Monthly Archives: August 2024

Care, Care Home News, Employee Benefits, Healthcare News, News

Essex County Council funds a Care England Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Perkbox Vivup to support care sector workers in Essex

EAP provision will address some of the key issues which have plagued the sector for decades

Care England has partnered with employee benefits specialist Perkbox Vivup to provide a dedicated EAP service to support staff wellbeing and reduce sector-specific workforce challenges, which has been fully funded by Essex County Council for care staff across Essex.

The care sector has undergone significant workforce challenges in recent years, while an ageing population means increasing numbers of people are in need of support.  The need for the county council and the care sector to nurture and support the social care workers is more important than ever.

Providing end-to-end specialist wellbeing services ensures care sector staff in Essex are supported with their mental, physical, and financial wellness and helps address the workforce challenges which have had unprecedented effects across the sector.

Essex’s involvement is an example of good practice for councils across England, showing the vital role they play in the wellbeing of the local health and social care sector. The Essex EAP solution provided by Perkbox Vivup on behalf of Care England offers a complete care solution comprising of four wellness pillars – Mental, Financial, Physical and Community, providing care staff with:

  •   Immediate access to 120 employed counsellors 24/7 – 365.
  •   Access to secondary mental health support with clinicians at the highest level of clinical accreditation (APPTS) including an online GP service.
  •   Early intervention, self-service and proactive wellness platform which includes assessments, recommendations, and signposting to suitable treatment.
  •   Domestic abuse support and resources with award-winning dedicated menopause support.

Essex County Council is the first council to fully fund and make use of the Care England-Perkbox Vivup partnership for the benefit of the county’s care sector employees, utilising Perkbox Vivup’s full EAP service which includes a discount and money saving solution worth up to £1,500 per employee per year.

 

Cllr John Spence Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said:

“Care sector workers are unsung heroes, providing care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. They should feel supported and deserve services that help them to manage and improve their own wellbeing.

“I am proud that Essex County Council is the first council to fully fund and use the Care England-Perkbox Vivup partnership for the benefit of our county’s care-sector employees.  The investment is testament to the value we place on them: extraordinary people doing extraordinary things so that others can live ordinary lives.”

 

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:

“The workforce is the heartbeat of the care sector and our biggest resource, and the challenges faced are well documented. Now is the time to think creatively about new solutions which will benefit those in care, as well as those who work in, and provide care. EAPs and wellbeing programmes help employers equip the workforce with the tools they need to build personal resilience and deal with issues before they become difficult to treat or affect workplace performance, presenteeism and negatively impact staff retention or those we care for.

“Keeping staff well and at work is crucial, and our EAP solution provided by Perkbox Vivup helps employers demonstrate their commitment to their staff which helps attract and retain valued members of the workforce. Having a low staff turnover rate also has a well-documented positive impact on people in receipt of care, so it truly benefits everyone.”

 

Essex Care Association Chairman Rahul Jagota said:

“Our care provider members work hard to advocate for their employees who are the backbone of our sector, and the Essex County Council fully funded EAP solution goes a long way to helping our care provider employers ensure their staff have access to the high-quality support necessary to continue providing exceptional high-quality care across Essex, if we are to make inroads into the workforce challenges we have been wrestling with for years.

 “Essex County Council have listened to our and Care England’s requests for more support and acted accordingly, and we look forward to care workers across Essex yielding the results of the services provided by Perkbox Vivup.”

 

Tristan Rigby, Head of Wellbeing, Perkbox Vivup, said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Care England, providing a valuable service to hard-working care staff who, for years, have been navigating unprecedented sector challenges from low pay, work-related stress and burnout, and more recently, the cost-of-living crisis.

“The wellbeing services will make a huge impact on their professional and personal lives, supporting them through sudden life crises while providing essential early intervention services, reducing absenteeism and ultimately, improving productivity.”

 

About the Perkbox Vivup Group

Perkbox and Vivup joined forces in July 2024 to form the Perkbox Vivup Group, an employee benefits, wellbeing and engagement platform, revolutionising the employee benefits landscape.

With over two decades experience, the Perkbox Vivup Group offering spans enhancing access to specialist mental health services to helping staff manage the cost of everyday essentials. The Group supports employees in all areas of life, at every stage of their career, both in and out of the workplace.

Trusted by more than 7,500 organisations across the public, private, SME, and corporate sectors, the Perkbox Vivup Group is delivering an enhanced range of benefits and engagement solutions to 4 million employees across the globe.

