Royal Recognition: Middlesbrough’s Past, Present, and Thriving Tech Future
Big news for Middlesbrough this week! King Charles III and Queen Camilla are paying a visit, and it’s a pretty big deal. It’s been over 30 years since a reigning monarch last visited, and their arrival isn’t just about royal waves and photo ops; it’s a moment to celebrate how much the town has evolved.
Middlesbrough has come a long way. It’s transformed from a heavy industrial hub into a buzzing digital and creative powerhouse. And if you ask us, it’s about time the world noticed.
Our team is incredibly proud of our Middlesbrough heritage, and we regularly order the local delicacy from the nearest takeaway for team lunches!
From Steelworks To Startups
Back in the day, Middlesbrough was all about steel and shipbuilding. Known as “The Ironopolis,” the town was a giant in the industrial world. Teesside Steel even helped build the Sydney Harbour Bridge!
However, as times changed, the decline of heavy industry left Middlesbrough facing some tough challenges. Factories closed, jobs disappeared, and the future felt uncertain.
But here’s the thing: Middlesbrough is made of stern stuff. Instead of letting decline define it, the town pivoted, embraced new opportunities and started rebuilding itself as a centre for digital innovation, creativity, and tech.
Middlesbrough: The UK’s Fastest-Growing Tech Hub
Once defined by its industrial roots and from being an industrial powerhouse, the town has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming economic downturns and transforming itself into a thriving centre of innovation. While the industrial chimneys no longer pump smoke into the skyline, Middlesbrough we have embraced the digital transformation and the town is alive with tech startups, digital agencies, and creative businesses reshaping its future.
A key part of this transformation is Boho Zone, the heart of the town’s digital and creative industries. This buzzing district is home to entrepreneurs, developers, and marketers who are putting Middlesbrough on the map as a true tech hub.
Women in Teesside Tech!
Middlesbrough’s recent recognition as the UK’s fastest-growing tech hub is proof of its rapid progress. The town is attracting investment, top talent, and groundbreaking innovation at an unprecedented rate. But as the industry grows, so does the need for inclusivity. Women in tech remain underrepresented, and a recent expert panel—including Francesca Kosina, Operations Director at Outrank—discussed the challenges women face in the sector.
Speaking at Tees Business Live’s first event of 2025, at Boho X, Francesca said:
“The industry has grown a lot and is no longer programmer heavy. Two of the key skills in tech and digital is communication and collaboration. Many different career opportunities have opened up in the industry over recent years including design creative skills, account management, project management – it really is a diverse playing field and as long as women in particular are open to good collaboration and communication, there’s lots of opportunity within the space.”
The conversation focused on breaking barriers, inspiring future generations, and ensuring that Middlesbrough’s tech boom is built on diversity and opportunity for all.
A New Era For Middlesbrough Is Here – The Digital Era
The Digital Marketing Boom (And Why Outrank is at the Centre of It)
One of the most significant growth areas? Digital marketing and SEO. Businesses are waking up to the fact that if they’re not visible online, they’re missing out.
That’s where companies like Outrank come in, offering complete 360 marketing campaigns and CMO packages, and this is only the beginning! And with six years of growth under our belt, our main motto is that if we can’t find you online, neither can your customers nor clients. Let’s face it: the internet is the space you want to be part of.
Outrank isn’t just another digital agency, we’re committed – to results and to our people. We make SEO simple, effective, and accessible to businesses of all sizes. Our vision? “Manageable, measurable, achievable.” Whether it’s helping local businesses climb Google rankings or supporting national brands, we’re all about getting results.
And let’s be honest, Middlesbrough’s success story mirrors ours. The town reinvented itself, just like we help businesses reinvent their stories daily!
The upcoming royal visit couldn’t be more fitting. As King Charles and Queen Camilla step into Middlesbrough, they’re not just witnessing its rich royal history; they’re seeing firsthand a town on the rise—one that honours its past while embracing a bold, digital, and inclusive future.
Outrank’s Culture: A Team That Drives Tech Forward
At Outrank, we know that a great team is the secret ingredient to success—especially in a town like Middlesbrough. Our culture is all about collaboration, creativity, and celebrating the big ideas that drive us forward (it’s what earned us a top spot on the UK’s Great Places to Work list!). We’re a group of passionate digital marketers, developers, and innovators who thrive on challenges, always pushing the envelope to stay ahead of the curve.
Just like Middlesbrough, we’re never standing still—we’re constantly evolving, learning, and growing together.
With the royal visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla shining a spotlight on the town, it’s clear that Middlesbrough is on the map—and we’re proud to be part of the movement. This dynamic, forward-thinking vibe is at the heart of everything we do. It’s what allows us to help businesses stand out in a rapidly changing digital world. Whether it’s helping a local startup or a global enterprise, Outrank’s talented team works side-by-side with clients to make sure their business doesn’t just keep up with the tech revolution—but leads it.
Why The Royal Visit Matters
So, what does King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit mean for Middlesbrough? It’s more than just a royal stamp of approval. It’s a chance to showcase everything the town has to offer.
They’ll be visiting Centre Square to meet local leaders, businesses, and creatives shaping the town’s future. Expect live performances from Mike McGrother, The Wildcats of Kilkenny, and the Infant Hercules Choir, bringing a bit of Middlesbrough’s cultural energy into the mix.
It’s a proud moment, recognising Middlesbrough’s grit, determination, and vision for the future. A grand celebration in Central Square will be between 1pm and 3pm!
Middlesbrough’s Future Is Bright
With the royal spotlight shining on Middlesbrough, there’s no slowing down. More businesses, investors, and talent are taking notice, which means more growth, opportunities, and success.
At Outrank, we’re proud to be part of this journey. Like Middlesbrough, we believe in continuous evolution, staying ahead of the ever-changing curve, and ensuring businesses get the recognition they deserve.
Want to grow with us? Whether you’re a small local business or a large enterprise, Outrank is here to help you expand your reach, boost your online presence, and drive real results. Let’s work together to take your business to the next level—because when Middlesbrough thrives, we all do.
Get in touch today and let’s make your business impossible to ignore!
And here’s to Middlesbrough, the town that never stops moving forward. And here’s to making sure the world knows it!
