A leading figure from Apple has visited Hull ahead of Tech Week Humber in November.
Hannah Reid, Apple’s people director EMEIA, is on the board of advisers for Tech Week Humber, an event that reaches millions of people every year.
Tech Week founder Antonio Tombanane and business partner Shaun Larvin gave Hannah 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 team’s 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 upskilling and training.
Hannah gave a talk to Hull College students alongside KCOM’s senior digital optimisation manager Lucy Sykes at the new KCOM site in Carr Lane to inspire learners into careers in STEM.
Kenneth Ross, KCOM’s chief people officer, said: “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 heard about Hannah’s experiences working for one of the largest tech companies in the world. She 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 those of Lucy Sykes, who has worked in Hull for several years, most recently at KCOM.
Hull College 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 Hub’s new initiative, Girls In2 Tech, aims to bridge the gender gap in technology to encourage more women into the STEM sector. As part of Tech Week Humber, taking place from November 7-11 this year, students can engage in education days, bootcamps and digital hackathons, encouraging future talent at an early age.
Hannah said: “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.”
Hull City Council continues to support Tech Week Humber and the development of the digital sector in Hull. Alex Codd, assistant director for economic development and regeneration, said: “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.”