 

About Care England

Care England, a registered charity, is the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England. Care England’s members provide over 120,000 beds and a variety of services for older people, those with long-term conditions, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and people with autism.
Care England speaks with a unified voice for our members and the care sector. We are committed to supporting a united, quality-conscious, independent sector that offers real choice and value for money.

 

About Essex Care Association

The Essex Care Association is an independent voluntary ‘not for profit’ organisation providing support, knowledge, and advice to social care providers in Essex, to represent social care provider interests, alert members to issues affecting social care organisations and offering a range of services to meet their needs.

For more information visit https://essexcare.org.uk

 

Awards

Founder of Embridge Consulting, Emma O’Brien named Public Sector Entrepreneur at Enterprise Awards 2024

Entrepreneur and founder of business transformation consultancy, Embridge Consulting, Emma O’Brien, has been named best Public Sector Entrepreneur at this year’s Enterprise Awards.

The awards, known as the Oscars for technology entrepreneurs, honours the hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors and advisors across the UK’s technology sector, celebrating and recognising the very best talent across the industry.

Emma, who founded Embridge Consulting in 2009 after being made redundant following the birth of her second child, was awarded the Public Sector Entrepreneur accolade at a prestigious awards ceremony in the Drapers’ Hall, London, in recognition of her vision, innovation and ambition to succeed.

The achievement follows a period of sustained growth for the business transformation consultancy, having secured 5 new digital change projects since the start of the year, partnering with several public sector and not-for-profit organisations including Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust and Versus Arthritis.

Following Emma’s win at the Enterprise Awards, Embridge Consulting has also been recognised by leading advisory and consultancy platform, Consultancy.uk, as one of the leading consultancy firms specialising in ERP. Embridge received a silver rank, making it into the final 39 firms out of a pool over 1000+ candidates, placing them alongside major industry players including Deloitte, Accenture and IBM.

Speaking on her recent Enterprise Awards win, as well as the firm’s Consultancy.uk ranking, Founder and CEO of Embridge Consulting, Emma O’Brien, said: “These awards recognise the best of the best across the tech industry in the UK, so what an honour it is to be recognised in what is a fiercely competitive category, for everything Embridge Consulting are doing to support our Public Sector customers.

The judges loved the innovation in our team, and I’m so proud of what we have achieved so far, and excited to see what we will continue to achieve in our next chapter!”

Headquartered in Gravesham, Kent, Embridge Consulting is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading business transformation and change specialists, enabling organisations in both the public and private sectors to transform business operations by empowering people, processes and technology.

Priding itself on the personalised, tailored client experience it provides, Embridge seamlessly combines best-in-class technology with experienced consultants and a people-first approach to achieve meaningful and long-term digital change.

For more information, visit: https://embridgeconsulting.com 

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IMAGE [L – R]:

Emma O’Brien at the Enterprise Awards.

Home Improvements, interior design, Interiors, News, Sustainability

Used Kitchen Hub opens new North London office to accommodate rapid growth

The UK’s leading re-seller of luxury pre-owned and ex-display kitchens, Used Kitchen Hub, is delighted to announce the expansion of its operations with the opening of a new office in North London.

This new space is in addition to the family business’ flagship office on the prestigious Wigmore Street, situated in the heart of London’s West End, where all luxury kitchen brands converge.

 

Since its establishment in 2015, Used Kitchen Hub has become synonymous with exceptional quality and service in the luxury kitchen market. The company’s HQ on Wigmore Street has been instrumental in cementing their reputation within the industry, thanks to its prime location and the array of top-tier kitchen brands it hosts.

The new North London office is a strategic addition designed to support the company’s rapid growth and ambitious expansion plans. The opening of this secondary office is yet another achievement for Used Kitchen Hub, following a highly successful six months, after the business saw a remarkable 30% increase in operations at the end of 2023.

 

Daniel Abrahams, Founder of Used Kitchen Hub said: “Our expansion into North London marks a significant milestone for Used Kitchen Hub. Wigmore Street has been a fantastic base for us, and our new office will allow us to better serve our growing customer base and continue our mission of providing top-quality, sustainable kitchen solutions.

“The North London office will also facilitate Used Kitchen Hub’s venture into the kitchen furniture market, offering a broader range of products to meet the diverse needs of our clientele. This move aligns with our long-term vision of continued growth and expansion within the luxury kitchen sector.

