Boasting diverse strengths in everything from TV production to animation to app development, Greater Manchester's vibrant technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector is thriving. Now recognised as the second largest creative and digital hub in Europe outside London, TMT hotspots such as MediaCityUK, Salford Quays and The Sharp Project are continuing to appeal to the corporate giants, as well as the nimble start-ups. 

These TMT hotspots are beacons for the North West economy, simulating success through the environment and infrastructure they provide. A number of parallels can be drawn to a young Silicon Valley: an area with a number of hungry growing businesses with leading universities nearby.

The announcement of £11.2m of investment into tech hubs in a number of Northern cities in the recent budget legitimises the North as a powerhouse for the UK's digital economy with Greater Manchester at the heart.

So what can the region's extensive TMT community expect from one of the most dynamic and changeable sectors?

Deloitte's annual TMT Predictions report presents our view on the major trends from the sector that will emerge or be enhanced during the course of 2015.

In a series of short video interviews, we spoke to some of the region's most innovative TMT firms at MediaCityUK on how this year's predictions will affect them:

Short form video

Online short- form content should generate about $5 billion of advertising revenue in 2015

Sebastian Joseph, Content Producer at Equinox & TV Production 

One billion smartphone upgrades 

One billion smartphones will be purchased as upgrades for the first time in 2015, generating over $300 billion in sales. 

Tim Makin, Director at Wink Nudge

Drones: high- profile and niche 

The UAV market has benefited over the past decade from the surge in demand for consumer electronics, particularly at hobbyist level. 

Paul Walsh, UAV Pilot & Flight Director at The Lens Foundry 

Read the full report: Deloitte TMT Predictions | 2015 

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