Whitecap Consulting has launched a new initiative to develop the first in-depth North of England fintech report, aiming to map every fintech firm in the region and assess sector activity across seven combined authority areas.
Backed by partners including Innovate Finance, FinTech North and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, the project highlights the North’s economic potential and its multiple thriving fintech hubs.
With over 15 million people and £343billion in GVA, the region is poised for further growth. The report will build on Whitecap’s previous regional fintech studies and include data analysis, roundtables, and a launch event later this year.
Julian Wells, director and fintech lead, Whitecap Consulting, said: “We already know there is a strong presence of fintech firms activity across the North of England, but it’s never been reported on in detail as a single unified region.
“The aim of this report is to quantify and summarise the sector to help raise the fintech profile of the North on a national and international basis, whilst providing senior economic leaders with clarity on key themes, opportunities, and areas where action and intervention may be required.”
The new project
The project will run for several months, and in addition to a programme of data analysis and research, it will include a series of regional roundtables and seminars across Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle, and a launch event hosted in partnership with FinTech North.
Over recent years, Whitecap has published approximately 20 reports on regional fintech ecosystems, including analyses of the North East, Leeds City Region, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Northern Ireland, Bristol & Bath, Norfolk, and Dorset.
The firm also worked with FinTech Scotland and SuperTech WM on the creation of fintech research and innovation roadmaps, and recently supported Innovate UK on its AI for Services 2025 report, which mapped future innovation opportunities across professional and financial services. It has also developed fintech skills frameworks.
Peter Cunnane, director of international and partnerships at Innovate Finance, also commented: “National and regional fintech clusters are playing a critical role in driving innovation, creating high-productivity jobs, and delivering economic growth across the UK.
“The North of England is already home to a thriving fintech ecosystem, with multiple established and emerging hubs that contribute significantly to our national competitiveness. Innovate Finance is delighted to support this important initiative from Whitecap Consulting, which will provide much-needed insights into the scale and potential of fintech across the North.
“A clearer understanding of the regional landscape is vital to ensuring we build an inclusive and truly national fintech strategy that supports talent, investment, and innovation in every part of the UK.”
To enquire about contributing to the report, either as a sponsor or via insight or attending a regional discussion group, email: [email protected].
