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Launch of new learning centre in Salford to support social mobility backed by Local universities, donors and comedy icon

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10/02/2023

Launch of new learning centre in Salford to support social mobility backed by Local universities, donors and comedy icon

A new learning centre officially opened in Salford on Wednesday 8th February is set to empower thousands of young people to achieve their academic and career ambitions.

The facility, located at The Beacon Centre, is a collaboration between the University of Salford, the University of Manchester, and national education charity IntoUniversity to offer long-term educational support to young people facing disadvantage and who are typically underrepresented in higher education.

The launch event brought together young people who will benefit from the centre, their parents and guardians, donors, organisers and local supporters. Guests were also surprised by a special video message from award-winning comedian and Salford alumnus Peter Kay, who himself had a life-changing experience by going to university to study Media and Performance.

Working closely with local schools, businesses and universities, the centre offers long-term support to young people aged 7-18, helping them to discover their focus, build their capabilities and ultimately have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Support offered at the centre includes after-school academic support, mentoring with local university students and professionals, in-school aspiration-raising workshops and enrichment and work experience opportunities. Once established, the centre will support over 1,000 students per year.

Salford was found to be the 18th most deprived local authority in England, out of 317, according to the Government’s 2019 Index of Multiple Level of Deprivation. Figures suggest around 22% of children in Salford are living in poverty (Greater Manchester Poverty Action, 2022). Pupils facing disadvantage in Salford are now 22.9 months of learning behind their peers by the time they finish their GCSEs (EPI, 2020), making it a high-priority area for this additional educational support.

IntoUniversity centres have a solid track record of improving outcomes for young people in England. 66% of school leavers who attended IntoUniversity centres in 2021 went on to progress to university, compared with 26.6% of students from similar backgrounds nationally.

In attendance at the launch were around 25 students aged 7-18, all set to benefit from the centre for the next academic year and beyond, with some of them delivering speeches. Primary school students took part in a variety of activities during the event replicating the type of activities they will be engaging with in the year ahead during after-school academic support sessions. Secondary school students came up with questions about future study and careers to survey attending guests.

Peter Kay offered some sound advice for students at the centre, telling them: “There’s a lot on offer at IntoUniversity to help young people achieve their potential and realise ambitions they may have never even considered. For all the children benefitting from the centre, my advice would be to take every opportunity you’re offered. You’re never going to know what will come up in life and you might fall in love with something you’ve never thought of. You’ve got time to explore many new subjects – keep your options open because you never stop learning.”

Professor Helen Marshall, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Salford, said: “As a university, we have a strong track record in the area of widening participation and are motivated to helping students realise their full potential. We are proud to make a major contribution to providing access to higher education across Salford, the North West and nationally.

“I am delighted to support the launch of a new IntoUniversity right here on our doorstep in Salford. The new centre will engage traditionally under-represented groups and aid our mission to give all students the best possible opportunity in life to succeed.”

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “University education is a transformative experience for individuals, and for the prosperity of our local communities, so we are really enthusiastic about this new partnership with IntoUniversity in Salford. It adds to the existing IntoUniversity centre we support in North Manchester, which has already supported more than 2,500 students with their academic work since autumn 2018. I’m very grateful to the staff, students and donors who have helped make the Salford centre happen and who will ensure its ongoing success.”

Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, said: “We are delighted to have officially launched this centre in Salford Central, building on our existing work in the Greater Manchester area. The young people of Salford have so much to offer, but circumstances can mean they don’t get the same opportunities as other young people to reach their potential. We’re delighted that through this unique collaboration between local universities, we can provide many young people in the area with the support they need to succeed. We’re looking forward to continuing to build partnerships with schools and families in the local community and supporting students to achieve their ambitions.”

To find out more about IntoUniversity, visit www.intouniversity.org

Salesforce joins the North West Cyber Resilience Centre as Founding Partner

Olivia McHugh

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10/02/2023

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<strong>Salesforce joins the North West Cyber Resilience Centre as Founding Partner</strong>

As a Founding Partner, Salesforce is bringing its customer relationship management solutions to the North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC). Working with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), the NWCRC is part of a nationwide network of 9 regional centres. The NWCRC’s role is to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and third-sector organisations to reduce their vulnerability to cybercrime.

As a Founding Partner of the NWCRC, Salesforce joins a team of experts dedicated to helping businesses across the North West ensure businesses in the region are aware of the growing threat of cybercrime and cyber fraud. Salesforce is joining existing Founding Partners; Irwin Mitchell, Northrop Grumman, Siemens and Verastar have already supported the centre.

