60 Seconds | Get with IT

Name: Gordon Sayers Company Name: SoConnect Ltd

Title: Chief Operating Officer

Q In five words or less, what does your organisation do?

A IT Managed Services, Connectivity, Voice

Q How long have your been in your current role?

A 3 months

Q What does a week in your job look like?

A Back to back Teams meetings! Input on Sales, Finance and Operations and Marketing. Talking to the Team, lots. Finding out what we are doing well and praising this. Finding out what we could do better at and improving training.

Q Your proudest moment with your organisation, or biggest ‘win’?

A Proudest moment – Concluding negotiations to complete the Acquisition / Merger by SoConnect of IT Centric and subsequent successful integration of both teams.

Biggest Win – Onboarding of Renewable Energies company based in UK & North America

Q Your favourite top tip or quote in business?

A Keep things simple, always. Happy staff = Happy customers

Q How long have your been a member

Gordon Sayers

of the Chamber for and why did you

join?

A 5 years (I think). Joined to meet like

minded business and business owners and

to explore business opportunities.

GET WITH IT By Bill Magee Scottish Business Technology Writer of the Year

In the dash to move on and out of the lingering Covid-19 pandemic, it's easy to overlook the importance of corporate social responsibility when mapping out the future digital direction of a business.

Digital and CSR don't just co-exist, they are inextricably linked towards commercial success. Or should be. Unless an organisation remains entirely fixated on the financial bottom line.

One thing is clear. Coming out of the pandemic has seen an accelerated consumer expectation that requires all of us to operate with a much stronger localised social conscience. CSR doesn't work in a vacuum and often goes well beyond having a local relevance with such community-minded action regularly achieving a global resonance. That said, such initiatives involving local communities and suppliers are on the increase especially through adoption of the partnership approach with all stakeholder groups. Take Drake Music Scotland. Since last visiting this organisation, based on the outskirts of the Capital, they've been judged Scotland's SCVO Charity of the Year, and like every charity rely on CSR support. Since 1997, DMS has built up an extensive body of specialist knowledge and expertise in the use of inclusive and adaptive technologies enabling disabled folks of all ages to communicate through music. Drake's commitment is based on supporting participants to take part in musical activities and tuition on an equal basis with other musicians continuing to build their skills to whatever level they aspire. It's all about discovering the best way for each individual taking part to have as much independent control as possible of their instrument, or instruments, to play with expression and develop their creativity. Final word from musician Rhona Smith: "Being able to perform has fulfilled my biggest dream.. it makes me feel equal to my able-bodied peers who also play music." DMS patrons include The Proclaimers and Dame Evelyn Glennie.

Edinburgh College’s role as a pillar of the community

For more than 50 years, Edinburgh College (and its legacy institutions) has been providing life-changing education and training to people across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond.

By Audrey Cumberford MBE FRSA

Edinburgh College Principal

From Leith Nautical College to Jewel and Esk; Stevenson and Telford Colleges, through to the present-day Edinburgh College – hundreds of thousands of students, across generations, have passed through the doors of the college’s four campuses over the past five decades and, more recently, it’s virtual doors. With campuses in each corner of the city (Granton, Midlothian, Milton Road and Sighthill) the college acts as a pillar to its local communities, providing not only education and training opportunities for people and businesses in the region but spaces for groups and partners to bring people and communities together as a collective. The college works with partners across the city and wider region to improve prospects for people of all ages and it boasts a wide range of alumni that have gone on to achieve worldwide recognition and success. Prior to the national lockdown early last year, the College celebrated 50 years of its Sighthill Campus (formerly Stevenson College) with a Civic Reception hosted by the Rt.Hon. Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, bringing together former students and staff, as well as Deputy First Minister John Swinney, to mark the occasion by sharing stories and memorabilia. The celebration was a poignant and timely moment for the Edinburgh College community to reflect on its history and look to its future.

Today, the College delivers education and training to over 26,000 students, offering more than 700 courses across its four campuses – Granton, Midlothian, Milton Road and Sighthill -as well as at outreach centres and online distance learning. Around 1,300 staff are involved in the delivery of education and training across four faculty areas – Creative Industries; Engineering and Built Environment; Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences; and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the College has strengthened its foundations as a pillar of its communities through staff and student projects supporting those most in need – teaming up with local charities to provide meals for the vulnerable, donating sanitary products to local foodbanks, caring for the children of key workers, and making face coverings for members for local people. As well as supporting people, the college continues to evolve and grow to reflect the changing landscape of the city and is currently playing an integral part in key projects including the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, Edinburgh St James Quarter and Granton Waterfront Development. Through introducing new offerings such as Skills Boost and Accelerator courses, designed to deliver skills to people and businesses that have been impacted by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, Edinburgh College is providing new opportunities and is ready to throw welcoming (socially distanced) arms around its communities once again.

