Getting Started in Web Development? Here are the 10 best companies to work for in the North East

It’s no lie that a career in web development brings plenty of advantages – competitive pay, networking opportunities and access to a rapidly expanding job market.

However, if you’re just starting as a web developer, competition is often your first obstacle.

Whether it’s choosing front-end or back-end development, staying up to date with new updates or understanding the different languages such as Python, Java, and TypeScript, working in this sector brings plenty of opportunities.

If you’re looking to fast-track your career in web development, here are the 10 best companies to work for in the North East of England.

Cargo is a creative design agency based in the North East of England. They design and deliver creative solutions across brand and digital that have an impact, tell a story, and drive audience behaviour. Over the past 10 years, they have built a reputation as a trustworthy and a valuable employer to work for.

Specialising in design, digital experience, and marketing, they provide a multi-faceted approach to customer experience, ensuring every client they work with achieves success. With a small team of developers, designers, and SEO experts, they care about making a difference in the North East tech scene. Adam Gowland, Technical Director at Cargo, said,

Working cross-sector, we currently have a team of 18 passionate individuals who come together to deliver exceptional results for our clients from brand creation and rollout, digital design and development and digital marketing.

As a developer at Cargo, no two days are the same. We believe that practical, hands-on experience helps grow the deeper understanding of skills required to make a developer succeed in this fast-paced and rapidly changing industry. Comprehending the nuances of each project with someone who has done it before helps broaden developers’ knowledge of not just “writing code” but also understanding the reasons behind certain decisions.

We are also keen to embrace newer technologies such as NextJS and Astro and broader industry awareness by sending team members on various workshops around the North East (Wordcamp Whitley Bay, Middlesbrough Front-End, Generator Accessibility).

Vida Creative supports ambitious brands to achieve their potential through a combination of creativity, strategy, and technology. As a brand, marketing and digital transformation agency based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Vida Creative is a great place for web developers to get started.

With an impressive client base, from NE Youth to Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2022 and Blu Sky, their reputation is recognised far and wide.

From automation and complex payment systems to video platforms and online games, they build innovative products and give every developer a chance to succeed.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a senior web developer, Vida Creative builds a team based on skills such as determination and a passion to succeed. Based in the Toffee Factory in Ouseburn, you’ll get to work in a collaborative team who all bring a unique perspective.

Nebula Labs is an award-winning software house that delivers top-quality digital solutions. This includes location-based and real-time apps, data-driven platforms, and AI chatbots.

With specialities in Mobile App Development, Web Application Development and the Internet of Things, the team are truly experts in what they do.

Their work with Wag & Company, an award-winning charity based in the North East of England, involved creating bespoke web app development. This involved importing thousands of records from a WordPress-based system into a reliable and more efficient system.

This commitment to perfecting the small details is a testament to the core values of Nebula Labs, with a strong attention to detail as a key trait of its web developers.

Similarly, their work with Visit North Tyneside involved creating a comprehensive refurbishment of the council’s tourism web platform, ensuring the new website was as user-friendly as possible. Dylan McKee, Co-founder of Nebula Labs, said:

At Nebula Labs, we are a small but diverse team and as a business, I think it's fair to say we punch above our weight. Every member of the team brings something unique, and we encourage everyone to continue to develop their skills and knowledge in whatever way best suits them - for some, it is undertaking an MA, other times online courses or self-learning work well.

As a small team, we are supportive of each other, we help each other out when needed, and are always open to conversations about issues and shared problem-solving. The work we do is extremely varied - from developing MVPs for start-ups to working with the likes of Google to develop smart ticketing for Metro.

We have an emphasis on undertaking projects that genuinely help people and develop Tech for Good tools like the Virtual Memory Box. Last but definitely not least we are also well known as a friendly, sociable bunch, and enjoy taking part in community events in the region, whether that is conferences, meet-ups, or just nights out together and with friends and partners from the North East community.

Land Digital is a digital marketing agency that aims to add value by engaging customers, illuminating data, and transforming digital processes.

Their team of developers use the latest tools and technologies to deliver high-quality software that is tailored to their client's needs. As a developer, you’ll get the opportunity to work on a combination of projects, allowing you to work closely with the client to perfect the final product and go beyond expectations.

If you’re just starting, you can sign up for their 2-week digital bootcamp which helps to empower aspiring individuals to jumpstart their careers in Digital.

In collaboration with Sunderland Software City, the bootcamp takes individuals through ideation, branding, design, visual development, and product launch strategy. At the end of the two weeks, you’ll present what you’ve learned to the team and be offered the chance of a job.

