News
3rd May 2024
Sunderland’s latest technological milestone – a dynamic collaboration between Sunderland City Council, Phoenix Software and Microsoft – new TechHub opens at The Beam.
Nestled within the vibrant surroundings of The Beam, this state-of-the-art tech space is poised to revolutionise digital accessibility in our smart city of Sunderland by offering a series of tech-related sessions to businesses, the voluntary sector and local schools.
By bringing together trusted partners in a safe space equipped with fast, reliable connectivity, the council and its partners can open up opportunities for residents of all ages, and support businesses to thrive in today’s digital world.
At its core, the collaboration aims to unite diverse sectors – private, public and voluntary – and ignite a passion for digital literacy and inclusion. From providing a supportive environment for digital novices to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders, the TechHub is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and limitless possibilities.
Each partner brings a unique set of resources and expertise to the collaboration. Sunderland City Council spearheads efforts to engage all segments of the community, leveraging trusted partnerships to facilitate digital inclusion initiatives, leaving no one and nowhere behind.
Phoenix Software and Microsoft contribute technological prowess and educational resources, laying the foundation for transformative learning experiences.
Jacob West, Managing Director – Government, Healthcare & Life Sciences, at Microsoft, said: “The UK has a very real opportunity to be a leader in the era of AI and technology, and we must ensure that businesses and communities have the skills to thrive in the digital economy.
“Alongside Sunderland City Council and Phoenix Software, we look forward to equipping people with the skills they need to start, or move into, a career in technology – and opening up opportunities to diverse talent across the region.”
The launch of the TechHub on 30th April 2024 marked the start of an exciting venture in a welcoming space ready to empower individuals, transform communities and shape brighter futures for all.
Entitled ‘Future Forward’, the launch event saw over 40 guests gather at the new TechHub to hear from Phoenix Software, Sunderland City Council and senior leaders from Microsoft about how their collaboration will drive progress and impact.
During the course of the event, attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future landscape from a panel of experts. The ambitious digital regeneration enabled through the smart city programme inspired attendees as they had the opportunity to better understand how tech is enabling change in Sunderland. Discussions around the digital divide in the north showcased how IT can unlock doors for new opportunities, empowering residents to achieve more.
Individuals also got hands-on with cutting-edge technology such as the Microsoft HoloLens and Copilot for Microsoft 365, as well as networking with fellow innovators, thought leaders and peers from across the region.
There was an understanding from participants that people are doing more with tech and that approaches are constantly changing. One of the biggest progressions is the use of AI, and Microsoft Copilot was demonstrated to showcase how it can support business operations day-to-day, augmenting the way we work by generating efficiencies and improving resource allocation.
Tech-related sessions cater for a broad audience, spanning: businesses, the voluntary sector and local schools.
From entry-level digital skills workshops to advanced training sessions, the TechHub offers a diverse array of learning opportunities.
Sessions are designed to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds, addressing the digital literacy gap. Highlighted in a Futuredotnow report, 23.4m working age adults can’t complete all the digital tasks essential for today’s workplace, and 59% working-age adults are missing basics around safety, productivity and more.
From a business perspective, the TechHub aims to be an innovation partner for the city’s forward-thinking businesses, providing support from project partner Phoenix Software who will focus on understanding what organisations are trying to achieve, and how tech will impact on the end user.
Phoenix has a long-standing relationship with Microsoft and a commitment to investing in technical capability to support the organisations they work with, delivering value through innovation.
While technology is the backdrop, the focus remains entirely on people, their needs and opening up future opportunities.
Initiatives will target economically inactive individuals, older adults seeking social engagement and career changers exploring opportunities in the tech sector.
Those attending the TechHub will be able to gain lots of different skills, no matter what their starting point is, from understanding how to navigate and use the internet for work and for fun to extending their Microsoft 365 skills.
As well as boosting individuals’ skills and confidence, the council’s assistive technology teams are looking to work with local families at the TechHub to provide practical solutions for those facing challenges due to disability, age or health conditions.
Stay tuned on the Sunderland City of Smart website for more information on how to participate and book sessions, which will be running from May 2024 for 12 months. With offerings tailored to suit everyone, including drop-ins, half-day workshops and extended courses, there’s something for everyone.