As part of Salesforce becoming a Founding Partner of the NWCRC, Enterprise Account Executive Andy Doran will join the NWCRC Guidance Council.

Andy Doran, Enterprise Account Executive at Salesforce, said of the announcement:

“Thank you to the NWCRC for their warm welcome. It is exciting to be part of an amazing preventative service that supports policing and local businesses in the North West and nationally. At Salesforce, business is the greatest platform for change and doing good globally. We are honoured to be part of the amazing work the NWCRC is doing, and we are looking forward to supporting this work.”

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Maddocks of the NWROCU said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Salesforce as our latest Founding Partner. Seeing so much interest in our mission to improve cyber resilience across the region’s business community is really encouraging. We’ve been fortunate with the calibre of partners supporting us. Andy and the team at Salesforce are perfect examples of the altruistic and forward-thinking mindset we all need to employ to tackle this urgent issue. We’re excited to see how we can make a difference together.”

The NWCRC was set up in Greater Manchester in 2019 as a pilot scheme to support businesses in the region with the growing threat of cybercrime and cyber fraud. It was so successful that it was expanded for the North West region, rolled out to other areas across England and Wales, and included in the HM Government National Cyber Strategy 2022. As a result, the NWCRC membership continues to grow at pace year on year.”

To find out more about the North West Cyber Resilience Centre, and to sign up, visit: https://www.nwcrc.co.uk/

Take the plunge with some self-care at Hyatt Regency Hotel this Valentine’s

Olivia McHugh

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10/02/2023

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<strong>Take the plunge with some self-care at Hyatt Regency Hotel this Valentine’s</strong>

As most people have failed their resolve to keep new year’s resolutions already, the Hyatt Regency Hotel is saying ditch the short-lived intentions and focus on a year of self-care instead!

Give yourself the gift of self-love and take the plunge in a host of activities which the hotel will host on the 18^th floor with stunning views across the City to keep you motivated and focused. From sunset yoga and a running club to an iconic ice bath, Wim Hof style the hotel is creating a 12-month programme of events for both local residents and hotel guests to participate in.

Launching on Valentines week with a day of self-love on Saturday 18th February, you can strike a pose at a choice of Yoga Brunches and experience deep relaxation, a 60 minute yoga session and healthy food to follow leaving you feeling like a new you with clear focus for the day ahead. Or, enjoy a 5:30pm complimentary Sunset Yoga all of which is thanks to Jodie Ratcliffe, Founder of Feather and Rock.

April will see the introduction of individual ice bath pods in situ on the 18^th floor veranda where the fresh air from outside will make you feel like you are taking an al fresco bath that cold water guru, Wim Hof, promotes as a way to keep your body and mind in its optimal natural state.

With a select group of just 12 people taking part, the hotel’s unique ‘dip and dine’ experiences with cold water therapy will be combined with lessons in dynamic breathing techniques and mental mindset to boost your physical and mental health.

Putting mental health first for its guests, local residents and even for those who commute into the City for work, the monthly programme of well-being events will become a staple in the hotel’s events calendar for people to look forward to.

A regular training programme that will continue to run throughout the year from May is the Hyatt running club launched by Sales Manager, Scott and Lukasz from the events team. Every Tuesday at 5.30pm they lead guests and local runners around the City’s streets with specially created runs on Strava with a choice of length and duration.

General Manager, Assumpta McDonald is keen to show how diverse the hotel events offering can be whilst supporting health and fitness. She said: “Whether your ‘well-being curious’ or devoted to setting time for you each month, our self-love events will support your intentions and keep you on track. Join like-minded people, push the yoga boundaries and plunge into ice to make 2023 the year where you spend quality time on yourself.

“We know when guests stay with us, they often skip activities they would normally have in their daily routine back home, so we are also hoping that these monthly events will catch the eye of them as well – the more the merrier! And, what better view to have than from our 18^th floor function suite!”

For more information, to book or for details of the full calendar of events please call the hotel events team on 0161 359 5550 or keep watching the hotel’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/HyattHotelsManchester

Additional yoga brunches are confirmed for March 18^th and May 13^th and can be booked direct using this link feather and rock – Booking by Bookwhen

For more information, visit Hotel Near Manchester Oxford Road | Hyatt Regency Manchester

An Exclusive Chance to Say ‘I do’ on the 18^th floor at Hyatt Hotels Manchester

Olivia McHugh

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10/02/2023

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<strong>An Exclusive Chance to Say ‘I do’ on the 18<sup>th</sup> floor at Hyatt Hotels Manchester </strong>

Love is in the air at the Hyatt Hotels Manchester – all the way up on the 18^th floor in fact!

