Tech consultancy Opencast has donated a dozen MacBook laptops to help pupils at a Gateshead school design and build new robots – and compete in the world’s largest robotics competition.
Wardley Primary School has a busy and active robotics programme – and pupils there spent their own time perfecting robot designs, regularly contributing to the school’s robotics YouTube channel. Wardley’s robotics team took part in this year’s International World VEX robotics competition – joining more than 900 teams from around the world – and the school is looking to go back to Dallas again in 2024. A call out was made in a previous BusinessLife newsletter, for the region’s tech community to aid the school’s mission.
The school is now working with local and regional businesses to help deliver its STEM learning programme, including CMYK, an IT services provider that manages the school’s printing services. CMYK regional sales director Craig Pratt also works with Opencast and he approached the company to see if it would be willing to help, and Opencast agreed to donate 12 laptops to help the pupils to learn code for their robots. Other companies responding to the school’s request for help include Nissan Skills School and the Reece Foundation.
David Sarginson, Opencast’s head of software development and a STEM ambassador, said: “We hope the computers will help students there to learn and build an interest and use of technology. We’re committed to doing what we can to boost STEM learning in schools through schools visits and donations like this. We need to invest in the next generation of technologists to meet the ever-changing demands and trials of the future.”
Daniel Burfield, a year three teacher at Wardley and Vex robotics enthusiast, said: “One of our goals is to make STEM and robotics available for all at Wardley Primary. For us, it is not enough to just have a number of extremely successful robotics teams - we want all the children to enjoy the joy of programming robots. The donation of 12 MacBooks from Opencast is amazing and we are incredibly excited about the positive impact it will have. Like the majority of schools, we are not in a position to purchase the cutting-edge hardware needed to develop our provision.”
North East accountancy and business advisory firm UNW is celebrating after its employment taxes team was named best specialist team in a law or accounting firm at the national Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2023.
The annual event recognises outstanding achievements of individuals and firms across the industry, with prizes on offer to professional practices of all sizes, specialist firms, and those working in-house or in the public sector. Newcastle-based UNW fought off competition from other specialist teams to take home the trophy at the event, held on May 18 at the Royal Lancaster London. The team is led by Lee Muter, working alongside Paul Tucker, the current vice-chair of the CIOT Employment Tax subcommittee, David Paul and Becky Hood.
Mr Muter said: “We were delighted to represent the firm at this national award ceremony and were absolutely thrilled to be announced as winners of the ‘best specialist team’ category. At UNW, we always set ourselves the highest standards and take great pride in the excellent feedback we regularly receive from clients. For our efforts to also be recognised on a national level by fellow tax professionals really does demonstrate the quality of the team and the expertise they possess. I count myself very fortunate to work alongside Paul, David and Becky who all inspire me to continue to look for ways to provide outstanding service to clients. We certainly have no appetite to stand still and have started to extend our reach beyond our traditional North East market.”
A national initiative which aims to raise awareness and vital funds to support people who are homeless returns to The Alnwick Garden for its sixth sleepout today in Northumberland. The CEO Sleepout – which starts at 8pm tonight, June 1, will be the first event to be held in the Lilidorei attraction, the new enchanted village in The Alnwick Garden.
Organisers have also opened the sleepout to the public as well as business executives, hoping people from the local area will come together to raise £20,000 to support those who are or at risk of homelessness.
Chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “People from Northumberland have the opportunity to play a role in strengthening the fabric of our society and supporting those who are vulnerable. I can’t promise a good night’s sleep, what I can promise is an unforgettable night in a magical setting that will unlock compassion within you to help and consider your future actions.”
Ian McAllister, the strategic head of marketing and communications at The Alnwick Garden, said: “Our team are looking forward to the sleepout, many of whom will be experiencing it for the first time, to raise both funds and awareness of this important cause.”
The funds raised from this event will support charities that are on the frontline helping and reducing the levels of homelessness across its area. This year, CEO Sleepout will support Barnabas Safe and Sound, Northumberland Citizens Advice, The Alnwick Garden Trust and Walking With The Wounded.
Hays Travel staff in Sunderland have spent a month collecting donations for the Key to Life Foodbank - the longest running foodbank in South Tyneside.
The staff at the business pulled together more than ten bags to donate to the project including food items, toiletries and treats for pets. The Key to Life Foodbank provides a range of services to young people and their families in South Tyneside who are experiencing hardship. As well as running the foodbank, the group also provides safe accommodation, access to counselling and employability advice.
Hays Travel said it is proud to have formed a partnership with Key to provide employability-based training and the opportunity for young people to enter the world of work through the business.
A Newcastle Building Society team of 12 took part in Walking With The Wounded’s Cumbrian Challenge, the charity’s annual flagship fundraising event which sees hundreds of people, organisations and companies taking one of three different routes through the Lake District.
Eight members of the Society team completed a 10km trek to the west of Grasmere and up to the 766m peak of Great Rigg, while four IT department colleagues took on a longer route, walking 26km, climbing more than 1,700m and reaching the peaks of five fells, including Fairfield, Seat Sandal and Grey Crag, in ten and a half hours.
The team’s fundraising efforts have so far brought in over £700, with more donations expected to follow. Walking With The Wounded delivers employment, mental health and care coordination programmes in collaboration with the NHS to get those who served, and their families, whether mentally, socially or physically wounded, back on their feet and making a positive contribution to society once more.
The Society is investing £150,000 in supporting the charity’s employment programme and creating veteran employment opportunities within its own organisation.
Donna Stubbs, community manager at Newcastle Building Society, who took part in the event, says: “Our partnership with Walking With The Wounded provides benefits to everyone involved, with the experience and abilities of the veterans that have joined us very much enriching our working environment.”
Tommy Watson, director of operations at Walking With The Wounded, added: “We are so grateful to Newcastle Building Society who we not only have a long-term partnership with delivering meaningful careers in the financial services, but were also willing to take part in the challenge, get out of their comfort zone, rub shoulders with our team and raised an incredible amount of money.”
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