Covid Scanner Brings Jobs to Leeds

UK tech start-up UtterBerry is set to create at least 800 jobs in Leeds.

16:05 21 July 2021

UtterBerry, a UK tech start-up that specialises in designing and building Covid-19 symptom scanners has recently moved to Leeds. The tech company, which bought a former cloth merchant's building in the city centre, has announced that it will be creating at least 800 new jobs when it starts its operation in the autumn. It says that it will prioritise workers who had lost jobs due to the pandemic. 

 

The firm creates AI-powered machines that combine a variety of factors to create a risk profile. The machines, which scan the wrist, have been successfully trialled in the past and it is the firm's hope that they'll be able to roll them out across the UK and worldwide soon. 

 

Founder Heba Bevan OBE, who was born in Leeds, said: "Our new AI hub in Leeds has been a lifelong dream of mine ever since I designed my very first robot at university." She added that she's keen to attract more women into the traditionally male-dominated industry. 

 

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, culture and education, said the arrival of UtterBerry would "help unlock the potential of communities in Leeds".

 

The firm's new site would be located at the former Charles Walker & Son's furniture manufacturers on Sovereign Street. It is hoped that it would accommodate up to 1,000 workers in the next five years.