If you are planning on popping the question this Valentine’s Day then they have a view for you! Forget the Eiffel Tower and head to Hyatt who are opening up their stunning 18^th floor event space and conservatory so one loved-up romantic can pop the question to the love of their life in style with views over our iconic City instead.

Cupids arrow can strike in style as the hotel is offering exclusive use of its event space where you can be wined and dined in glorious surroundings designed and themed to suit you! From balloon arches and roses galore to a ‘Marry Me? sign and surprise string quartet, we can work with you to design a proposal package guaranteed to create the perfect setting.

General Manager, Assumpta McDonald said: “We are a bunch of romantics here at the Hyatt Hotels Manchester and to share the love and of course the views over the City, we will be opening the 18^th floor suite exclusively for one day only and we can’t wait to see one happy couple capture the chance to use the most romantic setting for that once in a lifetime proposal.

“We’ve all seen iconic films where romance blossoms at the top of towers but we are brining that fairy tale to the heart of Manchester now too. So, why not channel that inner ‘Harry and Sally’ and sweep your loved one of their feet with our help!”

For those not choosing to propose but still want to treat the love of their life, the hotel has also created an aphrodisiac inducing three course meal for just £42.50 per person and a first kiss cocktail for two people for £13 served in striking glasses that look like they are kissing.

To add some fun and frolics, all couples who take a selfie with the first kiss cocktail will be entered into a draw to win an overnight stay for two – what better way to treat your loved one!

To plan your dream wedding proposal and add all the extra touches of your own to the venue, just call the events team on 0161 359 5550 to work their magic on a bespoke package.

To tag the hotel’s Facebook page in the Valentine’s selfie, use https://www.facebook.com/HyattHotelsManchester and Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/hyattmanchester/

For more information, visit Hotel Near Manchester Oxford Road | Hyatt Regency Manchester

Greater Manchester youth homelessness prevention partnership receives £20,000 in funding from LandAid in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity for ‘Keep Snug Scheme’

Olivia McHugh

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10/02/2023

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<strong>Greater Manchester youth homelessness prevention partnership receives £20,000 in funding from LandAid in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity for ‘Keep Snug Scheme’</strong>

LandAid and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity funding package to Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership will be targeted at combatting rising youth homelessness in Greater Manchester, via its ‘Keep Snug Scheme’.

Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (“GMBOP”) is thrilled to reveal the award of £20,000 in grant funding from LandAid – the property industry charity which is working to end youth homelessness in the UK – and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

GMBOP’s ‘Keep Snug Scheme’, in which this funding package is integrated, is an emergency response to the cost-of-living crisis hitting young people across the region. Through the scheme, young people at risk of homelessness are able to access small grants to help cover winter fuel bills and sudden rent increases, making sure they stay warm and housed.

Based in Greater Manchester, GMBOP is a partnership formed of a group of charities including Depaul UK, Early Break, Calico, The Brick, AKT and 42^nd Street, who work in tandem to deliver The Pathfinder programme to young adults who are at risk of becoming homeless. The programme supports individuals to secure and sustain suitable, safe accommodation, engage in meaningful activities, and improve their overall wellbeing – helping them improve their lives and achieve their potential.

LandAid’s funding, in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, will enable the Pathfinder programme to support a greater number of young people to combat the increasing pressures they face as a result of escalating bills. The funding was put in place at the close of 2022 and has already been able to provide food, warm clothing, and kitchen equipment for those most in need.

Rachel O’Connor, Programme Manager at Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership, said: “The Pathfinder programme is currently working with over 450 young people across Greater Manchester, and we are seeing referral numbers continue to increase as the cost-of-living crisis continues. GMBOP’s vital work is making a transformational impact on so many individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness – providing tailored support to enable them to move forward and achieve their aspirations. We can’t thank LandAid enough for this grant funding which will help us to improve even more lives.”

LandAid’s mission is to bring the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness in the future. Through a unique network of corporate partners, we invest funding and expertise where we can achieve lasting impact.

Kevin Hunter, Head of Programmes & Impact at Land Aid said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with our partners in Greater Manchester to make this emergency funding available immediately to young people facing homelessness and debt, alongside similar funds in the West Midlands and London. 16–25-year-olds are particularly affected by the current cost-of-living crisis; they’re more likely to be in rental accommodation and already living on tight margins. Hopefully this will make the winter somewhat easier for some at least.”