Engaging Edinburgh’s citizens through culture

The last year has been like no other. When the pandemic took hold last March we had to adapt council services quickly and decisively as restrictions were put in place to keep everyone safe. For many of us, it has completely changed the way we live and work.

Edinburgh as the vibrant cultural capital had to make huge changes with the cancellation of the festivals as we knew them and the closure of our venues. It may have seemed to some that nothing was happening behind the locked doors but this was far from the case.

Organisations and businesses across the city have adapted brilliantly to new ways of working and our Museum & Galleries service had to do the same. The team were very innovative when they went virtual, creating online versions of exhibitions, digital lectures, podcasts and educational programmes that parents and teachers could use at home. Our museums team linked in with schools, with officers running live, weekly art sessions with primary schools to support at home learning. These art sessions were inspired by paintings from the City Art Centre as well as our Edinburgh museum collections such as the Museum of Childhood which encourage children to discuss artworks and objects and get creative by taking part at home. The service also delivered an impressive 74 events online including a series of lectures covering topics from addressing the Legacy of Slavery and Ghosts of Edinburgh Women Who Chose to Challenge for International Women’s Day, watched by over 6000 people. We were also able to do digital versions of diverse events such as visually impaired tours, BSL signed tours as well as dance, music and choir streams bringing people together from home.

When lockdown is lifted and we have access to the 'real' and no longer have to make do with the 'virtual', I think there is opportunity for a balance between the two. We certainly can’t wait to welcome visitors back but we’ve seen that our digital space can be special in its own right and can reach even wider audiences. Our collections are world class and stimulate interest in all corners of the globe. Participation in culture is the right of every citizen and tough nothing could ever replace our physical venues the digital has opened up new possibilities. Last month it was announced that Museum & Galleries Edinburgh will receive a total of £55,125 from Museums Galleries Scotland’s COVID-19 Development Fund to help create the service’s first Digital Engagement Strategy - supporting and building on the work done during the pandemic to keep connected with local communities and virtual visitors from across the world.

During lockdown, our digital channels have been the primary way we’ve been able to engage with our audiences. Although forced into this situation by the pandemic, we have seen the many benefits and long-term opportunities for this work and are excited to explore what we can do going forward. Our Festivals too, are planning for their return. It would be an understatement to say 2020 was extremely tough for our festivals and events sector. As we look ahead to this summer, we will continue to do all we can to support the sector and its recovery as safely and as quickly as possible. We continue to work with our event and cultural partners and have been impressed by the resourceful resilience displayed by them throughout the crisis. It’s no surprise that they will be creative in their approach and will make sure Edinburgh remains the festival city. Culture can sometimes be seen as an option or of secondary importance. The pandemic though disastrous for the sector has at least given people a clearer understanding of the vital and central role cultural engagement plays not solely economically but in terms of the health and wellbeing of every citizen.

Edinburgh Futures Institute – Navigating the future

You may have a connection with the Old Royal Infirmary on Lauriston Place. It’s one of those iconic pieces of architecture that anchor our city. Perhaps you visited as a patient before it closed in 2003, perhaps a family member was born there, or worked there, or perhaps you simply pass it when crossing the Meadows.

The University of Edinburgh is refurbishing this historic site in order to open the doors to a new civic space. One that will feature spaces and opportunities that are open to all of Edinburgh and beyond. The Edinburgh Futures Institute will create new partnerships and initiatives and offer a pioneering approach to education and research with multi-disciplinary, challengefocused creation at its heart.

This major strategic initiative of the University of Edinburgh has received significant investment by the University and the DataDriven Innovation Initiative, part of the City Region Deal. EFI’s first major programme is focused on the challenges and opportunities posed by the revolution in data, digital and artificial intelligence and creating futureproofed educational opportunities and skills to our region and communities. EFI will be a global centre for multi-disciplinary, challenge-based research, teaching and social impact. The biggest challenges that the world faces are complex and interconnected. Solving them requires multiple perspectives and solutions. EFI’s approach brings the arts, humanities and the social sciences into contiguity with data science, natural sciences and with medicine – to co-create deeply interdisciplinary models.

