Looks like it's not all pasties, blue pop and flat caps in Sunderland after all. "Digital Leaders UK has just announced that Sunderland has won Smart City of the Year 2020. Sunderland has claimed the UK top spot in the national competition that celebrates digital transformation and is organised by the global initiative ‘Digital Leaders’. Sunderland City Council earned the top prize at the Digital Leaders Awards, excelling above 10 other nominated cities from across the UK, including Belfast and Edinburgh. The award for Smart City of the Year recognises places that have prioritised digital transformation for the wider benefit, providing an array of services and creating opportunities for communities and businesses alike. The transformational work of Sunderland City Council and a host of partners resulted in Sunderland’s shortlisting to the top 10 in June this year. This was followed by a public vote placing the city in the top 3 finalists of the Digital Leaders 100 List for 2020. The concluding round of judging saw a panel of experts determine the ultimate winner, announced at the Digital Leaders 100 awards ceremony on the evening of 15th October." Thought it was worth a mention if it hasn't already raised it's head. A few articles online but my phone couldn't cope. ( Not me of course!)
News like this is great for the City. There's no doubt that the transformation has started. Hopefully the recently released plan along with extensions to the Tyne and Tyne Metro (No, you read it right!) and the re-opening of the Leamside Line will come to fruition, and the transformation can be complete. More jobs, more tourists, greater prosperity for our businesses.I'll raise a glass to that!
