Grand Central has announced the launch of its 2026 Community Fund, offering grants of £100 to £5,000 to support community projects that make a positive impact across the areas served by its network.

Building on last year’s success, which saw funding awarded to six community initiatives – including Bishop Line CRP, Edshift CIC, Horbury Community Centre, Boldon Girls FC, York Acorns RLFC and Friends of Brighouse – the rail operator is once again inviting applications from local groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations.

The 2025 Community Fund recipients delivered a range of projects, from promoting rail safety workshops and improving local facilities, to supporting domestic abuse practitioners and enhancing community wellbeing.

“At Grand Central, we’re passionate about connecting communities – not just through our rail services, but through meaningful local action,” said Hannah Bromage, Grand Central community and volunteer manager, “Last year we saw first-hand how our grants can make a real difference and we can’t wait to see what inspiring projects come forward this year.”

Applications are welcome from community groups, charities, schools and not-for-profit organisations with a link to the railway. Projects must be located within five miles of a Grand Central station and completed within 2026.

Projects should focus on at least one of the following areas:

• Environmental improvements
• Educational projects
• Sustainable travel
• Social inclusion
• Accessibility

Applications are open from 1 February to 1 March 2026. The application form and full details can be found here. 

A community panel will review the applications to ensure funding is distributed fairly and reaches projects that demonstrate the most value to local people and places.

For more information contact hazeldavis@gmail.com – 07832234312

A legal expert has warned that banning under 16s from social media is an ‘oversimplified’ approach that won’t protect children from online risks. 

What is National Coding Week (NCW)?

National Coding Week is a UK-born, volunteer-driven awareness week that encourages people of all ages to build confidence in coding and digital skills. It’s ideal for primary and secondary schools, FE/HE, SMEs, public sector teams, libraries, STEM clubs, and parents looking to introduce young people to computing in a fun, practical way.

2025 at a glance

• Dates: 15–21 September 2025 (Mon–Sun). Days Of The Year+2weareincludability.co.uk+2

• Theme: AI — helping people understand, demystify and responsibly use artificial intelligence. National Coding Week

• Milestone: Official site notes “This year will be last National Coding Week.” Join the conversation via #NationalCodingWeek and @codingweek. National Coding Week

Why NCW matters for the UK in 2025

• Curriculum alignment: supports England’s Computing curriculum and Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, plus Wales’ Curriculum for Wales and Northern Ireland’s CCEA pathways.

• Workforce skills: SMEs get a low-cost, high-impact route to upskill teams in data, automation, and AI literacy.

• Inclusion: free and accessible activities help widen participation across regions and communities.

Tip: Because 2025 is reportedly the last NCW, it’s a great hook for press, internal comms, and community PR: “Join us for the UK’s final National Coding Week.”

Ready-to-run activity ideas (by audience)

For primary schools (KS1–KS2)

• Unplugged AI concepts: Sort “training data” picture cards to see how bias creeps in; discuss fairness.

• Micro:bit mini-projects: Build a step-counter, mood badge or simple data-logging experiment, then extend in MakeCode with if/then logic. microbit.org+1

• Storycoding: Pupils storyboard an animation, then implement in block-based editors (Scratch-style) to learn sequence, events and debugging.

For secondary schools (KS3–KS4)

• AI prompt lab: Compare outputs from different prompts; discuss hallucinations, data privacy and evaluation.

• Python data day: Analyse a small open dataset (attendance, weather, sports stats), then visualise trends.

• Micro:bit + sensors: Collect real-world data, switch block code to JavaScript or MicroPython to deepen understanding. microbit.org

For SMEs & public sector teams

• Lunch-and-learn: “AI at work: when to automate, when to escalate.” Include a live demo (spreadsheets, basic scripts).

• No-code to low-code: Build a tiny internal tool (forms → sheet → report) to show process gains.

• Policy sprint: Draft a 1-page internal AI usage guideline (acceptable tools, data handling, review steps).

For libraries, hubs, and community groups

• Drop-in taster sessions: 60–90 minutes to try beginner projects and signpost local clubs.

• Parent & child code-along: Build a simple game or website section together to reduce barriers.

• Careers corner: Invite local developers to share routes into tech and apprenticeships.

