Silicon Roundabout

Forty years ago, the Santa Clara Valley, was nicknamed ‘Silicon Valley’, referring to the high concentration of companies involved in the semiconductor and computer industries that were concentrated in the area.

Now, in 2011, London’s position as Europe’s leading digital city has been reaffirmed by figures showing the new Tech City area of the capital has attracted over 1,000 jobs since its launch a year ago. More than 600 companies are located in east London’s Tech City, which runs from the Olympic Stadium to Shoreditch and was this week championed by the Mayor.

Bozza said: ““London’s is leading the charge on Europe’s digital boom. Across the capital hundreds of new technology businesses have emerged with an exciting cluster bursting into life in Tech City. I want to see London continue to shine as a beacon for the world’s best creative minds and entrepreneurs so that this emerging sector benefits the whole of London, delivering new skills, jobs and investment.”

And, of course, as the UK becomes a world centre for digital technology it needs a catchy nickname.  So, this area of the capital is now known as ‘Silicon Roundabout’.  Really? Is that the best they could do?

A spokesman for the internet spam company voucher discount deals provider Groupon said: “A spokesman for Groupon, which now employs almost 700 people after recently moving to Tech City, said: “The UK is a hugely exciting place for digital and creative culture and we welcome this initiative which aims to create a dynamic centre to harness and nurture talent. We launched Groupon UK in 2009, our second international office outside the US, and we now operate from our offices within Tech City.”