SOFTWARE specialists are offering to share their expertise to end the need to travel to London for training and meet the demand for talent as the Northern Powerhouse develops.

Richmond-based thecitysecret has launched an academy offering individuals and companies a raft of IT training packages, ranging from simple Word and Excel programmes to sophisticated languages such as Scala.

For the past 16 years, thecitysecret has been developing innovative software solutions for city financiers.

But regular trips to London have sparked the idea to launch a North-based training facility which will bring learning back to an old infants school that is the firm’s Richmond headquarters.

Director Sophie Hazell, of Richmond, said: “Thecitysecret Academy will offer a host of IT courses without the inconvenience and considerable expense of travelling to and staying in London.”

Senior developer Jeff Cadman, of Ingleby Barwick, said: “We have surplus space in our office and the expertise and drive to help individuals and companies learn how to capitalise on the latest technology.”

Top experts in the IT field will deliver training in a host of programmes, ranging from Lego Serious Play to Scrum, which will benefit an area fast developing as the Northern Powerhouse.

The initiative will also help fill a serious skills gap the North-East and Yorkshire are facing for top flight software developers.

Operations manager Chris Laundy, of Darlington, said: “Not every one is attracted by the bright lights of London and prefer the lifestyle we are blessed with in Yorkshire, County Durham, Teesside, Tyneside and Wearside.

“We have looked all over the world for the right talent and software companies are having to compete with the voracious appetite of the games industry. This will allow the region to grow its own talent and meet a huge demand from skilled developers.”

For more information on the academy visit www.thecitysecret.academy, or email info@thecitysecret.academy, or telephone (01748) 824735.