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity works across the city-region to support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We bring people, businesses, and communities together to pioneer new ideas and champion promising practice.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, Head of Strategic Development at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said: “We were delighted to join with LandAid to support this vital initiative. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard, and the tailored support provided by the Pathfinder programme is a real life line to young people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness in Greater Manchester.”

INSIGHTS FROM E-COMMERCE EVENT AIM TO SUPPORT RETAILERS AHEAD OF UNCERTAIN YEAR

Olivia McHugh

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10/02/2023

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<strong>INSIGHTS FROM E-COMMERCE EVENT AIM TO SUPPORT RETAILERS AHEAD OF UNCERTAIN YEAR</strong>

Rainy City Agency, Manchester’s award-winning e-commerce firm, held another event last week ahead of a potentially difficult year for the retail and e-commerce sectors, which saw the agency collaborate with Shopify and partners to offer expert insight and discuss key themes.

Over 200 attendees -all at various stages of their e-commerce business journey – enjoyed presentations from high end fashion retailer, Nadine Merabi, and top selling personal hygiene brand, Swissklip, learning from their direct experience of how to scale an online venture, including some neat checkout pricing advice.

Rainy City Partners Dotdigital and REVIEWS.io joined Shopify on stage to talk the SME audience through customer retention to influencer and email marketing strategies.

Challenges with customer relationship management, artificial intelligence (AI) integration and omnichannel retailing were also aired and the importance of authenticity and transparency re-emphasised. Using tools to continue to build trust with a loyal customer base was agreed as key to ensuring competitiveness in the coming year.

The evening provided another opportunity for the regional Shopify community to network and connect, to discuss the platform and its future features for 2023.

Rebecca Worsley, CEO and founder of Rainy City Agency commented: “This is our second Shopify event in Manchester now, and like the first, we’ve seen a great turnout and a receptive, enthusiastic audience.

“With the e-commerce and retail environments being challenged like never before going into 2023, it is vital that vendors are adequately prepared for the next 12 months. This event was about supporting existing and prospective customers and the wider Shopify community in Manchester ahead of a potentially daunting period, and we hope all attendees took something valuable away from the event.”

For further information on the agency, as well as any further events, visit or contact Rainy City Agency.

Why Rendering Videos Is the Future of Real Estate Marketing

Blog

Danielle Trigg

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09/02/2023

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Take a look at modern video games. They have amazing graphics, some of which look almost real. They are made through 3D modeling designs that are rendered into videos that people can interact with. These days, you can create videos using the same graphics and technology. Previously, it was used to help sell buildings before they had been built. Sometimes it was used to help get investment, and other times it was to sell units prior to them being built so that the project could remain funded throughout. Nowadays, rendered and even interactive videos are used in all facets of real estate marketing. But why? Why has this method of marketing become so popular these days?

This is How the Real Estate Industry Operates

Perhaps the shortest and best answer is, “It is what it is.” Back in the old days, people sold the idea of new buildings with paintings. Then they did it with models. Then they did it with computerized drawings, and now they do it with 3D design and rendering software. This is simply how the real estate industry works these days.

Plus, there are several added benefits to using these tools. Unlike a painting or model, you can go back and fix and change something on a 3D render. You can also go back and show variants of different things with a 3D render. For example, you may show how the planning permission allows for a second garage or show how one may use the same space to create a two-story gym.

Build a Virtual Model Village

When you build a model village, you create each building and you slot it into the setting. These days, you can create an entire town using design and rendering software. You can use these designs for everything, from showing how a town will look after a development, to demonstrating directions to a place. You can even create a 3D rendered version of a building, remove it from its current setting, and sell it based on its merits alone. That way, the buyer is sold on the building and isn’t dissuaded by the less-than-perfect surroundings. If anything, the use of 3D modeling allows marketers to be more creative and experimental than they ever were in the past.

Easier Than Shelling Peas

The use of 3D rendering and design has now become so easy that real estate marketers would be fools not to it. They can use it for everything, from demonstrating skyscraper buildings, to creating embossed text to scroll across the screen. The software is far easier to use than it ever was, and modern technology is far better suited to handle the software’s difficult computations. Also, there are companies like RebusFarm and FatRank that will render your stuff for you. This means you don’t need to tie up your computers for a week while they try to churn out highly complex designs. You simply submit your designs and your creations, and RebusFarm sends the finished product back to you.

