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THE VIEW RELEASE NEW ALBUM TODAY & HEAD OFF FOR UK RECORD STORE APPEARANCES

Sam Allcock

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18/08/2023

THE VIEW RELEASE NEW ALBUM TODAY & HEAD OFF FOR UK RECORD STORE APPEARANCES

NEW ALBUM ‘EXORCISM OF YOUTH’ IS OUT NOW – LISTEN HERE

FEATURING THE NEW SINGLE ‘BLACK MIRROR’

“The indie veterans managed to get the chemistry cracking back in the studio after years apart. Calm ballads and energetic synthpop show they’ve learned new tricks… they’re still capable of delivering a knockout blow.” **** – Daily Star

“Their most complete LP to date… ‘Feels Like’ and ‘Shovel In His Hands’ have the same scrappy energy that sent ‘Same Jeans’ huge.” **** – Classic Pop

“Their most vulnerable album yet… Every listen will uncover fresh little gems.” – Northern Exposure

The View’s recent singles (‘Woman of the Year’, ‘Shovel in His Hands’, ‘Neon Lights’ and ‘Feels Like’) have represented an exciting new era for their band. Uniting their renowned livewire energy and stellar songwriting from Kyle Falconer and Kieren Webster with a new-found maturity and darker undercurrent, they have generated immense fan anticipation for their new album ‘Exorcism of Youth’, which is out now via Cooking Vinyl. The album includes their brand new single ‘Black Mirror’.

‘Black Mirror’ adds fascinating new flavours to The View’s songbook, with softer vocals, emotive strings and a twang of Americana guitar from Pete Reilly making for a moment that’s very different to what they’re renowned for. It’s also striking that it subverts preconceptions. Those lighter sonic elements would conventionally suggest romance, but as Kyle explains, the tone of ‘Black Mirror’ is closer to revenge.

Kyle says, “‘Black Mirror’ isn’t a love song as it may appear on the surface, it’s an anti-hero escape into the consciousness of a person grappling with dark feelings in the early hours of a break-up. It’s schadenfreude, it’s about relishing in someone else’s misery when they have watched your demise. Basically looking at how people can be too afraid nowadays to feel those ugly emotions and just white wash them away but it’s okay to feel that sometimes, but it’s how you act on it that counts.”

As with the rest of the ‘Exorcism of Youth’ album, The View recorded ‘Black Mirror’ during sessions in Granada, Spain, with the Grammy Award-winning producer Youth (The Verve, Jesus & Mary Chain, The Charlatans).

‘Exorcism of Youth’ is now available to buy HERE. Highlights of a range of physical formats include a signed limited edition white vinyl, a strictly limited run of signed test pressings, and a bonus four-track CD. Assai Records also stock an exclusive signed limited edition transparent blue Obi edition.

The first step in The View’s return saw them sell 10,000 tickets over the course of four shows in Glasgow late last year. Having since played select festivals including a triumphant TRNSMT, they’re now heading out across the rest of the UK. They will celebrate the release of ‘Exorcism of Youth’ by embarking upon a run of near sold-out record store appearances, which begin this lunchtime at Assai Records in Dundee. They then tour extensively from early November, concluding with two homecoming shows at Dundee’s Caird Hall. Remaining tickets for both the record store appearances and the tour are available HERE.

Between the two runs, Kyle Falconer’s gig / theatre show ‘No Love Songs’ returns to Dundee Rep Theatre from August 31st to September 9th. Tickets are available HERE.

AUGUST – RECORD STORE APPEARANCES
18th – Dundee, Assai Records (lunchtime – SOLD OUT)

18th – Edinburgh, Assai Records (evening – SOLD OUT)

20th – Glasgow, Assai Records (lunchtime – SOLD OUT)

20th – Liverpool, Jacaranda (evening – SOLD OUT)

21st – Nottingham, Rough Trade (evening)

22nd – Kingston, Banquet Records (evening – SOLD OUT)

23rd – London, Rough Trade East (evening)

24th – Southampton, Vinilo (evening)