UK-trusted resources to plug straight in

• Teach Computing (NCCE) — free, classroom-ready units KS1–KS4 and teacher CPD. Teach Computing+1

• Code Club (Raspberry Pi Foundation) — free projects and guidance for running clubs after school or in communities. codeclub.org+1

• micro:bit Foundation — starter guides, MakeCode editor pathways, and classroom packs. microbit.org+1

A simple NCW 2025 plan you can copy

Monday (Kick-off): Announce your plan, post your schedule, and share the AI theme.
Tuesday (Learn): Deliver a beginner session (e.g., block coding or Python notebooks).
Wednesday (Build): Hands-on mini-project (game, website section, sensor project).
Thursday (AI Day): Host a responsible-AI workshop: accuracy, safety, bias, copyright.
Friday (Show & Tell): Demos or lightning talks; publish photos and reflections.
Weekend (Community): Library drop-ins, parent-child sessions, or a local hack mini-challenge.

Comms pack ideas: Schedule 3–5 posts across the week using #NationalCodingWeek and tag @codingweek; invite local press to Friday’s showcase; write a recap blog Monday after NCW. National Coding Week

For each UK nation

• England: Map sessions to KS1–KS4 strands (algorithms, programming, data, digital literacy). Use NCCE units to evidence progression. Teach Computing

• Scotland: Tie activities to CfE Technologies (computing science) and numeracy.

• Wales: Use NCW to support cross-curricular digital competence; share bilingual resources where possible. Welsh Government’s Hwb has a timely NCW 2025 explainer. hwb.gov.wales

• Northern Ireland: Align with CCEA computing strands; involve local councils and enterprise agencies for community sessions.

Measurable outcomes you can report

• Participation: number of attendees, sessions run, and volunteer hours.

• Inclusion: % first-time coders, under-represented groups participation.

• Learning: short exit quiz or reflection; link to curriculum outcomes.

• Impact: time saved from small automations; new clubs formed; follow-on training booked.

FAQs

When is National Coding Week 2025?
15–21 September 2025 (Mon–Sun). It traditionally falls in the third week of September in the UK. Days Of The Year

What’s the theme this year?
Artificial Intelligence (AI). The official NCW site highlights AI as the 2025 theme. National Coding Week

Is this really the final National Coding Week?
Yes — the official site states “This year will be last National Coding Week.” Use #NationalCodingWeek and @codingweek to share what you’re doing. National Coding Week

Where can I find quality, UK-aligned lesson materials?
The Teach Computing (NCCE) curriculum offers free, fully-planned resources for KS1–KS4. Pair this with Code Club projects and micro:bit activities for hands-on learning. Teach Computing+2projects.raspberrypi.org+2

SEO checklist (copy/paste for your site)

• Include the exact phrase “National Coding Week 2025” in H1 and opening paragraph.

• Add UK modifiers naturally: “UK schools”, “England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland”.

• Use internal links to your education, careers, and events pages.

• Add image ALT text like “Primary pupils coding with micro:bit during National Coding Week 2025”.

• Publish a photo recap the week after; link back to this guide.

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the digital world, Google is leading the charge with the official rollout of Google AI Mode in the UK. As of 28 July 2025, British users can now access a groundbreaking AI-powered search experience that merges traditional search with conversational intelligence powered by Gemini 2.5.

From planning holidays and comparing products to solving complex problems or learning new skills, Google AI Mode offers a revolutionary way to interact with information online. This article explores what Google AI Mode is, how it works, how to access it in the UK, and why it’s a game-changer for anyone who uses the internet to learn, shop, or get things done.

What Is Google AI Mode?

Google AI Mode is a next-generation conversational search feature that uses Gemini 2.5, Google’s most advanced AI model to date. It allows users to ask detailed, multi-part questions and receive intelligent, comprehensive answers – similar to chatting with an AI assistant, but deeply integrated into Google Search.

It’s much more than a simple list of links or a featured snippet. With AI Mode, Google “thinks through” your question, breaks it down into sub-queries, and then synthesises information from multiple sources into a single, easy-to-read response. And if you have a follow-up question? You can just ask it—Google remembers the context.

Key Features of Google AI Mode

1. Conversational Search

You can engage with Google as if you were chatting with a knowledgeable assistant. Ask a question, get a thoughtful answer, then dig deeper with follow-ups—all within one search experience.

2. Multimodal Input

In addition to typing, you can ask questions via voice or upload images for context, thanks to Google Lens integration. Want to know what kind of plant you’re looking at or compare types of trainers? Just snap and search.

