Croydon: The Next Silicon Valley? Why We Must Train the Next Generation Now

Croydon is fast becoming a major player in the UK’s tech scene. With a thriving tech industry, a growing number of startups, and key organisations supporting innovation, the borough has the potential to be a leading digital hub. But to sustain this momentum and truly compete on a global scale, we must invest in training children/young people today.

Croydon’s Growing Tech Industry

Several tech companies are already making their mark in Croydon:

• GoodCore Software: A full-service software development company delivering bespoke solutions. Visit website

• Operum.Tech: Providing IT support, network setup, and cybersecurity services. Visit website

• PCR Connected: Specialising in business software solutions and Microsoft 365 support. Visit website

• Compucare Systems: Delivering managed IT support for businesses, schools, and charities. Visit website

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Beyond these companies, Croydon is home to Croydon Tech City, an initiative dedicated to establishing the borough as a hub for early-stage digital and tech startups. How do we get in contact with you?  Where is your website?  I mention this organisation because I was encouraged by their intentions;

What does CTC do? 

• Promotes technology skills, opportunities, and businesses

• Connects software developers, creatives, venture capitalists, and startup founders

• Influences the community's education, employment, and infrastructure

CTC's impact 

• CTC has been a major contributor to improving Croydon's reputation

• CTC has been cited in the UK Government Strategy

• CTC has touched the lives of thousands of local businesses, schools, children, and adults

Why Investing in Children/young people is Crucial

While Croydon’s tech industry is expanding, a sustainable future depends on a skilled and diverse workforce. Children/young people need to be equipped with the technical knowledge and digital skills necessary to take advantage of these growing opportunities. Currently, several initiatives are working to train and upskill Croydon's young people:

• Croydon Tech City Code Club Initiative (2013): Teaching programming skills to primary school children to encourage early interest in technology. Visit website

• Young Croydon Digital Skills Workshops: Providing essential IT skills training to help children/young people prepare for careers in the digital sector. Visit website

• Play Place Innov8: Offering hands-on experience with tech through music production and social media programmes. Visit website

  
  

These initiatives are a step in the right direction, but they need greater investment and expansion to ensure Croydon’s children/young people are fully prepared for the future of work.  They will also need to work hard in representing all the children of Croydon or we are in danger of maintaining a status quo of the ‘haves and have nots’ and we know how that pans out.

How Croydon Can Lead the UK’s Digital Future

For Croydon to become a serious competitor to London’s tech hubs like Shoreditch, further investment in children/young people training is essential. Here’s how we can make it happen:

1. Expand Digital Skills Programmes – Increase funding and accessibility for coding workshops, IT training, and cybersecurity education.

2. Strengthen Links Between Schools and Tech Companies – Encourage tech firms to offer apprenticeships, internships, and mentorship programmes.

3. Develop Community Tech Hubs – Establish dedicated spaces for children/young people to learn, collaborate, and innovate.

4. Promote Entrepreneurship – Support young innovators with funding, incubators, and business training.

5. Ensure Diversity and Inclusion – Implement targeted outreach programmes to support underrepresented groups, ensuring that Croydon’s tech workforce reflects the diverse community it serves.

6. Create Accessible Career Pathways – Provide scholarships, career guidance, and work experience opportunities for children/young people from all backgrounds.

   
   

The Time to Act is Now

If Croydon wants to establish itself as the UK’s next Silicon Valley, we must act now. By equipping children/young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital economy, we ensure that our local tech industry continues to grow, innovate, and compete on a global stage.

A diverse and inclusive workforce is not just an ethical necessity—it is a business advantage. Research shows that diverse teams drive innovation, improve problem-solving, and contribute to stronger financial performance. By ensuring equal opportunities for all, Croydon can build a tech sector that is more resilient, dynamic, and globally competitive.

The foundations are already in place. Now, it’s time to build on them. Croydon’s future as a tech powerhouse depends on the investment we make today in ALL our young people, ensuring a truly inclusive and representative digital workforce.

Are we ready to take the next step?