“Our goal has always been to offer the best possible products and services to our customers, and this new office will help us do just that. We are excited about the opportunities this expansion presents and look forward to continuing our growth journey.”

 

Used Kitchen Hub’s unique business model, which focuses on selling privately owned and ex-display kitchens for a fraction of the cost, has positioned the company as the UK’s go-to platform for affordable luxury kitchens. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them a loyal customer base and partnerships with prestigious brands such as Nolte and Poggenpohl.

 

For more information, visit: https://usedkitchenhub.com

Swansea

Leading family-law firm opens new office in Swansea Bay

Family law firm, Grant Stephens Family Law, has opened its second office in the Swansea Bay area due to expansion in both clients, turnover, and headcount.

 

The new office is headed up by Director, Nia Thomas, and is located in one of Swansea’s most sought-after locations on the waterfront, overlooking the marina.

 

Due to the team members having many clients in Swansea and having personal and professional connections to the area, it was a natural next step for the firm’s expansion, offering specialist family law services throughout the South-West of Wales.

 

The initial team will be comprised of existing employees from the Cardiff office including Nia Thomas – Director, Lowri Walters – Family Solicitor, and James Jones – Trainee Solicitor.

 

Several of the team members at Grant Stephens Family Law are also fluent Welsh speakers, catering to clients that speak Welsh as a first language.

 

Grant Stephens Family Law hopes to grow the Swansea office this year by increasing the headcount to cope with increased client demands.

 

Nia Thomas, Director and Head of the Swansea office, says:

 

“Since we opened in 2013, we’ve grown year-on-year in headcount and enquiries, with many of our clients coming from the South-West Wales area. This is why expanding into Swansea was the next logical step for the firm.

 

“Over the last year of working at Grant Stephens Family Law, there’s been a lot of positive change at the firm, and I’ve been working alongside some of the most incredible talent in the legal industry.

 

“Being from South West Wales myself, and having worked in firms in Swansea previously, I’m excited to spearhead this new phase of growth at the firm with the objective of getting the best results for our clients continuing to be at the heart of everything we do.”

 

The business currently has 15 members of staff and will also continue running from their Park Place office in central Cardiff.

 

Grant Stephens, Founder and Managing Director, says:

 

“I am immensely proud of the team and all their hard work in contributing to the company’s growth.”

 

“Expanding to a second office has been on our radar for some time and opening in Wales’ second biggest city made the most sense based on our already established presence within Swansea and West Wales.”

“It was clear from the outset that Nia’s values aligned with our own. Since Nia began with us, she has demonstrated great leadership, exceptional expertise and an unwavering commitment to putting clients first. This, in addition to her already established connections in Swansea makes her exactly the right person to head the new Swansea Office.”

 

The office opened on August 1st at Suite 2, J Shed Arcade, SA1 Waterfront, Swansea, SA1 8PL.

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Business, Diversity & Inclusion

Embracing neurodiversity brings business benefits, says new ACCA report

  • New report shares stories of individuals who are neurodivergent within the accountancy profession and their experiences
  • Estimates that one in five members of the workforce are neurodivergent indicates a greater need for neuro-inclusive practices in all levels of business

Leading global accountancy body ACCA’s latest report ‘Neurodiversity in accountancy’ explores the growing awareness by employers that those who are neurodivergent have real value to bring to an organisation.

The report highlights targeted hiring programmes that have actively sought out neurodivergent talent to undertake roles.

It is estimated between 15 – 20% (or roughly one in five) of the population are neurodivergent. As a result, organisations have a responsibility to include and support neurodivergent individuals, creating workplace environments where everyone’s challenges are supported and strengths are celebrated, and where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

The business benefits for organisations that embrace neurodiversity include:

  • Diverse thinking: neurodiversity brings unique viewpoints, problem-solving approaches, fresh ideas and innovative solutions.
  • Increased productivity: accommodations for neurodiverse individuals enhance overall productivity.
  • Talent attraction: focusing on building neuro-inclusive workplaces attracts candidates – especially Gen Z.
  • Talent retention: a neuro-inclusive environment fosters loyalty and reduces turnover.
  • Enhanced creativity: neurodiverse individuals often think ‘outside the box’.
  • Positive workplace culture: Employees feel respected and valued, leading to better morale.

 

The report shares stories of individuals who are neurodivergent within the accountancy profession and ultimately celebrates thinking differently, representing organisations as diverse as accountancy firms EY and Cooper Parry, recruitment firm Michael Page Malaysia, HMRC, and The Ritz London hotel.