NOVEMBER – HEADLINE TOUR

2nd – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms

3rd – Liverpool, O2 Academy 2

4th – Manchester, O2 Academy 2

10th – Norwich, Waterfront

15th – Cambridge, Junction

16th – Bristol, Marble Factory

18th – Brighton, Concorde 2

22nd – Carlisle, Old Fire Station

23rd – Cardiff, Tramshed

24th – Leeds, Warehouse

25th – Keele, University

29th – Southampton, Engine Rooms

30th – Birmingham, The Mill

DECEMBER – HEADLINE TOUR

1st – Sheffield, Foundry

2nd – Newcastle, University

7th – London, Scala

13th – Edinburgh, O2 Academy

14th – Kilmarnock, Grand Hall

16th – Aberdeen, P&J Live – Hall C

17th – Dundee, Caird Hall (SOLD OUT)

18th – Dundee, Caird Hall (ADDED DATE)

Follow The View:

Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram

For more information please contact katie@fearpr.co.uk

Change-maker Floella Benjamin supports Manchester-based diversity movement as new research shows 7m UK workers still experience discrimination

Business

Sam Allcock

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18/08/2023

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Change-maker Floella Benjamin supports Manchester-based diversity movement as new research shows 7m UK workers still experience discrimination

New research shows 7m UK workers still experience workplace discrimination due to their identity
News comes as Manchester movement, She Leads for Legacy, announces a string of national change makers supporting its autumn event ‘Empowered to Lead’ which is focused on driving workplace equality
Baroness Floella Benjamin, Ex-Mayor Joanne Anderson, Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, Ex-BBC Penny Haslam are among the change-making speakers supporting

Unsettling global research this week has revealed that the UK still has a long way to go to improve racial equality in the workplace.

A shocking 22% of employees in the UK said they have experienced workplace discrimination, amounting to 7m workers across the country. This more than doubled to 45 per cent of people from a black background.

On a more positive note, the study, by global research group Savanta also revealed some progress — 45% of UK businesses have ED&I policies in place.

However, it’s very clear businesses still have a long journey ahead; driving change and continuing to educate workforces is a vital part of this journey.

The news comes at the same time as a line-up of stellar keynote speakers has been announced for the Empowered to Lead Conference 2023 in Manchester, featuring women who have broken workplace barriers and inspired change.

Set to take place on October 28^th at The Stoller Hall, Manchester, this conference promises to be a transformative event, driving conversations about empowerment, diversity, and leadership.

Baroness Floella Benjamin, a distinguished British actress, writer, and advocate, known for her significant contributions to children’s television and her tireless work in championing children’s rights and diversity issues, is amongst the first speakers of the day.

Sharon Amesu, multi-award-winning co-founder of She Leads for Legacy comments:

“This latest research comes as no surprise to me. We are seeing lots of change, but there is still so much work to do. It is a long journey which requires consistent commitment and education across all areas.

Our conference is designed to address the unique challenges and perspectives of black women, providing them with the insights to help them excel in their professional journeys, and provide allies with the tools to be agents of change.”

The event brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds into an inclusive environment, where they can learn, share experiences, and forge lasting connections.

Afiya Amesu, co-founder of She Leads for Legacy, pupil barrister and daughter of Sharon adds:

“The Empowered to Lead conference is more than an event; It’s a movement that amplifies the power of unity, the strength of diversity, and the potential of collective change. It’s an invitation to all to be part of something greater.”

Other keynote speakers include:

Joanne Anderson (Founder of Innervision Consultancy and First Black Female Mayor in the UK)
Dr Tessy Ojo CBE (CEO of The Diana Award, Comic Relief Board Member and BBC’s Appeals Advisory Committee Board Member)
Penny Haslam (Former BBC Presenter, Motivational Speaker, Founder and Author)

If you would like to join this community of change-makers, book your tickets for the day here.

Genie AI Awarded Nearly £200K Innovate UK Grant for Groundbreaking Legal AI Innovation

AI

Sam Allcock

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18/08/2023

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Genie AI Awarded Nearly £200K Innovate UK Grant for Groundbreaking Legal AI Innovation

The dynamic London-based legal AI enterprise, Genie AI, has charted an impressive trajectory of growth subsequent to the acquisition of the esteemed Innovate UK grant. The grant, amounting to almost £200,000, has invigorated the company’s expansion efforts, resulting in the onboarding of a staggering 13,000 companies onto their platform. This resounding success stands as a testament to the catalytic influence of the grant in propelling the development of the world’s most sophisticated AI-powered legal assistant.

