A Day to Remember: Hosting the Minister for Technology and Digital Economy at Wavemaker
This Monday brought a special moment for us at Wavemaker, as we had the honour of hosting Saqib Bhatti MP, the Minister for Technology and Digital Economy.
Even amidst the Parliamentary recess, the Minister chose to visit Stoke-on-Trent, taking the time to explore organisations at the forefront of bridging the digital gap through innovative digital initiatives and collaborations in education and business within the city. It’s a collective effort aimed at narrowing the digital divide - a cause close to our hearts.
We were genuinely touched to learn that during his team's research across the city, Wavemaker was frequently highlighted as a pivotal force in digital engagement and inclusion. This recognition alone felt like a significant acknowledgment of our efforts.
Having relocated to Stone, slightly away from Stoke-on-Trent, we were aware of the extra effort required for this visit. We were therefore particularly appreciative to be the first stop on the Minister's agenda. Welcoming his PA and team, we enjoyed showing them around our new space before sitting down with Saqib for a much-valued cup of tea.
Our conversation revealed his commendable understanding of Wavemaker, yet he was keen to dive deeper into our origins, current initiatives, and future aspirations. After introducing him to our wider team, including our new Digital Skills Trainers, Liam and Daniel, we delved into our key projects. We discussed our partnership with the Prince’s Trust,, our NHS Digital Champions, and our flagship Get Started in Digital programme, as well as our leading role in the DigitAll project for Shared Prosperity, highlighting our commitment to essential digital skills across various life aspects.
Presenting our DigitAll initiative sparked an engaging conversation, with the Minister inquiring how he could further support our mission. This opened the door to discuss our Digital 2.0 concept, aimed at tackling the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence - a topic the Minister was keen to explore further in his upcoming parliamentary address.
For us, digital inclusion transcends political boundaries, touching the lives of everyone in both their personal and professional spheres. Fostering confident, informed digital citizens is not just essential for today but for the evolving future.
Saqib’s visit concluded with him taking insights and suggestions back to Westminster, but not before engaging more personally with Dan and Liam about their experiences working in such a vibrant team, and sharing a moment for photographs.
Reflecting on this visit, it’s a poignant reminder of our journey and the impact we’ve made as a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to digital inclusion. The Minister's visit was not just a recognition of our work but a valuable opportunity to share, listen, and be inspired. It underscored the importance of our mission and the difference we’re making every day.