Numerous benefits to organisations were cited, from brand recognition and winning new business, to accessing previously untapped talent pools. Bringing innovation, creativity and other valuable skills to the organisation was also recognised as a key benefit. Ultimately, a proactive approach in this area has an impact on creating value for an organisation, both financially and socially.

Report co-author Jamie Lyon, head of skills sectors and technology at ACCA, says: “Supporting neurodivergent employees is essential for creating an inclusive workplace and this doesn’t need to be complex. Often knowing where to start can be the biggest challenge. Organisations can approach neuro-inclusion at both an organisational and individual level. The aim for any organisation should be neuro-inclusive design, where possible adjustments and ways of working are part of standard practice and no longer need to be requested.”

Report co-author Tania Martin, Neuro-inclusion consultant at PegSquared: “With an estimated one in five of the workforce being neurodivergent, and more people willing to openly share their stories, it is becoming even more important that employers are proactive in understanding and building neuro-inclusive workplaces. So often we find what works for one, benefits so many. But broader than that, neurodiversity also impacts employers’ clients and customers. Having an understanding of neuro-inclusion can be a competitive advantage – harnessing neurodiversity is ultimately good for business.”

The research sought to understand the challenges neurodivergent individuals face at work and in education; their strengths; how organisations have implemented support at both the organisation and individual level; and thoughts about the future of neurodiversity at work.

It concludes with key recommendations for organisations to better support their neurodivergent employee community, from leadership buy-in and sponsorship, education and training opportunities, through to inclusive job descriptions and recruitment practices.

Read the report and access the employers’ guide here.

Visit ACCA’s website for more information.

Food & Drink

Forget cheese and wine night, It’s All About Whisky Pairings in 2024

Move over, Merlot! The world of food and drink pairings is undergoing a delicious revolution, and in 2024, whisky is taking centre stage. Forget the predictable cheese and wine routine –  imagine the bold tango of a smoky Islay malt with a strong cheddar cheese, or a Campbeltown whisky served up with your favourite charcuterie board. The possibilities are as endless as your whisky collection.

 

Whisky pairings aren’t just about highlighting a dram’s finish – they’re about creating culinary symphonies.  Think: a coastal single malt like Old Pulteney emulsified into a whisky lemon butter for seared scallops, or a Speyside dram elevating the smoky notes of cured salmon alongside a dollop of cream cheese.

 

Ready to get started? Old Pulteney is offering a chance to win a bottle of their 15-year-old whisky (valued at over £70) by taking their online dish and dram pairing quiz. It’s your passport to a world of unforgettable culinary discoveries, from mastering the art of pairing to uncovering surprising flavour combinations.

 

So, raise a glass to the future of food and drink exploration!  Whisky pairings are here to stay, and with a little experimentation, you might just discover your new favourite foodie adventure.

 

The Five Faces of Flavour and their recommended food pairings:

 

Scotland’s whisky-making landscape boasts five distinct regions, each contributing its unique geographical fingerprint to the spirit.

 

  • Speyside: Renowned for its gentle, honeyed notes, Speyside whiskies like Glenfiddich pair beautifully with creamy cheeses, smoked salmon, or even delicate desserts.
  • Highland: Offering a wider spectrum of flavours, from floral to malty, Highland whiskies like Dalwhinnie complement richer dishes like roast lamb or grilled vegetables.
  • Lowland: Known for their smooth, grassy character, Lowland whiskies like Glenkinchie find harmony with lighter fare like fresh oysters or white fish.
  • Islay: Characterized by their bold, smoky notes, Islay whiskies like Ardbeg are a daring match for strong cheeses or game meats.
  • Campbeltown: Offering a balance of fruit and spice, Campbeltown whiskies like Springbank pair well with red meats or cured meats like charcuterie.

 

A Coastal Twist

 

Beyond regional styles, specific locations can also influence flavour profiles. Old Pulteney is a single malt whisky distilled where the North Sea meets the Caithness coast. The cool, maritime climate and proximity to the ocean imbue Old Pulteney with a distinctive briny character, making it a natural partner for seafood.

 

Why not try Old Pulteney with:

 

Seared scallops with Old Pulteney and lemon butter sauce: The sweetness of the scallops and the tang of the lemon butter complement the briny notes of Old Pulteney.

 

Pan-fried cod with seaweed salad: The delicate flavour of the cod is accentuated by the salty, umami-rich seaweed salad, while the whisky echoes the ocean essence.

