Broadcaster UKTV has unveiled plans to open a regional office in Leeds.
Following the rapid expansion of its technology division and the team responsible for video on demand service UKTV Play, the firm is planning a technology innovation hub in the West Yorkshire city.
The hub will initially house a team of up to ten specialists, tasked with enhancing the broadcaster’s content distribution capabilities.
The first wave of recruitment is at an advanced stage for a range of technology roles designed to help grow and develop UKTV’s digital platforms. The team will bolster UKTV’s technology and operations department and will focus on embracing new technologies, further exploring data analytics and the cloud to give viewers greater choice.
“Over the past three years we’ve completely redesigned our technology infrastructure to ensure we can react quickly to the evolving broadcast landscape and increased complexity of our distribution platforms,” said chief technology and operations officer Sinead Greenaway.
“Opening a regional technology innovation hub marks the next step in UKTV’s long-term growth strategy, enabling us to harness the skills and expertise of talent outside of London and support the creative industries in the regions.”
The office, which opens this month, is based in the historic Leeming building in the heart of Leeds.
The city was chosen because it is one of the UK’s most accessible cities with superb transport links and it is fast emerging as a creative hub, with over 1,350 tech companies based in the area.
It is also home to two large universities, offering access to young talent keen to enter the industry.
UKTV’s Leeds office will further strengthen the broadcaster’s ties in the region with a number of UKTV Originals such as Helicopter ER, 999 Rescue Squad and Bangers & Cash filmed close by.
While the office will focus initially on technology innovation, there is future potential for it to house staff from the programming and editorial side of the business.