JUST A THOUGHT

generationThe next

Communication can unlock the world of tech, unlock its potential and, in turn, our place within it, says Halo CEO, Jess Ratty.

Just over a year on from hosting the G7 summit, the eyes of the world are yet again on Cornwall as we ready for the first ever rocket into space from UK soil. A monumental moment in Cornwall’s story, pivotal for its future, offering a tantalising opportunity to update the narrative for our county. Headed up by Melissa Thorpe, Spaceport Cornwall is not only pioneering commercial space launch and “Space for Good” with powerful partners here in Cornwall and across the world - but also pioneering women at the forefront of this thriving industry. How exciting that we have a woman at the helm of the UK’s first space launch. America, Singapore, and importantly, to lower Earth orbit - we deliver on and off-planet communications. Even still, our digital skills can divide us with access to technology, resources and opportunity - a postcode lottery. And yet the skills needed in the tech industry are varied, with a place in the sector for everyone’s ability and knowhow - a line I’ll never forget from the brilliant Dr Heidi Thiemann “Space is Business too” - we need to remember this. In the past, working in the space industry would never seemingly be a career for a kid fresh out of St Austell (myself as an example). But in reality it is becoming accessible, and it is having a global impact right on our doorstep. At Halo, we are not rocket scientists, but we do get to work with them. By opening up the narrative, bringing transparency across multiple verticals, we are able to build partnerships that are inspiring a generation - from redistributing wealth with Crowdfunder, to sharing the narrative of brilliant engineers tracking the Artemis Moon Mission from Goonhilly. I love living in Cornwall, born of granite with salt water in my veins, I really do believe we have opportunity here and we don’t always need to leave for career prospects up country. We have a real opportunity to transform the future for young people with exciting, radical careers. More importantly, we have a responsibility to do so.

Digital careers can fuel Cornwall’s economy and boost living standards in a region which has, on average, a lower earning capacity than other areas in the UK. Even in the more traditionally Cornish industries of farming and marine conservation - the digital innovators who we work with are changing the way We are in a great these long-established industries operate and how profitable and sustainable they can be. position to lead To coin a phrase from Melissa Thorpe - it’s our young people Space for Good - we are doing the same at Halo - working with Innovators for Good. The to the top mavericks we stand alongside are changing the landscape - satellite technology to better understand our oceans to counteract climate change, AgriTech clients creating systems enabling farmers to increase yields, understand weather patterns, and use less pesticides. Fashion tech clients creating new materials for circular economies and Digital Out Of Home campaigns influencing society during times of crises. My passion for what we do is unrivalled, my belief in the importance of communication, education and opportunity is endless and I’m driven by a limitless ambition to leave this planet better than we found it. The only way we can do that is by joining forces, bringing our strengths to the table, and showing the world how it’s done. Given this is ‘Just a Thought’ and the brilliant Business Cornwall team have let me claim some space on this page you are reading right now, I just want to shout out to those who believe in this passion of mine and that of my team. You all know who you are, you all know how Halo wouldn’t be flying high without you, thank you - and you, reading this, thank you too.

What is happening in Cornwall is a powerful image for our young people and a potential future they can visualise for themselves. With a space, deep tech and a digital industry cluster developing, we are in a great position to lead our young people and women to the top of any STEM related career they can imagine.

I believe that communicating technology, spearheaded by leaders breaking boundaries, is vital to the strength and resilience of our society. This is why I created Halo. I feel passionately that in order to inspire people, we have to invite them in. You can’t be what you can’t see.

Halo stepped up to the mark to pave the way for transformational, influential, impactful communications - not just here in Cornwall but across the UK, across the world. Our partners span from the south west to the north of the UK, to Finland,

My belief in the importance of communication, education and opportunity is endless