Tech sector on a high

Scotland’s digital technologies industry is optimistic for the future and continuing to grow sales, profits and headcount, says new research.

Industry body ScotlandIS said its latest Scottish Technology Industry Survey found 82% of businesses expected their sales to increase in 2017.

Nearly four- fifths (78%) of firms surveyed said they had a “very optimistic” or “optimistic” view for the year ahead.

The positive outlook follows growth of the sector in 2016, with seven out of 10 companies reporting an increase in sales – in some cases by more than 50% – last year. Predictedemployment

“Positive outlook follows growth of the sector in 2016”

growth is also on the up since last year’s survey.

Nearly four- fifths (78%) of firms forecast that they would hire more staff in 2017, compared with 66% last year, which rises to 84% among small businesses on their own.

ScotlandIS chief executive Polly Purvis said: “The results of this year’s survey show the confidence and resilience of the digital technologies industry, which is continuing to grow and maintain its optimistic outlook despite uncertainties in the political environment.”

Skills shortage remains an issue for firms but the ScotlandIS data shows companies are embracing alternative routes into the sector.