On Friday 18 May 2018, I had the pleasure of meeting Liz Kendall who came along for a cup of tea and she officially opened our new offices. Liz spent time chatting to members of our team and learnt what mobile-first indexing meant. I had a very productive five minutes with Liz. We talked about how to get Leicester on the map as a digital centre for excellence.
Photo: from L to R: Caroline Spence, Ann Stanley, Liz Kendall, Darren Wynn and Angie Longman
Liz, what inspired you to stand as a MP?
“I want to change the world. I have a strong sense that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their full potential regardless of their background, education, gender or ethnicity.
I didn’t come into politics for myself. For me, politics has always been about helping make life easier and fairer for ordinary people.”
There are big regeneration plans for Frog Island, how will you encourage other businesses to re-locate to the area?
“I would encourage all leaders to spread the word to help put Leicester on the map! We need excellent schools in the area to ensure that young people have the necessary skills and qualifications to earn a decent living.
It is also important to have the infrastructure in place to ensure that Leicester is a city where people want to live, work and play. I am excited to see the regeneration plans for Frog Island, having more homes and a new school will transform the area. Seeing the impressive re-development of 1 Abbey Gate by Anicca Digital is a real inspiration – I’m genuinely impressed by the standard of the re-development.”
Are there any plans to support further growth of the digital economy in Leicester?
“At present, I don’t think that Leicester is known for its digital expertise. Training and education will be a start. It is important for our local universities, De Montfort University and the University of Leicester to maintain strong links with businesses so that we attract and maintain digital talent locally. Then we can begin to create a hub and grow Leicester’s reputation.
Anicca Digital is a good example. They work closely with both the local universities to recruit graduates. Ann Stanley, MD and Founder of Anicca very much believes in the philosophy “to grow our own”. I was pleased to meet Darren Wynn, one of Anicca’s board directors. Darren joined Anicca as a graduate from the University of Leicester, he progressed to Director level after just 4 years. He is currently the Operations Director and studying for his MBA part-time.”
Photo: Liz Kendall chatting to the Anicca Digital team.
What’s your next priority?
“My next priority is education. I want to support the local schools, it is my firm belief that education leads to a better life. If we improve our schools, this will help to build skills people need to work and earn a decent living in Leicester West.”
