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Developing the next generation of digital experts is critical if the Lancashire and Cumbria regions are to reach their potential across all sectors.
From AI innovation to data science and cybersecurity, the region is setting the pace for the evolving digital economy.
In Lancashire, the digital and e-commerce sectors generate a staggering £2.3bn annually, supported by a digital workforce that’s projected to grow to 50,000 by 2050.
The National Cyber Force in Samlesbury is driving some of that demand for talent as it looks to bring 2,000 jobs to the area by 2030, while in Cumbria the creative and digital industries are driving employment and economic growth.
Meanwhile in Cumbria, the region’s creative and cultural sector supports 11,000 FTE jobs, with the estimated creative GVA for Cumbria at £84.82m – which includes cultural, creative and digital businesses.
And, of course, digital skills cross sectors, from IT and cybersecurity to manufacturing and health, construction and science.
Our Skills Barometer 2025 dives into the skills employers have told us they need now and in the future and looks at the critical role the IoT is playing.
From technical skills like AI, Python and computer vision, to work-ready skills such as problem-solving and professionalism, we’ve unpacked the skills workers need to thrive and make an impact in digital.
With insight from IoT experts and our region’s businesses, the Skills Barometer is essential reading whether you’re an employer, educator, learner or policymaker.