Michael Thorp recently completed a bootcamp with Land Digital. He said,

The Land Digital bootcamp was an eye-opener. It showed me that you don’t need to be a coding expert to succeed in tech. It’s a vast field with opportunities for everyone.

Layers Studio is a digital branding studio that seeks to solve problems in a pragmatic, creative and collaborative way.

Specialising in a diverse range of creative services, including graphic design, branding, and digital marketing, they hold a well-respected place in the North East tech scene. Whether working with local businesses or collaborating on larger regional projects, Layers value making a difference.

For aspiring web developers, this means you’ll get the chance to work on a range of different projects, providing invaluable opportunities to hone your skills. Daniel Vickers, Developer at Layers, adds:

Layers is a fantastic place to work as a developer. The culture is unrivalled with minimum focus on the ‘typical’ churning our project after project and instead places a clear emphasis on learning and growth individually and as a team.

Working there, you feel valued, not just as an employee but as a person. Instead of just a cog in the machine. On top of all this, the inclusive environment they’ve fostered allows any member of the team to speak up about something they think they could be done better, without fear of backlash or future discrimination.

Accenture is a highly renowned professional services company that specialises in digital, cloud and security. Renowned for its global presence and commitment to innovation, Accenture provides an environment that fosters continuous learning and professional growth.

As a web developer, you’ll get the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies, work on diverse and challenging projects across various industries and collaborate with a diverse team.

With a supportive community, a strong commitment to D&I and a reputation for excellence, Accenture provides a dynamic and rewarding environment for web developers to thrive in their careers. Since its inception, their work has given 721,000 people jobs worldwide and impacted 9,000 clients.

Sage is a multi-national enterprise software company that is a market leader in AI-powered Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. As a flexible employer, Sage fosters a culture of innovation, providing developers with cutting-edge tools and resources to stay at the forefront of web development trends.

This commitment to professional growth is evident through its robust training programmes and mentorship initiatives, ensuring that developers are continuously expanding their skill sets.

Collaboration is at the heart of Sage, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-functional work. This offers developers the opportunity to engage with diverse projects and teams.

From supplying business insights to automating invoices, Sage technology supports millions of people worldwide.

Leighton is a software development business that builds high-performing teams and develops successful software applications for its customers. Operating for more than 30 years, they are committed to creating the right blend of tech and talent for each customer.

As a web developer at Leighton, one can expect to be exposed to a variety of projects and partners, offering invaluable opportunities to enhance skills and gain hands-on experience.

With a dedicated focus on staying at the forefront of industry trends, Leighton Group equips its team with the latest tools and resources, ensuring they are well-positioned to succeed in the ever-evolving field of web development.

As a forward-thinking organisation, Leighton prioritises career progression and training. If you join the team, it’s expected that you’ll be making a difference to projects from day one.

Waterstons earns its well-deserved spot among the top web development companies to work for due to its bespoke software team, which helps businesses to accelerate their growth.

From business consulting, project management, data & AI and software development, Waterston’s offers a comprehensive package that helps businesses reinvent themselves and rocket fuel their growth.

Having worked with major organisations, including Age UK, Durham University, Quorn, Newcastle International Airport and more, their extensive client base is a testament to the results they produce. As a web developer, you’ll have your voice heard.

Avoiding a hierarchical structure, every individual is empowered to make a difference and is given plenty of room to progress within the organisation.

Founded in 2014, Atom Bank is a digital challenger bank that is changing finances for the better. With a team of over 500 people, they seek to build a bank that is better for everyone.

As a flexible employer certified by Flexa, Atom Bank prides itself in the strong community it has built, not only in the North East but as an organisation worldwide.

With a team of over 500 people, the team includes a wide range of roles and opportunities. Web developers play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital banking, working on cutting-edge technologies to enhance the user experience and ensure the security of the platform.

The collaborative atmosphere fosters cross-functional teamwork, allowing web developers to collaborate with experts in various fields, from entry-level developers to full-stack developers.

Joining Atom Bank means being a part of a dedicated team that is committed to revolutionising the banking experience and making a positive impact on the global financial landscape.

The North East of England offers various opportunities for those wanting to pursue a tech career. With companies such as Cargo Creative, Viva Creative, Nebula Labs, Land Digital, Layers, Accenture, Sage, Leighton, Waterstons and Atom Bank, you’re never far from a successful career.

To streamline your job search, Tech Talent Engine is here to help you network with employers, find the latest vacancies and learn about the regions thriving sector.

Don’t miss out on any future opportunities by signing up to create your free account today!