A business which has been pioneering the development of communications and IT services in Hull and East Yorkshire since 1904 is stepping up to play a major role in an event aimed at building the digital skills base for businesses and the wider community.
KCOM has been announced as the Leading Connectivity Partner for Tech Week Humber, a week-long festival of events which kicks off on Monday 7 November and will highlight products and services from exhibitors in industry and education.
The Hull-based business is backing Tech Week Humber as part of its programme of activities to mark the tenth anniversary of the launch of its Lightstream full-fibre broadband, which has transformed technology across the region.
Neil Bartholomew, KCOM Retail Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Tech Week Humber once again for a fantastic week of events that will showcase the pioneering spirit of the region.
“As a company that’s been at the heart of the local community for nearly 120 years, it’s always great to be able to take part in events like this that promote local talent and give the next generation of tech innovators a helping hand to go on and achieve great things.
“In a year when we’re celebrating the tenth anniversary of our Lightstream full fibre broadband, we know just how important it is to keep pushing the boundaries of tech that’s given our region a worldwide reputation for excellence.”
KCOM’s original £85m fibre rollout made Hull the UK’s first digital city and the company’s subsequent £100m fibre expansion programme is extending the benefits of FTTP broadband, with the full fibre footprint covering about 300,000 homes and businesses.
The flagship event of Tech Week Humber will be Tech Expo, which takes place at the MKM Stadium from 10am on Tuesday 8 November and will feature sessions on emerging tech, diversity and inclusion, skills for the future and innovation in the Humber.
The Educators Conference, sponsored by Hull College, is a new event for 2022 and will happen on Wednesday 9 November at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Hull. The event will bring together partners and educators to discuss innovation in education and to explore products and services which can encourage employability through a digital curriculum.
The Tech Week Humber education days will take place at both Wilberforce College and Hull College on Thursday and Friday 10 and 11 November. Partners will provide workshops in personal journeys, products and careers to students from local secondary schools and colleges as well as primary-age children who have taken part in a Futures in Tech project with Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University and KCOM.
IBM Z will be running mini hackathons as part of both education days. Other Tech Week Humber partners include Evoke Technologies, Phoenix Software and Hull City Council
Elly Taylor, Head of Partnerships and Events for Tech Week Humber, said: “KCOM is renowned as an integral part of the local community and as an investor in local talent and we are delighted that they have come on board to help Tech Week Humber focus on giving young people a helping hand and a chance to shine in the digital world.
“We’ll be adding to the array of headline activities as Tech Week Humber approaches and we’re also building a packed itinerary of fringe events and virtual sessions. For full details including how to register please keep an eye on our website at www.techweekhumber.com”
