@ SWLEP
Visit the SWLEP online at : www . swlep . co . uk
The Women ' s Cyber Circle ( WCC )
There has been a growing sense of urgency to address inequality within the cyber workforce .
The WCC ’ s mission is to build a network of passionate women who want to ensure females are equally represented in cyber roles and organisations .
To support this initiative , the Business Cyber Centre and SWCC sponsored the most recent WCC event .
SWLEP Computer Coding Challenge 2023
Encouraging the talent of tomorrow
The Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership ( SWLEP ) and a range of partners are working to encourage pupils and students throughout Swindon and Wiltshire to engage in Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM subjects ) and acquire new skills .
As part of this work , SWLEP has teamed up with ENTHUSE Partnerships to offer Schools in Swindon and Wiltshire a package of support encouraging students to gain knowledge , skills and understanding in physical computing .
In addition to providing opportunities for pupils , the scheme also provides assistance for teachers . This includes training in the use of microcomputers ( BBC Micro-Bits or Raspberry Pi ), support for the creation of computer clubs and encouraging schools and colleges to take part in regional competitions .
The aim of the challenge is to improve young people ' s attainment and overall engagement in STEM subjects as well as developing their awareness and understanding of potential STEM careers .
Brea Woods , along with Growth Hub Skills Adviser Amanda Peach and SME Programme Co-ordinator Laura Hutchings , are all taking an active role in developing and promoting the group as it forms itself into a not-for-profit , charitable organisation , supporting women nationwide .
For more info : www . womenscybercircle . com
Laura Arlott , project lead and Skills Adviser at SWLEP , said , " The challenge that is being set aims to inspire children to engage creatively with the project whilst potentially providing a solution to a real need to help the environment . By providing the tools and training to schools and colleges , we believe that the Computer Coding Challenge will help to encourage the talent of tomorrow ."
This year ’ s challenge is to ’ accelerate energy transition ’. A theme chosen to reflect the national Raspberry Pi Awards which are being run in association with PA Consulting . Teams of young people will develop their software skills to program the micro-computers and automate processes in a product that has the potential for real-world development .
If you feel that a school or college near you could benefit from the Computer Coding Challenge , please ask them to register on the SWLEP website . Visit www . swlep . co . uk and go to the programmes section where you will find the Computer Coding Challenge .
Don ’ t miss out on fully funded one to one business support
Running since 2020 , the SME Competitiveness Programme , funded by the European Regional Development Fund , will wrap up in June this year . The programme is designed for businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire , offering up to 12 hours of business support options .
Whether in early trading , a well-established company or a possible start-up , there ’ s a wide range of help , advice and guidance available at no cost to you . Talking to a Business Navigator can iron out your thought process , give clarity on the way forward and introduce you to new ideas , options and further Growth Hub assistance as well as external help from our valued partners .
Assistance to date has been as varied as the businesses the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub has supported . Examples include a vegan baker who received strategic advice to turn a ‘ side hustle ’ into a fulltime business ; a company offering private optical surgery who discussed potential funding options for state-of-theart equipment ; and another individual who retrained as a canine therapist following a career in teaching .
The support can include personalised one-to-one discussions with a Business Navigator ( or other specialist ), alongside online or in-person workshops delivered by experts . Workshops are attended by other like-minded business owners , so they also give you the opportunity to share your ideas , products and services as well as discuss any worries or concerns .
Workshops are offered on a range of subjects including sales , strategy , digital marketing and sustainability . The LinkedIn Masterclass , which helps you to make your contacts count , and the Winning New Business workshop offering sales training to small business owners , are just two of the valuable workshops being delivered .
Understanding the need for wellbeing for both individuals and organisations , the Growth Hub has partnered with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council to offer free workshops covering topics including financial wellbeing ; maintaining good physical and
mental health ; tips for getting the most out of your team and how to spot areas of concern . Workplace wellbeing can ensure that your organisation runs smoothly , increases productivity , retains staff and reduces absence . The next events are scheduled for Wednesday 22nd February and Thursday 20th April .
Registration and further details of all digital and in-person workshops and events can be found on the Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub website , under Events .
The SME Competitiveness programme is a partnership between Swindon Borough Council , Wiltshire Council , YTKO and SETsquared which is led by Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise partnership .
To find out more about the SWLEP visit www . swlep . co . uk For specific business support , contact the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub . Visit www . growthhub . swlep . co . uk call : 01249 477287 or email : hello @ SWGrowthHub . co . uk
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2023 7