BURNLEY has been declared one of the UK’s digital capitals after an expansion boom resulted in 600 jobs being created within just 12 months.

Four hundred people were employed in the digital sector at the start of 2014 in the borough but this had increased to 1,000 by the following year.

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The huge increase in digital job creation outstrips the national average of two per cent and even the north-west’s, at 30 per cent.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which compiled the figures, the performance places the borough second nationally.

The only area to better Burnley was Ribble Valley, with a 181 per cent increase, though it is understood the proportion of jobs involved was statistically lower.

The digital sector covers everything from the manufacture of communications and computer equipment to IT programming, telecoms, software publishing and sound and motion picture production activities.

Business leaders, who also saw private sector jobs growth rise by 5.5 per cent, have now launched the Digital Burnley Group to help promote their digital profile still further.

Plans are still being advanced for the Vision Park, off Princess Way, which should bolster future employment rates for hi-tech industries.

Mark Crabtree, managing director of AMS Neve, the cutting-edge soundboard technology specialists, said: “This group is probably the most advanced cluster in Lancashire, working to make the town the premier location for digital businesses, as a contrast to a big city site.

“Our aim is to establish a thriving communal business hub to enhance our digital cluster.

“We’re also working to communicate clearly to students the skill sets that they need to succeed in this field and to actively assist with their education and experience – and so continue to increase the pool of Burnley’s digital talent.”

Cllr Mark Townsend, leader of Burnley Council, said: “Embracing digital technology will have huge rewards for Burnley businesses and for the Burnley economy, making us a more competitive and more prosperous place.

“I’m delighted with the latest ONS digital jobs growth figures for Burnley and for the positive private sector jobs growth overall.”

Economic development officials have highlighted the growth or relocation of outfits such as BCW Engineering, based on the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre off Widow Hill Road, fashion retailers Boohoo.com, Endsleigh Insurance and Vodafone Automotive.

Bosses at insurance giants Endsleigh were persuaded to remain in Burnley after they outgrew its old home in Manchester Road.

The assistance of the borough’s economic development unit, when the firm made the switch to Kingsway House, was said to be crucial.

An Endsleigh spokesman said: “Burnley Council supported the move and helped us to find new premises.”

Others who have made Burnley their home or broadened their horizons in the jobs market include 3D printers FDM Printing and telecoms venture Chess Ltd.

Mr Crabtree added: “The ONS figures confirm what we are promoting, our digital growth and strengths in recruiting knowledge intensive jobs in the digital sector.

“A recent Independent Economic Review on the Northern Powerhouse identified ‘digital’ as a key growth opportunity for the north, and with our already successful digital hub and the new direct rail link to Manchester, this will open up huge opportunities for Burnley’s growth.”

In comparison, growth in digital jobs in Rossendale was 37 per cent, in Hyndburn it was 24.8, just 18.4 per cent in Blackburn with Darwen and 16.7 across Pendle compared to Burnley’s 150 per cent.