touring the three cities in the last one week to meet prospective firms looking for expansions and financial aid.

SSC defines SMEs as organisations with less than $25 million turnover employing below 250 people. The primary focus would be innovation-led SMEs that will create intellectual property. Like most international funding options, almost all of the money raised in the region has to be spent locally. The subsidiary should be registered as an independent company incorporated in the region. SSC also outlines performance milestones in terms of number of jobs created, he said.

Chemical, manufacturing, healthcare and PSUs are some of the core businesses in the region. Though the agency would not be averse to IT players specialising in other verticals, companies focusing on the sectors pertaining to the local businesses will gain more mileage, he added.

“We also offer a soft landing programme to support organisational activities including short listing office space, sales and marketing and business development. In addition, it also offers services such as office registration, tax advice, HR and legal functions,” he said.