Cheaper Than a Box of Baby Chicks
Using 3^rd party rendering services is cheap, and the hardware you need to operate modern design software is far cheaper than it used to be. The software you use is either free, or you can buy a subscription service. Plus, there are plenty of freelancers out there who will create your designs for you for a very fair price. There are CGI artists out there and photoshop artists who can remove whole buildings from your images and replace them with realistic-looking alternatives. There are designers who can use modern software to create expertly designed posters, videos, and social media posts. It is no small wonder why rendering videos have become so popular in the real estate marketing industry.

Moxworld and Notch Communications form partnership to offer more effective science & tech marketing solutions to customers

Olivia McHugh

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09/02/2023

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Moxworld and Notch Communications form partnership to offer more effective science & tech marketing solutions to customers

Moxworld, a global company that builds up investible, life-loving science & technology brands, announces its new partnership with Notch Communications, a Manchester-based life sciences marketing agency. Through this collaboration, Notch will provide its marketing and scientific expertise, supporting Moxworld’s existing strategic and business growth offerings to its clients. In doing this, Moxworld strives to drive positive global change more effectively by supporting scale-ups at the intersection of sustainability, innovation and technology.

Notch Communications is a B2B life sciences marketing agency operating within Manchester. The agency, which has supported global multibillion-dollar companies within the science & tech fields for over a decade, will leverage its experience to broaden Moxworld’s strategic marketing, communications and partnership services offerings and support the creation of Moxworld’s clients’ stories.

The agreement represents Moxworld’s latest move to grow its current partnerships with like- minded planet-focused businesses in order to better support the growth of its clients. Notch’s values align closely with Moxworld’s, having established a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee in 2021 to integrate social and environmental concerns into the business’ decision- making.

Tarja Castel, founder and visionaire at Moxworld, commented, “I’m excited about our partnership with Notch Communications. With this agreement, we will grow our network of support even further, extending our ability to propel our clients’ amazing, planet-conscious brands. The Notch team’s experience of creating brilliance in the science & tech space and their passion for planet-focused solutions will be invaluable as we work to build a world where life-loving technologies thrive.”

Kate Whelan, Chief Operating Officer at Notch added, “We were initially drawn to Moxworld’s vision of bringing together technically minded companies that can drive positive change for the world. At Notch, we understand the complexities of creating effective yet accurate brand stories in certain technical and scientific fields. We are excited to partner with Moxworld and help companies that want to use their technology for good through our expertise in delivering engaging and insightful marketing communications.”

Performance marketing efficiency platform Lunio expands operations in London and Manchester and sets sights on global partnerships

Olivia McHugh

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09/02/2023

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<strong>Performance marketing efficiency platform Lunio expands operations in London and Manchester and sets sights on global partnerships</strong>

Performance marketing efficiency platform, Lunio.ai, has revealed an office expansion and significant growth plans following its $15 million of privately backed investment in a round of SeriesA funding led by Smedvig Capital.

The platform – the first to market in the rapidly growing and highly topical performance marketing efficiency space – helps performance marketers achieve more whilst spending less, an essential part of business more so now than ever during these times of economic turbulence. The SeriesA cash injection received in September 2022 is enabling Lunio’s ambitious growth plans which include breaking into the US market.

Lunio’s platform is powered by its unique webassembly technologies, allowing it to provide real-time insights and recommendations for businesses looking to improve the efficiency of their digital ad spend.

Founded in 2018 by Neil Andrew (Co-founder and CEO), Segev Hochberg (Co-founder and COO) and Alex Winston (Co-founder and CBO) the scaleup has quickly grown by both headcount and client base due to brands catching on to the company’s unique offering of full automation and high level of efficiency. The Manchester-based company, which also operates out of London, now boasts an impressive client portfolio of over 1000 businesses which includes leading brands McDonald’s, eBay and MetroBank.

The growth of the performance marketing efficiency category is supported by the firm’s quarterly revenue numbers, with exceptionally strong growth in a market where SaaS companies are otherwise struggling to break through.

The scaleup has also recently appointed Neil Ruth to the VP Partnerships position as it continues to establish and grow its strong agency and channel presence. Neil joins the team off the back of successful exits with travel technology platforms, TapTrip and Vessul, in March 2022.

“Expansion into the United States is our next target with us recently returning from a visit to Dallas, Chicago and NYC. The decision to expand stateside has been organically led by demand from Lunio’s UK agencies who have a US presence, success within our European divisions as well as a huge demand for increased efficiency on performance marketing spend from within the US market,” said Neil, VP Partnerships at Lunio.

