NORTH-EAST tech companies are showing positive signs of recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, according to an industry organisation.

Tech Nation data reveals there are 15,750 job openings in the North-East, of which 2,300 (14 per cent) are in the technology sector, making it the biggest hiring sector in the region.

Specific roles doing particularly well in the region include web designers, java developers, product manager and digital marketing roles, with big names like Sage, Avanda and Ubisoft currently hiring.

The organisation says the region demonstrates "a healthy pipeline of startups and fast-growing tech businesses", such as , including from Darlington-based, Paid, which provides client management software and raised a sum of investment.

Other significant venture capital investment activities were generated by Sunderland-based Power Roll, which raised £2 million in October 2020, led by Maven Capital Partners, as they seek to commercialise their solar film and capacitor technologies, revolutionising the way energy is generated and stored.

Newcastle-based Atlas Cloud raised just over $2m from Mercia Asset Management in March 2020, and Durham-based Honcho raised £1.3 million in April 2020 in a round led by North East Technology Fund, Finance Durham and InsurTech Gateway.

Stephen Kelly, chair of Tech Nation said: “I feel a strong connection with the North-East from my time as CEO of Sage. There are fantastic companies in growth sectors including gaming, greentech, and advanced manufacturing.

"It’s no surprise to see the North-East tech sector lead the charge of high value job creation and growth. The North-East has shown immense spirit in contributing to Britain’s new digital economy.”

The figures are published as Tech Nation hosted a digital roundtable to discuss the challenges facing the tech sector as it works to create jobs and help the region recover from the impact of the coronavirus.

Kate Patton, entrepreneur engagement manager for the North-East, said: "As Tech Nation's Scale ratio report highlights, Newcastle and the North-East is 'one to watch'.

"Even though the pipeline of scaling tech companies may be less mature compared to other regions, there are a variety of stakeholders that are committed and driven to attracting and retaining such companies in the region.

"Bring the talent and the rest will follow. The North-East has all the right ingredients to do so. I predict 2021 is going to be an exciting and high-growth year for the region."