Genie AI’s strategic triumph came to fruition through their project titled “Explaining legal contracts to SMEs through conversational AI trained on open sourced contracts.” This remarkable endeavor emerged as a standout victor within the competitive realm of the “Innovation in Professional and Financial Services” competition, organised by Innovate UK.

The impact of the Innovate UK grant has been palpable in Genie AI’s ongoing ascent. With the initial installment of the grant, the company orchestrated the seamless onboarding of an impressive contingent of 13,000 companies onto their platform. These companies collectively engaged with over 10,000 legal documents, attesting to the platform’s resonance within the legal landscape. Moreover, Genie AI has achieved a remarkable milestone by attracting up to 200 user sign-ups on a daily basis. This escalating engagement underscores the growing confidence that users place in the platform’s capabilities. Significantly, the grant has not only fuelled this surge in growth but has also catalysed the development and imminent launch of an AI legal assistant heralded as the world’s most advanced. This innovation is poised to expedite the process of conceptualising and evaluating legal agreements for diverse businesses.

CEO Rafie Faruq articulated the company’s vision, stating, “The legal arena is undergoing swift transformation – businesses yearn for instantaneous access to services at affordable costs, steering away from the protracted email exchanges. Genie’s AI assistant delivers instant insights, enriched with the wisdom and expertise of seasoned legal practitioners.” This assertion resonates with the company’s overarching mission to democratize legal services, making them more accessible and intelligible. He further affirmed, “This latest grant reinforces our longstanding collaboration with Innovate UK, including a prior two-year project in collaboration with Oxford University and Imperial College’s machine learning and computational privacy departments. This echoes Genie’s enduring tradition of upholding academic and technical excellence.”

Genie AI has rapidly emerged as a luminary within the domain of legal technology, acclaimed for its innovative amalgamation of AI and the legal sector. The Innovate UK grant stands poised to consolidate the company’s stature as a trailblazer in the field, setting the stage for the market debut of their AI legal assistant. This landmark achievement constitutes a significant stride towards modernising the comprehension and accessibility of contracts for businesses.

Reflecting on the advent of advanced AI, Rafie Faruq, the CEO, mused, “These are exciting times as AI has reached a stage where it rivals, and often surpasses, human experts across diverse professions.” He emphasised, “Genie harnesses this AI prowess, complemented by meticulously crafted UX/UI design and their cutting-edge legal document editor, SuperDrafter. This synergy facilitates businesses in expeditiously navigating their legal agreements to completion.”

For those eager to stay abreast of the latest developments, Genie AI invites individuals to sign up via their community portal: https://app.genieai.co/community.

Detego Global’s Media Acquisition Tool Emerges as Finalist in Prestigious 2023 SC Awards

technology

Sam Allcock

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18/08/2023

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Detego Global’s Media Acquisition Tool Emerges as Finalist in Prestigious 2023 SC Awards

Detego Global, the ingenious minds behind the lauded Unified Digital Forensics Platform, have proudly announced that their Media Acquisition tool has garnered the esteemed status of being named a finalist within the competitive “Best Computer Forensic Solution” category at the distinguished 26th annual SC Awards. Revered as the epitome of recognition within the cybersecurity arena, the SC Awards reverberate with homage to the vanguard technologies and exceptional individuals propelling progress within the industry.

Following a rigorous and meticulous assessment process helmed by an assembly of illustrious luminaries from the realms of financial services, consulting, healthcare, and manufacturing, the Media Acquisition tool has been acclaimed as one among the five finalists vying for this coveted accolade.

This noteworthy distinction marks the second award nomination for Detego Global in the year 2023, and remarkably, the fourth accolade earned by the brand in the past biennium. Notably, Detego Global’s proprietary Ballistic Imager tool, lauded for its record-setting data extraction swiftness, clinched a coveted finalist spot within the same highly sought-after category the preceding year. The company’s prowess was further evidenced as its “Field Triage” and “Analyse” tools gained finalist status in the UK Security and Policing Innovation Awards, consecutively in 2022 and 2023.

A constituent of the celebrated Unified Digital Forensics Platform, fervently trusted by professionals in the military, law enforcement, and corporate sectors, Media Acquisition stands as a beacon in the battle against grave crimes, encompassing fraud, child abuse, terrorism, and human trafficking. The tool is renowned for its proficiency in streamlining the collection and scrutiny of pivotal data from diverse sources, concurrently.

