(14 March, 2012) – ThoughtWorks, a key player in enterprise Continuous Delivery development services, is helping to shape the digital boom in the Manchester area. The custom software developer is consolidating its global ThoughtWorks.com and ThoughtWorks-Studios.com teams in one location based in City Tower, Manchester.

The decision to relocate the website teams to Manchester comes off the back of several technology-focused companies, like BBC, ITV, SIS and McCann, opening offices in the greater Manchester area. ThoughtWorks is looking to expand its website team by nearly 30 members during 2012 to cater for demand.
ThoughtWorks Logo
ThoughtWorks Logo

The greater Manchester area has a higher unemployment rate of 11.2 over the national rate of 8.4 per cent. Also, the number of unemployed females rose from 22 to 33 per cent from December 2008 – December 2011.[1] Despite the high unemployment rate and lack of skilled workers in the area, specifically women in technology roles, ThoughtWorks decided to open an office in Manchester to help grow the community.

ThoughtWorks is looking to recruit fresh talent from local universities and colleges in the Manchester area, and is exploring the option of providing Digital Apprenticeships for non-graduate entries. The company also offers refresher courses at ThoughtWorks University, based in India, for returning to work mothers and those returning to work from an extended absence.

“As a global leader in technology, we feel a responsibility to raise this matter to the industry and feel it is imperative to talk about. ThoughtWorks is passionate about giving young adults the tools and skills necessary to enter into tech-focused careers. As a result, we will continue to invest in the local technical community through knowledge sharing events and will develop exciting innovations on our websites,” said Stuart Hogg, Head of Business Development for ThoughtWorks.

[1] Manchester City Council Unemployment Report – January 2012. http://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/download/420/research_and_intelligence_population_publications_unemploymentclaimant_count