Data-driven focus

We are working with organisations across key sectors to support and enable economic and societal recovery and growth through datadriven innovation and data skills development. EFI will help to transform the application, governance and benefits delivered from the use of data. We will do this by bringing together a range of academic disciplines, organisations and sectors including financial services, cultural industries and the public sector, that are dealing directly with these challenges. We are already working with a wide array of stakeholders in the local community including Edinburgh businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations. Even before we open our physical doors, EFI is creating a vibrant space where ideas, people and opportunities converge, bringing insight, innovation and new partnerships to the fore.

Support for a digital workforce

EFI is also already ramping up our education and training offer. With a suite of postgraduate degree programmes launching in autumn 2022, our first tranche of students will benefit from fully flexible online and in-person tuition and learning that embeds the acquisition of data skills across curriculum.

EFI and the other DDI Hubs are rolling out a range of exciting new short courses that support sectors key to Edinburgh’s economy and post-COVID recovery. Focussing on data skills and workforce development - as well as offering opportunities do develop in professional and industry skills and expertise - all courses included fully funded places for eligible applicants.

Opportunities & Upcoming Events

A range of short courses, masterclasses and events offer access to free or subsidised places for eligible applicants and support sectors critical to Edinburgh and the wider Scottish economy and workforce.

Digital Influence - Methods, Insights and Impact

Develop resilient influencing strategies, use new analytical methods and tools, assess influence and its value to your organisation or project. Starts 17 June, register now: https://efi.ed.ac.

uk/digital-intelligence-influence-lab/shortcourse-methods-insights-and-impact/

Data Skills Workforce Development courses

This portfolio of short, standalone courses is designed to enable employees to upskill or working professionals to reskill through online or blended learning in the area of digital data. A range of courses are available with access to fully funded places. Find out more: https://www.ed.ac.uk/bayes/

about-us/our-work/education/workforcedevelopment/courses

EFI’s TravelTech for Scotland helps Scottish tech organisations and travel and tourism businesses connect. The initiative is helping meet the urgent needs of tourism businesses restart and recover right now. Upcoming Traveltech events include

25 June Collider: Keeping Promises: Responsible and Sustainable Tourism in Scotland {https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/

collider-keeping-promises-responsibleand-sustainable-tourism-in-scotlandtickets-158478705073}

23 June The Tourism Society’s Big Themes in Tourism: Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director of Traveltech for Scotland {https://www.

eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-themes-in-tourismjoshua-ryan-saha-director-of-traveltechtickets-151947409793}

When our doors open we look forward to welcoming all of Edinburgh to the Futures Institute – join our mailing list and check out events, courses and opportunities and keep in touch. {efi.ed.ac.uk/events-overview/

subscription/}

Scheme praised for preparing industry’s next generation of talent

Graduate Employability Masterclasses have been commended as invaluable to creating the next generation of graduates launching their career in the life sciences sector.

Edinburgh Students Participate in 2021 Life Science Industry Graduate Employability Masterclasses. Over 90 life science students from Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Napier Universities recently came together to participate in a series of employability masterclasses led by industry experts, to follow the commercial pathway that a product takes from the initial idea through to the marketplace. Delivered online, each of the three masterclasses was led by two companies and involved presentations focused on specific aspects of the product lifecycle, interactive exercises based on real-life industry scenarios and opportunity for discussion. Presentations from LifeArd, Medannex, Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC), QMS Pharma, GSK, Charles River and Life Science Marketing Academy were followed by collaborative working in order to reach creative solutions to real life challenges. The scheme was originally developed by the Glasgow Economic Leadership (GEL) Life Sciences Skills Theme group in 2014 in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS). In 2020 and as part of the Life and Chemical Sciences Skills Investment Plan, the Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance (SULSA), in partnership with the Scottish Universities Chemistry Pool (ScotCHEM), joined the fold. The Research Pool’s established networks across universities and the Scottish Innovation Centres enabled this scheme to grow significantly this year. In 2021 the scheme has been delivered across 12 universities in Scotland, with 30 companies in total delivering invaluable insight and knowledge to over 200 students a week over eight weeks. The scale up of this scheme has come at a time of need, with the growth of the Life and Chemical Science sectors in Scotland and the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19. Dr Deborah O’Neil OBE, CEO of Novabiotics, said: “It’s vital that the next generation of Life Science graduates can apply context to their training as it might apply to the wealth of functions of, and roles within the industry. “The Masterclass Programme provides for exactly that, with exposure to a diverse range of businesses and individuals. The ‘real world’ examples and case studies across the life cycle of product development offer invaluable insight for students as to how the sector actually works.” Despite the challenges from COVID-19, technology has ensured that students, universities and businesses have continued to collaborate and stay connected. Lindsay Adams, Careers Consultant at HeriotWatt University, said “Students were both inspired and reassured as a result of increasing their knowledge and understanding of the diversity of opportunities and the wide range of companies operating within the life science sector. The programme has given our students new and valuable insights into the different roles and career pathways alongside developing their business and commercial awareness.