Cognizant of the escalating demand for expeditious, profound analytical insights and on-site adaptability to counter the mounting digital investigation backlogs, Media Acquisition empowers investigators with real-time intelligence, catalyzing swift decision-making. By offering live previews of captured data and leveraging the company’s globally patented red-amber-green alert system, investigators are empowered to hasten case resolutions.

Configured to address the burgeoning requirement for agile analytics and on-the-ground efficacy, Media Acquisition endows investigators with instantaneous insights to expedite choices. The tool’s novel red-amber-green visual alert system enables investigators to promptly assess on-site situations, perform evidence triage, and diminish reliance on specialised teams and resources.

Characterised by portability and ease of deployment in both field operations and laboratory settings, Media Acquisition arrives complete with guided workflows, potent data carving capabilities, intelligent automation, and integrated analytics, making it approachable even for novices striving to execute thorough, forensically sound investigations in diverse environments.

Commenting on the accolade, Andy Lister, Managing Director at Detego Global, expressed elation, stating, “We are elated to once again secure a finalist position in the esteemed SC Awards. This recognition among the cybersecurity industry’s preeminent innovators underscores our unwavering commitment to reshaping the digital investigation landscape through products that cater to our clientele’s needs and contribute to safer communities.”

In the words of Tom Spring, SC Media Editorial Director at CyberRisk Alliance, the technologies and strategies embodied by the award contenders encapsulate the unparalleled innovation within the cybersecurity sphere this year. He elaborates, “The roster of finalists for this year serves as a testament to the robustness and adaptability of solutions harnessed by network defenders to shield assets within an ever-evolving threat panorama.”

The winners of these coveted accolades are slated to be unveiled during the SC Awards week, scheduled to commence on the 21st of August, 2023. The proceedings will encompass illuminating “Winner’s Circle” roundtables, candid on-camera exchanges between the SC Media team and award recipients, along with insights into the profiles of the victors.

New Research Warns of AI Bias Dangers

Tech

Sam Allcock

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18/08/2023

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Findings reveal how the demographics and backgrounds of people training AI models influences their outputs

New research analysing data from the Prolific research platform reveals how the demographics of people labelling the data used to build and train AI models influences their decisions. What one person finds offensive, another may find perfectly acceptable. This has major ramifications for the development of AI systems with the danger that existing biases are baked into them and amplified.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence systems often rely on high-quality human labelling and annotation – people reviewing and categorising the output of language models to train them. For example, to learn what kind of content is offensive or toxic or to better understand human intentions. This is often referred to as ‘Human-in-the-loop’ or Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF).

The study conducted collaboratively by Prolific, Potato, a web-based annotation tool, and the University of Michigan, found that age, race and education are statistically significant factors in determining how something is labelled. For example, when asked to rate the offensiveness of online comments, Black participants tended to rate the same comments as being significantly more offensive compared to other racial groups.

Prior research on annotator background has mostly focused on specific aspects of identity, like gender, and on certain tasks, like toxic language detection. This study aimed to undertake a much broader analysis, including offensiveness detection, question answering and politeness. The dataset contains 45,000 annotations from 1,484 annotators, drawn from a representative sample regarding sex, age, and race as the US population.

Findings from the research include:

Offensiveness Detection

Gender: The research found no statistically significant difference between men and women in rating content as offensive.
Race: The study found significant racial differences in offensiveness rating. Black participants rated the same comments with significantly more offensiveness than all other racial groups. The scores of white participants strongly correlated with the original Ruddit dataset* which suggests that the original annotations were likely done by white annotators.
Age: People aged 60 or over tend to find comments more offensive than middle-aged/younger participants.
Education: There were no significant differences found with respect to participant education.

Question Answering

Despite this task being largely objective (i.e. questions correlated to single right answers), accuracy at question answering did vary according to background. The largest effects were seen with race and age variation, with a smaller effect for education. The performance differences mirror known disparities in education and economic opportunities for minorities compared to their white male peers in the US.

Politeness rewriting

Politeness is one of the most prominent social factors in interpersonal communication. The study found that:
Women judged messages as being less polite than men did.
Older participants were more likely to give higher politeness ratings.
Those with high education levels tended to give lower ratings.
Black participants rated messages as being more polite than their white peers.
Asian participants gave lower politeness ratings overall.

