A taste of the future of tech in Hull- People director of Apple visits Hull to give insight on digital skills.
On Friday the 16th of September, Tech Week founder Antonio Tombanane welcomed Apples people director EMEIA Hannah Reid to Hull. Hannah, who is on the board of advisors for Tech Week Humber, an event that reaches millions of people every year, taking place 7th – 11th November, arrived in Hull to discuss tech developments in the region.
Antonio and business partner Shaun Larvin welcomed Hannah to give an insight into their work in the region, shining a light on the revolutionary tech in Hull.
Antonio said
“We are delighted to have Hannah in Hull to meet with leaders and students from the region. Hannah’s world-class experience in tech and people management is invaluable to our board. The Humber is on a transformational mission which will impact many lives. Technology is at the centre of it all. We want the Humber to be a leading hub for digitally skilled communities that will attract global brands.”
Hannah praised the progressive work of Tech Week and the teams new venture in the shape of The Edge Hub, which sees the business duo open a new centre for skills and enterprise in the city centre dedicated to up-skilling and training.
Hannah gave a talk to Hull College students alongside KCOM’s Senior Digital Optimisation Manager Lucy Sykes at the new KCOM site on Carr Lane to inspire learners into careers in STEM.
Kenneth Ross KCOM’s chief people officer stated,
“It was a pleasure to host Apple’s Hannah Reid, Hull College students and our own Lucy Sykes at KCOM as we promote careers in tech in the city. We strongly believe in encouraging talent in the area, helping youngsters to think big with their futures.”
Students listened first-hand to Hannah’s experiences working for Apple and how her path in life shaped her career with one of the largest tech companies in the world. Hannah joked she did not originally plan to work in tech but could not steer away from the opportunity when it presented itself. Students resonated with this and linked their experiences in Hull with that of Lucy Sykes who has worked in Hull for several years, most recently at KCOM to which she discussed how being a woman in technology is not as daunting as it may seem.
Hull college staff in attendance agreed students’ engagement with both speakers was exciting. Hull Colleges Vice principal Lynette Leith said,
“We’re delighted that our students have been afforded the opportunity to hear from industry experts at KCOM and Apple. Our students found the talk inspiring and informative. Connecting college students with experts in the sector is both refreshing and aspirational. These opportunities are so impactful on education, and for students, particularly in broadening their horizons regarding next steps and career aspirations. We’re looking forward to what’s next for our students and how these encounters will influence their thinking in terms of career opportunities here in the Humber and all which the digital sector has to offer nationally. Thank you to KCOM, Apple and Tech Week Humber for providing this level of exposure.”
Lucy and Hannah’s experiences as women in technology highlight the importance of promoting talent in the sector. The Edge Hubs new initiative Girls In2 Tech aims to bridge the gender gap in technology to encourage more women into the STEM sector.
The social impact from the advancement of technology in the city aids in the promotion of talent and opportunities. As part of Tech Week Humber students can engage in education days, bootcamps and digital hackathons, encouraging future talent at an early age.
Hannah’s support of the Humber as an advisory board member for tech week is invaluable, she stated,
“It was an honour and privilege to experience first-hand a taste of the future of tech in Hull. Tech week and the plans for The Edge Hub showcase the innovation coming out of Hull and the vision for an explosion of tech talent in the North of England. I’m even more excited that these plans have an intentional focus on underrepresented communities, inclusion and diversity.”
The growth of technology in the region is welcomed and supported by Hull City Council who continue to support Tech Week Humber and the development of the digital sector in Hull. Alex Codd, the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration commented,
“The City’s economic strategy places the digital sector at the heart of driving growth, jobs, skills and inclusion. I welcomed the visit from Hannah, and I am keen to support the digital presence within the city which in turn could be a catalyst to driving further digital investment.”
Paul Drake-Davis Lib Dem Councillor in Hull agreed,
“Hull City Council were pleased to meet with Hannah Reed the People Director at Apple for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa and representatives for the new Hub for Skills and Enterprise focussed on the digital sector “The Edge Hub” to explore opportunities for digital growth. The digital sector has seen rapid growth in the city over the last decade with the success of C4DI, the University Technical College and Siemens Gamesa representing prime examples of the businesses attracted to the city on the back of our Full Fibre Network.”
Tech Week Humber and The Edge Hub use a global tech community to highlight the region as a centre for innovation and talent, providing opportunities for scaling, exporting and skills growth. The invaluable knowledge from Apples Hannah helps shape the digital presence in the region, encouraging growth of technology in the Humber. The tech presence in Hull continues to flourish as global brands, key stakeholders, and tech experts recognise the region for its digital advancements.
For enquiries please contact: Eleanor Leetham at eleanor@the-edgehub.com