PwC said on Friday it will create up to 1,000 jobs over three years at its newly launched technology hub in Manchester.
The technology-focused roles are in addition to existing recruitment of 3,000 people per year.
At least 100 of the new jobs are being recruited immediately for the tech hub which will be located at the firm’s Manchester office at 1 Spinningfields where 1,400 people are currently based.
“The hub will focus on developing technology products and assets for use across PwC’s business and to support client work,” said the company.
“Demand for digitisation, AI and data analytics services has increased significantly as pandemic recovery and a greener future drives transformation.”
PwC chairman and senior partner Kevin Ellis said: “The opening of our technology hub reflects the critical and growing role of new technologies to our business and our clients.
“It also underscores our commitment to regional growth and supporting regional rebalancing.
“More than half of our staff are now based outside London and that proportion will continue to grow.
“Manchester has a vibrant tech scene – it’s seen as a place to innovate, attracting business, investment and skills.
“We want to capitalise on local talent and create opportunities for local people by working with universities, colleges and businesses in the city.
“Alongside our offices in Bradford and Leeds, our expansion in the North West reflects our confidence in regional growth and the important role of offices in attracting people and nurturing talent.
“Skills in technology and strengthening regional prosperity are vital to the UK economy and closing the productivity gap.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “It’s fantastic to see PwC’s ongoing commitment in Manchester and further recognition of the city’s distinctive status.
“The city is the fastest-growing digital and tech hub in Europe and we are fast becoming the UK’s leading digital city-region.
“As more and more businesses set-up, grow and move here, we are building an ecosystem that supports businesses and talent at every level.
“It’s great that PwC continues to support our culture of collaboration, working with others to grow jobs, skills and opportunity.”
PwC’s new Manchester tech hub follows the June opening of an Advanced Research and development centre in Belfast, bringing 800 new jobs to Northern Ireland.