3. Gemini 2.5 Intelligence

Built on Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro model, AI Mode understands context, reasoning, tone, and complex relationships between ideas. It’s more accurate, helpful, and “human-like” than any previous Google tool.

4. Deep Search (Labs Exclusive)

For those who enable Search Labs, an optional experimental platform, AI Mode unlocks Deep Search, a feature that lets Google dig much deeper than regular search for highly technical or niche topics.

5. Interactive Web Experience

Each AI answer includes links to sources, related searches, and further actions you can take—like booking flights, checking prices, or watching a video tutorial.

How Does Google AI Mode Work?

Google AI Mode operates on a multi-step process behind the scenes:

• It parses your question into a series of micro-queries.

• Then, it conducts parallel searches across multiple sources and formats (text, images, videos, structured data).

• Next, the Gemini model synthesises a comprehensive response that’s clear, actionable, and trustworthy.

• Finally, it presents the result in an AI-powered interface with interactive cards, visuals, links, and summarised data.

It’s a smart evolution of the familiar Google Search you know—just faster, deeper, and more helpful.

How to Access Google AI Mode in the UK

As of July 28, 2025, AI Mode is available to UK users across desktop, mobile browsers, and the Google app. Here’s how to activate or check if it’s available to you:

On Desktop

1. Visit google.com.

2. Enter your query.

3. If eligible, a new “AI Mode” tab will appear next to “All,” “Images,” “Videos,” etc.

4. Click the “AI Mode” tab to see your results in conversational format.

On Mobile

1. Open the Google App or use Google Search on your mobile browser.

2. Search as usual. If AI Mode is active, you’ll see AI-powered results with follow-up prompts or an “Ask a follow-up” bar.

3. You may also see “Try in AI Mode” under the search bar.

Through Google Lens

You can use Google Lens to ask AI Mode questions via photos:

1. Tap the camera icon in Google Search or app.

2. Upload or snap a photo.

3. Tap “Ask with AI Mode” if the feature is available.

Via Search Labs (Optional)

For access to beta features like Deep Search or early rollouts:

1. Log in to your Google Account (must be 18+).

2. Visit labs.google.com/search or open the Google App and tap your profile > Labs.

3. Toggle AI Mode and Deep Search to ON.

4. Start searching and interacting using these experimental tools.

Who Can Use AI Mode in the UK?

As of the current rollout:

• It’s available in English only in the UK.

• You must be signed into a Google Account.

• You must have Web & App Activity turned on for continuity.

• AI Mode is available to both free and paid Google users.

• Access is being phased, so not all users may see it immediately, but full rollout is expected by early August 2025.

What Can You Use Google AI Mode For?

The possibilities are virtually endless. Here are real-world examples of how UK users can benefit:

Learning and Research

Ask AI Mode to explain complex topics like “quantum computing in simple terms” or compare historical events like “British Empire vs Roman Empire expansion.”

Travel Planning

Request full itineraries like “5-day family trip to Cornwall with kids, beaches and museums included,” complete with accommodation links, weather forecasts, and tips.

Cooking & Recipes

Search “What can I cook with aubergines, feta, and couscous?” and get an AI-generated recipe and nutritional facts.

Product Comparison

Compare “Best budget smartphones under £400 in the UK 2025” and receive a neatly summarised analysis of features, reviews, and links to purchase.

Decision Support

Use AI Mode to ask “Should I lease or buy a car in the UK 2025?” or “Which university is better for law: Durham or Exeter?”

Visual Queries

Snap a photo of a plant or product and ask, “What is this?”—AI Mode will identify it, explain it, and offer related info.

Is Google AI Mode Replacing Traditional Search?

Not exactly. Google AI Mode runs alongside traditional search and does not eliminate standard results. You can always toggle between the classic “10 blue links” and the new conversational interface.

This dual system allows users to:

• Use AI Mode for deep understanding

• Use traditional Search for rapid link-clicking

• Combine both for maximum utility

Privacy and Data in AI Mode

Google AI Mode does collect and process query data to improve its responses. However:

• You can delete or manage your AI interactions via myactivity.google.com.

• AI Mode does not use your private Gmail, Drive, or personal data unless explicitly enabled in the future.

• Google states that AI Mode responses are not advertisements and sources are always listed transparently.

What’s Coming Next?

Google plans to expand AI Mode with even more features over the coming months:

• Multi-language support for European markets.