Commenting on the research, Phelim Bradley, CEO and co-founder of Prolific said, “Artificial intelligence will touch all aspects of society and there is a real danger that existing biases will get baked into these systems. This research is very clear: who annotates your data matters. Anyone who is building and training AI systems must make sure that the people they use are nationally representative across age, gender, and race or bias will simply breed more bias.”

“Systems like ChatGPT are increasingly used by people for everyday tasks,” says assistant professor David Jurgens from the University of Michigan School of Information. “But on whose values are we instilling in the trained model? If we keep taking a representative sample without accounting for differences, we continue marginalising certain groups of people.”

The correct training and fine-tuning of AI systems is incredibly important to the safe development of AI, avoiding these systems amplifying existing biases and toxicity. This means ensuring that annotators are nationally representative across race, age, and gender. With a vetted and verified pool of 120,000 participants, Prolific offers researchers and developers the ability to access nationally representative or custom demographic groups for their RLHF needs.

The fair treatment of annotators is another crucial element of AI training and development. Reports have emerged of low-paid workers in developing countries being used for labelling and being subjected to reams of toxic online content. The ethical treatment of participants is a top priority for Prolific. Participants on Prolific are guaranteed a fair, minimum payment, have complete control over which studies they choose to take part in, and can immediately flag to Prolific any content they find offensive or disturbing.

New Head of Operations joins IT firm to lead expansion

Business

Sam Allcock

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17/08/2023

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New Head of Operations joins IT firm to lead expansion

AN EXPANDING IT firm has appointed a new Head of Operations to lead its further growth.

Michael Quinn, who has 30 years of experience in the IT sector, has joined Integrity IT Solutions, part of Eco Group.

Integrity, which has offices in Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria, serves clients across Scotland and the north of England.

Michael, who ran his own successful IT business, is already starting to grow the company’s business across Glasgow and the rest of the Central Belt, and is targeting further growth in other parts of the UK.

Michael, from Mauchline, Ayrshire, started his career in IT aged 16 and has gained a wealth of experience and industry knowledge working for regional and national firms.

For the last two years Michael has run his own successful business MJ Technology which grew rapidly with a strong client base across central Scotland.

He steps into a newly created role at Integrity IT to lead the firm’s expansion.

“I have worked in IT for 30 years all across the UK, from London to the north of Scotland, and this was an exciting opportunity to join a growing company,” he said.

“Integrity’s customer-focused approach was a great fit for me. Throughout my career I have always been customer focused.

“I see things from the customer’s perspective and always go the extra mile to ensure the customer is looked after and provided with a quality service.”

Many of Michael’s extensive network of clients have already followed him into his new role.

“I’ve focused on building lasting relationships with clients by working onsite with customers in their workplaces so I can fully understand what they need in order to deliver the best IT solutions.

“The hands-on team at Integrity offers a quality, local, personal service and takes pride in listening to, and understanding, its clients.

“I’m looking forward to working with them to create an even bigger and better organisation which is equipped to help businesses meet the IT challenges yet to come.”

Mike Jefferson, Commercial Director at Eco Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the Integrity team. His experience and knowledge will help shape the future of the business and lay the foundations for further success.”

Integrity IT Solutions designs, supplies, supports and installs IT systems for clients across a wide range of sectors including the hospitality industry, professional services businesses, education settings and the NHS.

It offers a range of business solutions including IT support, cloud migration projects, server hardware, WiFi installation and hosted telephony services. The company is an authorised partner of BT and Gamma.

Founded in 2009, Integrity IT Solutions is based at Annan Business Park Way, Annan, and Rosehill Industrial Estate, Carlisle, and became part of the Eco Group of businesses in 2020.

Manchester pupils pick up their A level results

Education

Sam Allcock

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17/08/2023

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Manchester pupils pick up their A level results

Students at schools and colleges across Manchester have received their A level, BTEC and other vocational exam results today after sitting their first ever set of public exams.

As the cohort of students who didn’t get to sit their GCSEs due to Covid, and who faced multiple disruptions to their school life through the pandemic, today’s results are all the more impressive.

Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “The young people receiving their results today have been through education in exceptional circumstances and should be congratulated for how they’ve risen to the challenge.