 

Smoked salmon carpaccio with dill creme fraiche: The smoky notes of the salmon and the creamy richness of the dill creme fraiche find harmony with the smoky and creamy depth of Old Pulteney.

 

Prawn cocktail with a touch of Old Pulteney in the dressing: The whisky adds a subtle smoky complexity to the classic prawn cocktail, creating an intriguing flavour experience that is a twist on an old favourite.

 

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. The beauty of whisky pairing lies in exploration. Experiment with different regional styles and food combinations to discover what resonates with your palate.

 

Test your knowledge:

 

Embark on a journey of exploration with Old Pulteney’s brand-new online quiz, designed to help you unveil the secrets of regional Scotch whisky flavour palettes and food pairing. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your whisky adventure, this interactive experience is your passport to unforgettable culinary discoveries.

 

Through a series of engaging questions, you’ll expand your whisky knowledge with captivating insights into Scotch whisky’s flavour profiles and regional variations and explore the fundamentals of whisky pairing, all whilst being in with the chance to win your bottle of the Old Pulteney 15-year-old single malt scotch whisky.

 

Old Pulteney

 

Old Pulteney, the Maritime Malt, is a single malt born from the Scottish Highlands’ coast and is distilled and matured in hand-selected casks by the coastline. It’s infused with a subtle saltiness from the nearby North Sea, adding depth and complexity to every sip. Whether enjoyed neat or in a crafted cocktail, Old Pulteney invites you to savour the essence of the sea and discover a world of delicious possibilities.

 

Ready to embark on your delicious discovery? Visit https://oldpulteney.com/quiz to take the quiz and unlock a delicious combination of flavour possibilities and learning.

 

Global Mobility, Global Travel, Lifestyle & Travel, News

Moving Countries 101 – Navigating the realities of relocation: “There is constant evaluation and re-evaluation.”

In a revealing episode of the podcast Moving Countries 101, this week host Clare Kay and her husband, Tunji Akinsehinwa, share their journey of moving from the UK to the United States. This episode candidly explores their experiences, challenges, and insights from navigating this significant life change.

Tunji, a university professor at Boston University, highlights the contrasting perspectives of being the working professional versus the ‘trailing spouse’. He discusses the emotional and logistical hurdles they faced, from finding accommodation and opening a bank account to starting a new job in a foreign culture.

Tunji at work

Clare and Tunji also discuss their assumptions about moving to an English-speaking country and the unexpected challenges they encountered. They assumed it would be easier coming to the US and that it would have similar systems to the UK, but they found it vastly different. This reflection provides a realistic understanding of what to expect when moving to a new country.

Adding another layer to their story, they compare their experience to their earlier move to Nigeria, where they found it easier to adjust despite different challenges. This contrast highlights the unpredictable nature of relocating and the importance of being prepared for anything.

 

“If you really, really want to move, it can be a dream, but you’ve got to make your dream a reality. You’ve got to make it an intention,” Tunji says, emphasizing the importance of a clear intention when relocating. Their story underscores the necessity of flexibility and having a plan.

The upcoming November elections also weigh on their minds, potentially impacting their long-term plans. “Think about having a plan A, a plan B, and even a plan C,” he suggests.

Tune in to Moving Countries 101 to hear the full conversation and gain deeper insights into the complexities and rewards of relocating.

 

About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:

Moving Countries 101 is a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives and experiences of those who have relocated globally. Hosted by Clare Kay, it aims to inspire and inform listeners about the challenges and rewards of living in different countries through practical advice, personal stories, and expert insights.

Moving Countries 101 is available on:

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

 

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

Subscribe now and never miss an episode.

Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, News

Ferobide – Reducing operating costs in Agriculture, Construction and Mining

Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced materials and components, has a range of world-renowned composite and polymer materials, including Ferobide, Feroform, Feroglide, Ferosafe and Railko. 

Ferobide is a highly effective solution for reducing operating costs in the agricultural, mining and construction sectors.

This tungsten carbide composite is one of the most wear-resistant materials in the world, it is already trusted globally as a reliable solution for minimising equipment downtime. By preventing wear part damage, Ferobide is able to deliver lasting results which minimise equipment downtime and therefore aid in decreasing operating costs. 

 

Ferobide in Farming

Farmers who utilise Ferobide can experience dramatic savings by extending the life of their equipment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs. 

For instance, implementing Ferobide has allowed some farms to extend the service life of cultivator wings and legs by several seasons, cutting down metal wear expenses by up to two-thirds. This not only minimises downtime but also boosts overall operational efficiency and profitability.

