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City council chiefs, business and academia are set to drive inward investment by IT firms into Sunderland. Sunderland Software City will diversify the city's industrial base and develop a software industry, based in a business park. The city council revealed potential investors within the IT and telecommunications industries had already given their backing to the idea, and preliminary discussions had taken place regarding future inward investment and partnership work. Key partners with Sunderland City Council are the Leighton Group, the University of Sunderland, the North East Business and Innovation Centre, and regional development agency, One NorthEast. The initiative has been launched because the council is confident the region has a skilled workforce with enough of the high-calibre graduates who will be critical to its success. Public sector involvement will focus on creating the support and physical infrastructure required to underpin a growing software sector. Assets which already exist include high-quality sites, excellent telecommunications support and the presence of Sunderland University's nationally-renowned School of Technology and Computing. Cllr Bob Symonds, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the aim was to create a more diverse, dynamic and modern industrial base. ‘The council has, in partnership with the private sector, been working hard to develop a world-class infrastructure of telecommunications and business premises. And this has already attracted business,' he said. ‘Sunderland Software City is a bold vision to create a new industry, drive innovation, create jobs, encourage graduate retention and create aspirations for local people, especially our schoolchildren.' Paul Callaghan, chairman of technology, communications and media group, Leighton, said: ‘To build a sustainable and globally-competitive software industry in Sunderland, we must support innovation to develop a range of products and services that people want to buy in a global market.'

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BUSINESS

Sunderland in drive to lure IT companies

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