UKTV ramps up technology capability and opens regional innovation hub in Leeds

Leeds

7 November 2018

Following the rapid expansion of UKTV's technology division and the team responsible for video on demand service UKTV Play, the broadcaster has unveiled plans to open a regional office in Leeds. The technology innovation hub will initially house a team of up to 10 specialists, tasked with enhancing the broadcaster's content distribution capabilities.

The first wave of recruitment is at an advanced stage for a range of technology roles designed to help grow and develop UKTV's digital platforms. The team will bolster UKTV's technology and operations department and will focus on embracing new technologies, further exploring data analytics and the cloud to enable viewers to watch even more of the programmes they want to watch, on their device of choice.

Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Sinead Greenaway, said:

Over the past three years we've completely redesigned our technology infrastructure to ensure we can react quickly to the evolving broadcast landscape and increased complexity of our distribution platforms. Opening a regional technology innovation hub marks the next step in UKTV's long-term growth strategy, enabling us to harness the skills and expertise of talent outside of London and support the creative industries in the regions.

The office, which opens this month, is based in the historic Leeming building in the heart of Leeds. It is known for its landmark domes and expansive period windows which flood the space with natural light. Much of the building's original detailing remains and has been seamlessly mixed with contemporary design and high spec technology to provide a truly collaborative work space. Leeds was chosen because it is one of the UK's most accessible cities with superb transport links, and it is fast emerging as a creative hub, with over 1350 tech companies based in the area. It is also home to two large universities, offering access to young talent keen to enter the industry.

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Leeds

UKTV's Leeds office will further strengthen the broadcaster's ties in the region with a number of UKTV Originals such as Helicopter ER, 999 Rescue Squad and Bangers & Cash filmed close by. While the office will focus initially on technology innovation, there is future potential for it to house staff from the programming and editorial side of the business.

For further information, please contact:
Kerry Goode, Head of Network Comms, UKTV
Ali Laurie, Network Comms Exec, UKTV

About UKTV
UKTV is a commercial broadcaster reaching almost 40m viewers every month.

The award-winning independent has eleven imaginative brands - UKTV Play, Dave, W, Gold, Alibi, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home, Eden and Good Food. These include the two most popular non-PSB channels in the UK and account for nearly 10% of the British commercial TV market.

The network delivers inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat, Amazon Fire and UKTV Play, and distributes its highly valued original programmes to 200 territories.

Now celebrating over 20 years at the forefront of digital television, UKTV - an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Studios and Discovery, Inc. - is proud to be the first British television broadcaster in The Sunday Times top 100 companies list.

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