• Third-party integrations (e.g., booking flights directly from AI Mode).

• Expanded Deep Search for professionals and researchers.

• Generative visuals that help explain complex subjects using infographics and animations.

• Potential offline AI Mode powered by on-device Gemini Nano in future Pixel devices.

Expert Commentary: Why This Matters

According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai:

“AI Mode is not just a new way to search—it’s a new way to think, discover, and take action online. We’re building the foundation of the next era of information.”

Industry experts suggest that Google AI Mode is a strategic response to growing competition from ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity AI. With this move, Google reclaims its throne as the world’s most powerful search platform, now infused with world-class generative AI.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Google AI Mode in the UK?

If you’re a curious learner, a busy professional, or just someone who wants better answers faster, Google AI Mode is a must-try. Its integration into daily search tasks can save time, reduce confusion, and open up new opportunities to learn, buy, travel, or explore.

As AI Mode continues to evolve, expect even more personalisation, accuracy, and capability. Whether you’re on a desktop in London or using your mobile in Newcastle, this new way to search is here—and it’s only getting smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Google AI Mode free?
A: Yes, it’s completely free for all Google users.

Q: Can I disable AI Mode?
A: You can avoid using the AI Mode tab, or disable experimental features in Search Labs.

Q: What if I don’t see AI Mode yet?
A: The rollout is ongoing. Make sure you’re signed in, using English, and have Web & App Activity enabled.

Q: Can I use AI Mode for business queries?
A: Absolutely. From market research to product comparisons, AI Mode is useful across business use cases.

According to analysis by Paddy Power Bingo, the most searched “What is…?” question in July was “What is AI?” – racking up a whopping 391,167 searches in just 30 days.

Despite AI being plastered across news headlines, job specs and tech panels, it seems most Brits are still nodding along in meetings pretending they get it and praying no one asks them to explain ChatGPT at the same time.

But it’s not just the rise of the robots confusing the nation. Brits are also desperately asking “What is matcha?”, “What is GDP?”, and even “What is national insurance?”. Nice to know people understand how a payslip works.

From TikTok trends to tax terminology, the UK is clearly struggling to keep up. While we might pretend to be fluent in all things modern and relevant, people’s search history paints a slightly more panicked picture.

Top five UK “What is…?” searches in July 2025 

Other trending terms include “What is kimchi?” (11,878 searches), “What is padel?” (23,692), and “What is Dubai chocolate?” (16,618), proving that TikTok and social media are having an even bigger effect on our day-to-day lives than thought, as well as confusing all of those not in the know.

Paddy Power, spokesperson for Paddy Power Bingo, said: ““It’s official – Brits like to talk the walk, but our research shows that they clearly don’t walk the walk. You’ve got to admire the confidence of the nation, confidently nodding along while frantically Googling ‘What is ChatGPT?’.

“From matcha to GDP – the great British public are clearly bluffing their way through modern life, one panicked search at a time. Whether its figuring out what’s on your pay slip or understanding trends, Brits are all in the same confused boat – desperately trying to stay relevant while being steamrolled by AI and green tea.”

Now in its ninth successive year, one of the themes of the 2024 Festival will focus on how the event drives the upskilling and recruitment of workers across Leeds City Region’s booming tech scene. The event also aims to inspire and encourage collaboration, highlighting the strength of the tech economy in the city to a global audience. 

Delegates can attend the Festival in person or virtually with events from the region’s leading digital organisations, including PEXA, BJSS, Leeds Building Society, Planet Sport, Audacia, Amazon Web Services and Accenture. It runs from 16 to 27 September across various venues in and around the city, including NEXUS at the University of Leeds, Platform, Avenue HQ and Howard Assembly Room. 

The Festival celebrates all the tech achievements within the Leeds City Region, which includes Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield. Each year, event hosts, attendees, and speakers from other areas are welcomed. Renowned as ‘the tech event for everyone,’ it features contributions from anyone passionate about digital technology, with all events relevant to the region. 

Commenting on the Festival launch, Stuart Clarke MBE, festival director, said: “As we gear up for our ninth year, Leeds Digital Festival continues to promote, celebrate and showcase the best of the tech industry in our region. Once again, we have a packed programme of events designed to inspire delegates and encourage collaborative working among the city’s thriving digital community. 