“As they were educated during the pandemic they faced widespread upheavals, and with their GCSE exams being cancelled, they’ve had to readjust all over again to sitting exams.

“Manchester pupils faced more disruption than those in other parts of the country through the pandemic and our pupils deserve special praise for how they responded.

“Congratulations to those who got the results they need to go on to university, to an apprenticeship, or into employment.

“For those who didn’t- don’t panic, there is always someone to give you advice and support you into your next destination.

“There is a future pathway for everyone, it’s just about finding the right fit and we’re determined to do everything we can to support all our young people to succeed and to be happy in their lives.”

One headteacher who knows just how hard the class of 2023 have had to work is Peter Mulholland, outgoing Principal of William Hulme’s Grammar School in Manchester, who is retiring at the end of the month after 15 years at the school starting in 2008, and over thirty years teaching in schools in the North West of England.

He said: “I’m very proud of what our students have achieved this year, despite not having sat their GCSE exams because of Covid.

“They’ve shown great resilience throughout their A Level courses and are a credit to themselves and to our school. At the same time tribute must also be paid to our school staff for the continued care, dedication and expertise they have brought to their jobs over the hardest of times.

“Whatever next steps our students take – whether that’s going off to university like many will be, having secured places on some of the most competitive courses around, or moving into the world of work through an apprenticeship or further training, or even taking some time out to decide what to do next – after everything they have been through over the last few years they really do deserve the best, and to succeed and to thrive in the future.”

‘Empowering’ Government-funded scheme to help Manchester parents and carers to return to Tech and Engineering careers

Employment

Sam Allcock

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17/08/2023

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‘Empowering’ Government-funded scheme to help Manchester parents and carers to return to Tech and Engineering careers

The second intake for a free return to work support programme has just been launched in Manchester.

STEM ReCharge provides career coaching, job skills training, mentoring and technical refresh sessions to parents and carers in the Midlands and North of England who want to return to engineering or tech after a career break of a year or more.

The programme is being delivered by expert return to work organisations, Women Returners and STEM Returners. It is funded by the Government Equality Hub and supported by the Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch and the Minister for Women, Maria Caulfield. The first intake of the programme in May supported more than 40 parents and carers. Returners can apply for the next programme starting in October here.   

Manchester returner’s experience on the Programme

Manchester-based Arul worked as a Software Tester for 5 years on various automation and manual testing projects across different industries, including banking & finance, investment, and insurance. She took a 2-year career break to care for her family.

On looking to return to work Arul found the journey presented more challenges than she expected, especially in light of the current market downturn, which had created a more competitive job market.

“The STEM ReCharge program has played a pivotal role in preparing me for my return to work. The career coaching and job skills workshops offered invaluable insights and guidance, allowing me to refine my resume, strengthen my interview skills, and stay abreast of the latest industry trends. The STEM ReFresh week sessions provided a wealth of information and networking opportunities, connecting me with professionals across various fields. The mentoring support has been truly invaluable, offering personalised guidance and support, bolstering my confidence every step of the way. The program has equipped me with the tools and resources needed to navigate the job market with confidence and readiness. I would describe the STEM ReCharge program as a comprehensive and empowering platform specifically designed for individuals returning to the workforce. By providing a holistic approach to professional development and support, STEM ReCharge empowers returners to overcome challenges, build new connections, enhance their skills, and thrive in their chosen fields“.

Tech and Engineering Industry Growth

Estimates from Microsoft suggest that, globally, there will be 149 million new jobs in software, data, AI, machine learning and cyber by 2025. The latest UK projections suggest a net growth in engineering roles of 2.8% compared to 2.3% in all occupations, which will result in 173,000 new engineering and technology jobs by 2030*.

Home to a thriving £5bn digital ecosystem, Manchester is the UK’s Top Digital Tech City and the fastest growing Tech city in Europe***. As more Manchester tech companies are created, and the existing ones continue to expand, it is crucial to harness all the local talent with the core skills to allow the sector to innovate and grow.

As such, there is a pressing need to support local qualified STEM professionals, the majority of whom are women, back to work. A recent report from Tech Talent Charter and Code first Girls stated that half of women in tech drop out by the age of 35**. Parents and carers often face an uphill battle when trying to return to professional-level work after a long career break, facing a range of challenges from a lack of self-confidence to widespread recruiter bias against people without recent experience.

