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MP visit showcases manufacturing innovation Members of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee visited the Manufacturing Technology Centre to hear how research and innovation is creating new jobs and boosting economic growth across the West Midlands.
more than 11,000 ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also saw how the MTC is working to help modernise the construction sector through new manufacturing approaches and technologies, as part of the Construction Innovation Hub.
The committee met with Clive Hickman, chief executive of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, and Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. The group toured the MTC’s Antsy Park campus to see first-hand the advanced research and development (R&D) work taking place across the site.
MPs heard how the MTC's worldbeating facilities are helping the UK become a world leader in green manufacturing and construction, with its expertise of turning ideas developed through research into a reality. The West Midlands technology sector is the fastest growing in the UK and is set to add £2.7 billion to the economy by 2025, along with 52,000 jobs.
MPs were shown the MTC’s work to support a consortium of UK manufacturers in helping produce
As part of the evidence session held during the visit, the committee discussed opportunities for economic growth
created by technology, research and innovation, and measures needed to support and accelerate R&D in the UK as the country recovers from disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Clive Hickman, chief executive of the MTC, said: “We’re delighted to have hosted the Science and Technology Select Committee to showcase our proud manufacturing heritage, record of attracting business investment, and
specialist talent and expertise. The MTC is helping manufacturers adopt cuttingedge technology, delivering growth, skills and jobs. It’s vital that the government continues to invest in research and innovation to spearhead our economic recovery and accelerate the growth of our industrial heartlands.” For more information visit www.the-mtc.org
"MPs heard how the MTC's world-beating facilities are helping the UK become a world leader in green manufacturing and construction, with its expertise of turning ideas developed through research into a reality."
Influential educator scoops prestigious award A Coventry educator has picked up a global prize for representing women in the video game industry. Shoubna Naika-Taylor, curriculum lead for digital and esports manager at Coventry College, has been named top educator in the rising stars category at The*gameHERs Awards 2021. Of the 37 global winners across six categories including charity, content creation, esports, game development, marketing and rising stars, Shoubna is one of only three from the UK. The*gameHERs Awards states that its top educator accolade is “for the woman and/or femme identifying educator that has worked relentlessly to bring new and exciting voices into the gaming space through education, leadership and mentorship to our next generation of the gaming industry”. Shoubna, who is esports team manager for Coventry Crosshairs, was named North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) Scholastic Fellow in September, working with colleges across the region to implement esports into their curriculum.
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The organisation helps students around the world use esports as a way of connecting learning and play. Shoubna has overseen the success of Coventry Crosshairs since its launch in 2019. The team is hugely popular with students and considered one of the best in the country, with esports now offered as a level 3 diploma at the college. She said: “I’m honoured to receive this award and I’d like to thank the Coventry Crosshairs community, current members and alumni, the staff and students at Coventry College and my friends and family who have supported me along the way. I’ve been motivated by each and every one of them.” Gemma Knott, vice principal for business growth, engagement and partnerships at Coventry College, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we’re extremely proud of Shoubna for the work that she does raising the platform of esports at the college and across the region.”
Shoubna Naika-Taylor, Curriculum Lead for Digital and Esports Manager at Coventry College
“I’m honoured to receive this award and I’d like to thank the Coventry Crosshairs community, current members and alumni, the staff and students at Coventry College and my friends and family who have supported me along theway. I’ve been motivated by each and every one of them.”
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