“This year, we have a strong focus on exciting development in AI but will be covering everything from establishing a challenger bank from scratch using Microsoft Cloud technologies, to a women in technology breakfast event featuring some of the city’s leading and most successful female tech entrepreneurs, how tech is revolutionising healthcare, getting started with generative AI, and the creation of smart cities. We’ve got the perfect balance for entrepreneurs and start-ups seeking advice, inspiration and guidance on all aspects of digital innovation.” 

The Festival will also feature the annual Leeds Digital Careers Fair on 24 September at Leeds Arena. This event will showcase over 100 employers and training providers and expect over 4,000 attendees. 

Jay Patel, Head of Technology at Leeds Building Society, said: “We are proud to be a part of the vibrant and important tech and digital ecosystem in Leeds and we’re really looking forward to being involved in the Leeds Digital Festival again. We’re privileged to be the launch sponsor and will also be hosting several events over the course of the festival covering composable banking, cloud data, diversity and intersectionality, and how to make digital thrive in businesses.

“At Leeds Building Society, we’re making huge investments in technology to better support our members, and we continue to innovate to put home ownership within reach of more people generation after generation. Through the events we are hosting we hope to inspire those working in tech, or considering a role in the digital sector, by sharing our experiences and sparking some interesting debates. We look forward to seeing and celebrating the amazing digital work produced by businesses across Leeds.”

Leeds Digital Festival is the UK’s largest open platform tech event and the biggest outside London. The programme’s open and inclusive nature enables everyone, from startups to global organisations, to host events. Most events are free to attend to ensure they remain accessible to all. 

The Festival is supported by premier sponsors BJSS and PEXA, executive sponsors Accenture, DWP Digital, Glean, Lloyds Bank, Nexus University of Leeds, Flutter, and a host of associate sponsors. Sponsor Leeds Building Society will host an event to launch the Festival on 12 September. 

The complete programme is now available to sign up on leedsdigitalfestival.org

• 88% of the nation admit they’d take a smaller everyday item without permission
• Mini hotel toiletries and condiment bottles amongst the most common items taken without asking
• Those aged 18-24 are the most likely to ‘borrow’ something without permission

When it comes to Brits ‘borrowing’ items without permission, it’s miniature hotel toiletries that admit stuffing their luggage and pockets with the most, according to new research.

After launching their brand-new exclusive gameshow, Paddy’s Mansion Heist , the Paddy Power team asked Brits all about the items they take without asking, with 24m (36%) confessing to have ‘borrowed’ the miniature toiletries in a hotel room.

This comes after a whopping 88% admitting they’d have the cojones to take a small item without asking.

Other items that Brits reveal to have nabbed, include their favourite condiment bottles/sachets from restaurants (27%) and sugar/sweetener (26%), completing the top three.

Some of the more obscure items to come out from the research are dressing gowns from a hotel (15%), ashtrays (12%), and a whopping 5.4m (8%) confess to cashing in on the spare change their family and friends leave lying around.

Top 10 items Brits have ‘borrowed’ without permission

Age also plays a significant factor in living a lawless life as 92% of 18-24’s admit they’d nick an item without permission. This is compared to 84% of 25–34-year-olds who said they’d take something, following by 82% of the 35-44 age group. And it’s the over 55s who are the least likely to involve themselves in this act, with only 68% confessing that they would.

Regionally, it’s those in Brighton and Aberdeen who are most likely to ‘borrow’ without asking, with 31% confessing, respectively. Just behind sees residents in Plymouth (30%) admitting they’ve taken an item without asking.

Rachael Kane, Paddy Power spokesperson said: “We always suspected that those across the Irish sea couldn’t fully be trusted as they’re always stealing the best things from us… just look at Jack Grealish and Declan Rice in their England kits!

“For those Brits who like to indulge in ‘borrowing’ without permission, head to our brand-new, exclusive gameshow, Paddy’s Mansion Heist, where you’ll be invited to pull off the ultimate heist worth up to a maximum of 4,000x the value of your stake.”

• Over a third of Gen Z’s (34%) and Millennials (35%) state they don’t care enough about their finances to seek financial help
• 31% are unaware of the resources available to help them improve their financial situation
• A staggering 86% of the population face challenges when it comes to saving money
• VoucherCodes’ Savings Expert, Anita Naik, has teamed up with finance influencer, Megan Micklewright (@TheSavvySpenderOfficial), to provide consumers with everyday savings tips & tricks

LONDON, UK: THURSDAY 23^rd MAY 2024: The UK appears to be entering its unbothered era as one in four Brits (25%), the equivilant of nearly 17 million, confess they don’t care enough about their finances to seek financial help, new data reveals.

