Silicon Sands gains momentum as industry leaders unite to shape the Fylde Coast’s digital future

Across Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde, momentum is building around a shared ambition: to establish the region as a recognised hub for next-generation technology.

What began as a vision is now taking shape through Silicon Sands - a collaborative initiative bringing together industry, education, and public sector leaders to drive long-term growth in digital, data, and emerging technologies.

At the heart of this movement is a clear focus: not just creating opportunity, but building the capability to sustain it.

As a Blackpool-based software company and active member of the Silicon Sands steering group, Code Galaxy is proud to be playing a role in shaping that future - particularly in the areas of digital skills, recruitment, and industry alignment.

Silicon Sands is focused on developing a sustainable ecosystem around high-value sectors such as cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital services. With growing conversations around data centres, connectivity, and sustainable compute, the Fylde Coast is positioning itself as a serious contender within the UK’s evolving tech landscape.

But infrastructure alone will not define success; ensuring the region has the talent, capability, and pathways to support that growth is equally critical.

A key priority of the steering group is addressing the region’s digital skills pipeline. Without a strong and scalable talent base, even the most ambitious strategies risk falling short.

That’s why Silicon Sands is placing equal emphasis on skills development, education pathways, and recruitment alignment. Through its involvement, Code Galaxy is contributing to conversations around how businesses and education providers can work more closely together - creating clearer routes into digital careers, improving employability, and supporting long-term progression.

This includes championing placements, mentoring emerging talent, and helping define what “job-ready” looks like in a modern digital economy.

Mary Speakman, managing director at Code Galaxy, said: “We’re proud to be part of the Silicon Sands steering group and to play a role in shaping the future of the Fylde Coast’s digital economy.

"For us, this is about more than technology. It’s about investing in local talent, creating clear pathways into digital careers, and building an ecosystem where people and businesses can genuinely thrive.

"There is incredible potential in this region. By bringing industry and education closer together, we can create real opportunities for the next generation and position the Fylde Coast as a recognised leader for technology in the UK.

"We’re excited to be part of that journey.”

What makes Silicon Sands powerful is its collaborative approach; this is not a single organisation driving change, but a collective of stakeholders aligned around a shared goal: building a future-ready regional economy.

By connecting businesses, educators, and policymakers, the initiative is creating a more joined-up model for growth - one that considers not just investment and infrastructure, but people. Because ultimately, the success of any tech ecosystem depends on its ability to develop, attract, and retain talent.

Silicon Sands represents a significant step forward for Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde. With continued collaboration, clear strategic direction, and a focus on both infrastructure and skills, the region has the potential to establish itself as a recognised centre for digital innovation in the UK.

For Code Galaxy, being part of that journey is both an opportunity and a responsibility - helping to ensure that growth is not only ambitious, but achievable.