Participating in the workshops provided a fantastic opportunity for students to experience typical industry projects whilst networking with life science professionals and working collaboratively with students from other universities.” Amina Sternkopf, who is in her third year studying a BSc Anatomy and Development at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The industry masterclasses have given me a detailed and otherwise unexperienced insight into what life working in industry could look like. The students were faced with realworld challenges during the masterclasses, which fostered teamwork and a free flow of thoughts. “Although it may seem intimidating at first, all the industry representatives were very helpful. I can recommend this course to any biological and biomedical sciences students looking at starting a career in industry.” Kevin Moore OBE DSc, Chair, Graduate Employability Masterclasses, said: “When we are all facing challenges from COVID-19, it is refreshing and exciting to see industry, universities and students coming together online to support the up-and-coming talent. “As I come to the end of my career in Life Sciences in Scotland after 50 years, I am hugely encouraged to see we have a genuine skills asset coming through our universities to ensure long-term sustainability of our growing sector in Scotland.”

Find out more: For further information about the Masterclasses and how to apply to the 2022 programme, please contact Allison Dun at the Universities Life Sciences Alliance Alison.

Dun@glasgow.ac.uk

The Creation of the Non-Cyclist Cycling Community

A new community of bike users was created in 2020, they were a bit wobbly on their wheels, but they soon grew confident and out of this came the non-cyclist cycling community. A group of people who rekindled their love of cycling during lockdown.

Centre to Edinburgh’s cycling explosion was the Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme creating an easy to use, non-committal way to try a bike again. As quickly as toilet rolls and pasta became a diminished commodity, so did bikes and bike parts. The scheme saw demand soar with people unable to purchase a bike of their own. In one day alone in the summer of 2020, 1,438 people used the scheme. In 2020 they took an astonishing 234,500 trips, compared to 124,000 the previous year. They cycled a thigh-burning 1,052,161kms, that’s to the moon and back with kms to spare. This new interest has not waned with over 800 trips made during an uncommonly warm Spring day this year, and 2021 trip numbers almost hitting the 40,000 mark so far.

The scheme provided a much-needed sense of freedom in a time of restriction. Feeling your head clear of the stresses of working from home, trying to educate your children, or caring for loved ones became a regular fixture for people. For key workers it became their new transport, and during 2020 and 2021 the scheme, along with Sustrans has gave out 500 free four month passes to NHS workers. This new type of community needs to be encouraged and supported as we ease out of the restrictions and resume a greater normality. It’s encouraging to see at a political level that all parties have a commitment to improving active travel in Scotland. For cycling, and in particular bike share, this must ensure that funding can flow into the right projects easily to maximise opportunity that in turn provides access to bikes to all. Post Covid some things will remain the same, people will need to use a bike share scheme, like Edinburgh’s to go about their day. There will be people who will live in housing where bikes cannot be stored, there will be people who cannot afford the financial outlay of purchasing a bike, and there will be people who simply want to use bikes for fun without the commitment.

“Cycling is in our heritage with the first pedal bike credited to Dumfriesshire blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan (born 1812). It is speculated that in 1842 he was fined five shillings for causing injury to a young woman who happened to get in his way on a bike trip to Glasgow. Perhaps Scotland’s first ‘boy racer’.”

Cycling is in our heritage with the first pedal bike credited to Dumfriesshire blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan (born 1812). It is speculated that in 1842 he was fined five shillings for causing injury to a young woman who happened to get in his way on a bike trip to Glasgow. Perhaps Scotland’s first ‘boy racer’.

It is difficult to find an argument against bike share schemes. They are now so popular and embedded in cities across the UK and Europe that for somewhere not to have a scheme seems like a step backwards in a journey to improve our health and the environment.

We shouldn’t turn our back on our cycling heritage, but I think we can all agree on one thing, lycra cycling shorts can be left where they belong, in 2020 with zoom quizzes and home haircuts.