The study by VoucherCodes.co.uk, the UK’s most trusted savings site, examines the gaps the nation faces in their financial literacy and why they find it tough to put money aside. Whilst it seems many Brits are ambivalent about their finances, others do care and want financial help however their primary challenge is not knowing which resources exist to support them, with nearly a third agreeing (31%).

Financial struggles have traditionally felt like a taboo subject, causing many to shy away from finding help. Although many are beginning to open up, nearly one in 10 people (9%) admit they don’t want to seem uneducated when seeking support. Alongside this, nearly one in 10 people (9%) declare they don’t feel like they have the time to learn more, and they feel behind when it comes to their financial literacy.

Saving money has become increasingly challenging in recent years amidst rising living costs, with new research revealing that 58.4 million (86%) Brits face challenges regularly – rising to 95% of those aged 18-34 years old. It’s difficult to regularly save money without having a budget in place and a staggering 74% of people admit they don’t set out a monthly budget, likely due to a lack of knowledge. Over one in five (21%) confess they lack knowledge when it comes to budgeting – rising to 30% of Millennials.

Top ten financial areas Brits admit to lacking knowledge in

The top areas of financial literacy Brits fail to understand is trading assets of different kinds. According to 38% of people, Forex (foreign exchange markets) and Cryptocurrencies stump them the most, followed closely by stocks and shares and trading in general (both 32%). However, there is also uncertainty about many common financial products, such as credit cards and savings accounts. Nearly a quarter (23%) of people admit they lack knowledge around credit cards, despite the average person owning 1.7 credit cards¹.

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk comments: “Financial literacy is important at any age because it empowers you to take control of your financial future. Taking the time to understand concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debts allows you to make choices that improve your life and well-being, as many know, worrying about money can be extremely stressful.

“People who access financial resources and advice are better equipped to manage their finances, leading to greater stability and security. It’s never too late to improve your financial literacy and there are plenty of quick to use independent services, such as Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper, that offer government-backed guidance across areas such as savings, debt and financial education.”

At VoucherCodes we’re about helping with the everyday savings. To help consumers expand their financial literacy, Savings Expert, Anita Naik has teamed up with Megan Micklewright (@TheSavvySpenderOfficial), award winning financial influencer, to provide actionable tips and tricks to combat the gaps in the nation’s financial knowledge. The full blog post can be viewed here.

When you sign up to the VoucherCodes VIP Hub, not only will you receive immediate benefits, without the need for points, tiers or hidden Ts and Cs, you’ll also have access to exclusive money saving tips and content, such as the full recording of Anita and Megan’s conversation, to help you save even more. Snippets of the tips can be found in the press pack here.

Their efforts have included walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a highland canoe challenge and a virtual cycle ride covering 1500 miles in 15 days.

MD Andrew Firth comments:

“Our fifteenth year as a business provided a great opportunity to complete a series of physically demanding activities, to raise more than £12,500 for local charities: Alzheimer’s Society,  Macmillan Cancer Support, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Stroke Association, Simon on the Streets and The Howarth Foundation. These great causes were nominated by our team because they resonate with them and their families.”

He adds: “We wanted to commit to a year-long series of activities to celebrate 15 years in business. This is no small feat, and from our modest beginnings we have grown to become a successful award-winning digital business.”

The digital landscape has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. In their early days as a two-person business, Ascensor focused on creating websites for small businesses. They have since evolved into a conversion focused agency, working for household names like JCT600, Delifresh and YESSS Electrical.

Andrew Firth comments: “I’m proud that we’ve kept pace with the evolution of the digital sector in Leeds. Some of the services we now provide for our clients were not available 15 years ago, and neither were some of the roles in the digital sector. What has always remained constant, has been our ability to evolve to keep our customers at the forefront of their sectors, through software development and digital marketing.

“We’ve shown excellent client growth this year, in terms of new and existing retainers, and we’ve recently secured a number of high profile project wins, including Anglian Windows, Radar Healthcare and Key Security.”

He adds: “It’s not lost on me that in a year of uncertainty, our team have done an amazing job of fund-raising for these six great charities.”

“We’ve had 369 individual donations from our customers, friends and family and we’re very much appreciative of everyone’s efforts in contributing in so many ways.”