“We know that brands and agencies have a pressure to do more with tighter resources, and we’re here to help,” said Neil Andrew, CEO at Lunio. “Our solution is designed to streamline the entire process, from media planning and buying to ad tracking and ROAS measurement, driving increased efficiency at a time when every cent counts.”

Lunio’s SaaS model understands that each client has specific needs and goals, ensuring that its solution is tailored to meet their unique requirements.

“Our vision is to change digital advertising for the better by introducing the performance marketing efficiency concept as a mission-critical part of any digital media spend,” said Neil. “With our recent $15 million cash injection, we’re confident that we can make a real impact in this space and change the way businesses approach digital advertising for the better.”

Commenting on the company’s continued growth Segev Hochberg, COO at Lunio said: “We have ambitious growth plans which include working with European, Australian and Asian markets having already secured significant customers within these regions. The company also aims to double its head count (which currently sits at 69) in line with its plans to open a new 200-capacity HQ in Manchester in March this year. Lunio’s overarching goal is to become Manchester’s next Unicorn brand which it is on track to achieve.”

For further information on Lunio, visit www.lunio.ai

Pixel Kicks takes on its first apprentice from UA92’s brand-new Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship programme

Olivia McHugh

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09/02/2023

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Pixel Kicks, the Manchester-based full-service digital agency, has appointed one of the first apprentices from University Academy 92’s (UA92) brand-new Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship programme. The higher education institution, based in Old Trafford, started assessing applicants in November for intake alongside Pixel Kicks.

Kenan Marshall is now undertaking one day a week on-campus learning at UA92 and four days at Pixel Kicks where he is gaining degree level knowledge and skills and on the job practical experience. The apprenticeship will take up to two years to complete, at which point Kenan will have the chance of becoming Pixel Kick’s first full-time DevOps Engineer.

The apprenticeship will cover a range of core elements including cloud server installation, configuration and optimisation; server analytics and reporting; website security and maintenance; website testing and content population using various different CMS platforms; liaising with clients; and helping to build internal tools to improve and automate processes. He will also help to support the agency’s underlying technology and infrastructure, including software and systems.

After graduating with a Human Geography degree from Leeds Beckett University, Kenan, 23, discovered a passion for tech, but found it hard to break into the industry so he decided to upskill by taking a Level 3 DevOps Apprenticeship course which funded by the UK Government. That gave him a fundamental understanding of DevOps methods, automating processes, cloud platforms and programming which made him eligible for the UA92 Level 4 DevOps Apprenticeship programme.

Commenting on his apprenticeship, Kenan said: “I am really excited to be part of the programme as it is providing me with a fantastic blend of learning and work experience. Having access to UA92’s Digital Academy facilities – including a VR/AR lab, a fully immersive 360-degree Igloo learning space, flex-tech classrooms and digital media suites – whilst simultaneously working on live client briefs at Pixel Kicks is amazing. I’m now laser focused on developing my skillset and making the most of every opportunity.”

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – added: “As a business we were delighted to partner with UA92 on the creation of this apprenticeship programme. It is a fantastic mix of onsite and industry-based learning that is perfectly instep with the tech ecosystem. It will also help to equip participants with the knowledge and skills that will help them flourish. Kenan is already adding value to the business and we are confident he will become an integral member of the Pixel Kicks team over the coming months.”

Sara Prowse – CEO of UA92 – said: “Preparing our students for employment is at the core of what we do at UA92, so the introduction of our digital apprenticeship programme is another exciting phase of development for us. We’re working extremely closely with our industry partners to deliver these degree-level courses to co-create the content, ensuring it’s modern, relevant and keeps pace with the ever changing and evolving tech landscape, ensuring that our students are well equipped for the world of work, now and in the future.

“This is part of our ongoing strategic plan to ensure we are offering courses at the cutting edge of tech which upskill and plug the digital skills gap. Degree-level apprenticeships are a brilliant start to a career, equipping people with the right knowledge and skills while they develop in their roles. We’re delighted to be working with Pixel Kicks from the outset and look forward to welcoming our new cohort of apprenticeship students soon.”

UA92 expects to open up 40 digital apprenticeship opportunities over the current academic year, with further brands coming on board in 2023. As part of the course, students will be able to access the very latest technology and a tailored learning programme specifically built to the needs of the business they will work for. The facility is also planning to introduce a Master’s level AI apprenticeship course.

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