STEM ReCharge tackles these barriers with a comprehensive programme of coaching, training and mentoring as well as making connections with employers. The project is also training local employers to be more inclusive of returners in their recruitment practices.

Julianne Miles, CEO of Women Returners, said: “It’s fantastic to see that we’re already making such a strong impact with the STEM ReCharge support programme. After a decade of supporting professionals to return to work, we’re well aware of the multiple challenges returners face, particularly in technical fields. With our first STEM ReCharge cohort, we’re already seeing the power of a targeted support programme, rebuilding confidence, skills, knowledge and networks, to enable these talented returners to get back into great jobs. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the second cohort in October.”

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners, said: “To see the positive impact STEM ReCharge is already having is very rewarding. As an industry, we need to do more to increase the opportunity for returners in STEM and lower the barriers they face when they try to resume their careers. We would like to encourage returners and employers to take advantage of this free programme and work together to help more parents and carers return to work.”

CHRISTIE & CO GROWS NORTHERN DENTAL TEAM WITH LATEST HIRE

Business

Sam Allcock

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17/08/2023

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CHRISTIE & CO GROWS NORTHERN DENTAL TEAM WITH LATEST HIRE

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the expansion of its dental team in the North of England with the appointment of business agent, Cathy Murphy.

Following a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Chester, Cathy worked for eight years as a practice manager at a large, predominantly NHS practice in Merseyside, before selling dental businesses at a brokerage firm for four and a half years.

Cathy joins Christie & Co at a very busy time, where there is significant activity across the North of England, 90 per cent of which is independent market-led, and reflective of the wider UK. The team remains optimistic about activity moving into the second half of the year.

Cathy Murphy, Business Agent – Dental at Christie & Co, comments, “Having worked in brokerage for the last four years, I am looking forward to building on existing relationships within the industry. My previous position has provided me with market knowledge and experience, which Christie & Co will undoubtedly build upon, given their exceptional reputation in the dental sector. Market activity is strong in the North, and I expect to see a surge in activity over the next 12 months.”

Paul Graham, Head of Dental at Christie & Co, comments, “Our esteemed dental team gains a seasoned professional who brings not only her impressive qualifications but also a commitment to excellence that resonates with our core values. Cathy’s track record of achievements serves as a testament to her dedication and capability. As we welcome Cathy, we seize the opportunity to learn from one another and to collectively script the next chapter of our position as the go-to agents in the dental market.”

Award-winning, Manchester-headquartered emerging talent consultancy secures public sector supplier status

Business

Sam Allcock

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17/08/2023

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Grayce has been awarded preferred supplier status as part of Public Sector Resourcing’s (PSR) Recruit Train Deploy (RTD) service. This will enable the business to provide Grayce’s Hire, Train, Deploy and Develop solutions to the public sector, ensuring digital transformation is supported, new skills are brought to the public sector and emerging talent is given the spotlight it deserves.

The appointment will enable Grayce to directly deliver services across Central Government, Local Government, Health and the wider public sector through a recognised and compliant framework. Expanding on its existing public sector capability, the company will provide these organisations with carefully selected Grayce talent, employed by Grayce, and supported through tailored development pathways encompassing digital, data and business skills, while supported by Grayce’s dedicated delivery team and support structure. Government organisations will have an option to permanently employ Grayce talent directly following completion of their development programme.

Flexible technical resource

Using Grayce enables clients to build and develop their technical and transformation teams as their business requirement grows. Grayce also attracts a diverse range of emerging talent with low risk to the clients – providing a proven model and high client satisfaction rates.

Jo Matkin, CEO at Grayce said: “We are delighted to be part of this procurement framework for the public sector. All organisations need to focus on their digital transformation right now, and I believe that by partnering with us for digital, data, commercial and transformation talent, we will not only match talent with business demand, but also equip the public sector with skills for the next generation.

Building individuals’ careers and clients’ talent capability

“Although our analysts are employed by us, as our clients’ needs change, they have the opportunity to take the analysts on as direct employees. Our business model enables us to help build individuals’ careers and clients’ talent capability. This means we can enhance their workforce, building digital and business skills for the future.”

For further information about how Grayce can help you meet the changing dynamics of your business, visit: www.grayce.co.uk

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