When used on soil-engaging equipment parts, Ferobide enhances durability against abrasive soil conditions, which can significantly decrease the frequency of part replacements. 

A case study involving sugar cane mills showed that equipment outfitted with Ferobide experienced less wear compared to traditional hard-facing materials, leading to longer operational periods between maintenance shutdowns.

 

Ferobide in Construction and Mining

In the mining and construction industries, Ferobide has proven effective in increasing the lifespan of equipment parts exposed to extreme wear and tear.

In mining operations, Ferobide is used on drilling equipment to enhance durability against the harsh, abrasive conditions found underground. This results in fewer drill bit replacements and reduced downtime.

In construction, Ferobide can be applied to loader buckets and other machinery that frequently contacts abrasive materials like gravel and crushed rock. This application significantly extends the service life of these high-wear parts, leading to lower maintenance costs and less frequent equipment replacements.

 

The Benefits of Ferobide 

When used correctly and welded onto suitable surfaces, Ferobide has numerous benefits, which include: 

  • Significant savings on wearing metal costs
  • Increased wear part lifetime
  • Reduction in machinery downtime for maintenance
  • Increased operational efficiency due to a reduction in downtime
  • Quick and easy to weld

For additional information, please contact Tenmat directly: https://tenmatwear.com/contact-tenmat

Events, Leeds, News, Tech Events, Technology

Leeds outperforms other regional cities in tech sector growth.

New data reveals that Leeds companies working in the technology sector are growing at a rate of more than double the national average.

The study by Leeds Digital Festival and The Data City examined data from 5.3m companies. It found that Leeds’ tech firms are growing 125% faster than the national average. Businesses classified in the tech RTIC (Real-Time Industry Classifications) category report an annual growth rate of 3.6% compared with 1.6%.

 

Further analysis of the data also highlights that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the tech RTICs dominate the sector in terms of volume within the Net Zero, agency market, and life sciences sectors, experiencing an estimated annual growth rate of 5.8%.

The software development sector in Leeds is also growing at an impressive annual rate of 20%, outpacing the national average (13.8%), showcasing the city’s strength in this field. The agency market (11.3%) and cyber (11%) are the other key top tech based RTICs growing and leading the change in Leeds.

 

With less than eight weeks to go until the 2024 Leeds Digital Festival gets underway, organisers are anticipating the biggest and best event in the Festival’s nine-year history. Leeds Digital Festival is the UK’s largest open platform tech event and the biggest outside London.

The Festival is designed to inspire and encourage collaboration with the aim of promoting the strength of the sector in the city to a global audience

 

Stuart Clarke MBE, festival director, said: “The economic growth figures show that Leeds’ is taking giant steps forward in terms of leading the way in innovation, enterprise and delivery of emerging tech on a regional, national and international level.

“The Digital Festival is a positive celebration of this, harnessing the Leeds tech ecosystem’s unique collaborative spirit that is helping it to grow faster than larger cities across the UK. Since the first one in 2016, the Festival has gone from strength to strength, growing in both scale and visibility each year. What began as a few big ideas from tech organisers within the city – backed by the local tech community and a small grant – has evolved into the UK’s largest open-platform celebration of all things tech and digital, outside of London.”

 

Rich McIntyre, chief engineer at BJSS, commented: “The tech community in Leeds is developing rapidly, creating a strong legacy and an exciting roadmap for the future. Leeds’ booming tech performance can be attributed to the dynamic digital sector in the city, the emergence of numerous pioneering companies and the continued influence of Leeds Digital Festival, which brings the whole community together, encouraging a collaborative approach, inspiring and attracting future talent and driving commercial success.”

 

The Data City platform provides real-time company data on emerging economic sectors. It uses AI technology to gather data from various sources, including open data sets and company financials. Comprising a database of over 5.3 million UK companies and over 400 RTICs.

 

Commenting on the study, Alex Craven, CEO of The Data City, said: “We are growing a global business data and insight company from headquarters in Leeds. It’s a city with a can-do attitude and a depth of talent that can support high-growth tech companies.”

 

The Festival is supported by premier sponsors BJSS and PEXA, alongside executive sponsors Accenture, DWP Digital, Glean, Lloyds Bank, Nexus University of Leeds, and Flutter, plus launch sponsors Leeds Building Society.

 

For more information on Leeds Digital Festival, visit https://leedsdigitalfestival.org/