A cohort of ambitious digital tech founders and entrepreneurs from north east Scotland reiterate the region is one of UK’s fastest growing tech cluster by expanding teams, doubling revenues and breaking into international markets – thanks to a transformative growth programme from Opportunity North East (ONE) sponsored by Inoapps.
The ONE Digital Tech Business Growth Programme has helped entrepreneurs and founders unlock game-changing growth. Among the standout success is David Jamieson, Founder of Salus Technical who has doubled his team, more than doubled revenues and is now on the brink of a £1million turnover milestone – all while expanding into new global markets and sectors.
Participants of previous business growth programmes have also reported increased revenue, enhanced profitability, team expansion and raised investment accelerating their growth.
Low-cost industrial AI robotics business LeapAI secured £7.9m investment to support further growth, enabling expansion of new, highly-skilled jobs and scale its intellectual property development.
Prism Energy experienced significant growth in 2024, with the company’s turnover doubling and its workforce expanding by the same margin to over 50.
2024 also marked a six-figure growth in turnover for programme participants COMET, the growth follows £2 million investment from BGF in 2023.
The refresh 2024-25 programme employs the renowned MIT Disciplined Entrepreneurship 24 Steps framework, combined with strategic insights on scaling marketing and funding. Entrepreneurs and founders also gained direct access to investors, sector leaders and international market opportunities.
Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO at ONE praised the programme’s success: “This is how ONE ignites growth – by giving founders the tools, networks and confidence to go further and faster. These ambitious digital tech founders are building companies with global potential right here in the north east.”
Andy Bird, Founder and CEO at Inoapps and ONE Digital Tech board member said, “I’ve witnessed first hand the passion and potential within the north east founders. Sharing my experiences has reinforced the importance of collaboration and mentorship in driving our businesses forward. I am excited to see how these driven entrepreneurs will leverage the tools and insights gained from this programme to make their mark on the global stage.”.
Louise Martin, Founder and CEO at RigRun Ltd and programme participant, added, “The Business Growth Programme allows you to take a step back from your company, review the gaps of your business. This has transformed our approach to business strategy and growing, giving us the confidence to expand our reach, understand our customers and set us up for continued growth.”
With more than 300 digital tech businesses across EnergyTech, AgriTech and RegTech north east Scotland’s digital tech cluster has doubled in size over the past five years. ONE is committed to expanding the digital tech sector in the region, with a goal to grow 10 to 20 companies to a turnover of £20 million per annum operating on an international basis, cementing the region as a major force in Scotland’s innovation economy.
Entrepreneurship is a core focus for ONE as we continue to work closely with founders, mentors, investors, and partners to unlock the full potential of the north east. Through entrepreneurial education and mentoring, deep sector knowledge and industry expertise, ONE aims to accelerate the growth and scaling of high-potential ventures and support founders at every stage of their journey.
