The Exeter Daily - Sandy Park

South West Innovation Expo returns to Exeter

Exeter News Blog — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:34:55 +0000

Universities of Exeter and Plymouth deliver fourth tech expo for the region

Businesses across the South West are invited to discover cutting-edge ideas, innovation, and the latest entrepreneurial activity as the South West Innovation Expo returns to Exeter on 5th March 2024 at Sandy Park.

Spearheaded by the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, this flagship event promises a day full of inspiration, collaboration, and the celebration of innovation across Devon, Cornwall, The Isles of Scilly, Somerset, and Dorset; bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, academics and financiers from across the region.

Centring around the theme of resilience, the one-day event will inspire attendees to use technology, creativity and insight to build business resilience.

Rich Adams, Plymouth University, says, “With so much innovation coming out of the South West, the expo provides a great opportunity for people to learn, collaborate, connect and adapt. It’s a chance to celebrate, share ideas and explore the future.”

Dr Andrew Dean, University of Exeter says, “Innovation is shaping the future for every type of business. When we look ahead to the economic challenges facing us all, we can see that new technology and innovation offers solutions and a way forward. At the SW Innovation Expo we are bringing together some of very best innovators and investors to support the sustainable development of our the region. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and exhibitors and are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the business spectrum who want to learn, understand and adapt.”

Key themes for the expo are environmental resilience, energy, water and waste, environmental sustainability, health and life sciences and investing in nature, including the implications and opportunities for innovation.

Insightful academics and inspirational businesses will present practical case studies, offering invaluable inspiration and advice includingProfessor Richard Brazier from the University of Exeter, Sally Walters of Stantec, Will Blake of Soil Sensor Tech, Dr. Holly Niner representing the University of Plymouth, Matt Walpole from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and Carolyn Cadman of South West Water.

Delegates will also be able to discover the emerging talent and innovation coming out of student spin out companies in the region with University Pitchfest; a free opportunity for student spin out companies to pitch their businesses to an audience of influencers and funders.

In collaboration with Set Squared, The Cube, and the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Pitchfest will showcase some of the most exciting innovation from the next generation. Pitchfest will become an integral part of every attendee’s experience with delegates having the opportunity to invest a portion of their ticket monies towards their favourite pitch.

A collaboration between University of Exeter, and University of Plymouth, SW Innovation Expo is supported, sponsored and partnered by British Business Bank, Michelmores / MAINStream , Exeter Science Park, Plymouth Science Park, Epic, One Voice Media & PR Ltd, The Cube and SETSquared Exeter.

Tickets are £15.99 per person and can be booked here www.swinnovationexpo.co.uk/tickets

Charged up expertise: Popular CEF ‘TechTalks’ heads to Exeter

News Desk — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:19:28 +0000

The UK’s leading electrical wholesaler, CEF, is bringing the third series of their popular ‘TechTalks’ to Sandy Park Conference and Event Centre, Exeter on Thursday 1st February 2024. The free and informative technical seminar aims to educate trade professionals by including the latest news and regulations with CPD-accredited training.

In partnership with the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the new series will plug into current industry trends, with seminar topics includingthe electrification of heat, thermal imaging, safe isolation and DC system safety. At the end of each TechTalk, the CEF Renewables team will offer a Q&A, designed to help tradespeople looking to expand their knowledge, and businesses, into the renewables market.

Attendees can view and trial a range of CEF supplier’s latest products and innovations, while CEF will also be showcasing its new Renewables division, equipping trade professionals with the insights and tools they need to address their customers’ needs.

CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth, says: “TechTalks gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers and colleagues, face-to-face, across the UK with informative and helpful events. Each event is designed to help our customers be at the forefront of regulations, tools and technology, enabling them to leave with the insights and inspiration needed to operate successfully with their own customers. It’s so important to us at CEF to continuously give back to the trade we know and love.”

Alongside the seminars, trade professionals will receive a CPD certificate, a pack of TechCards which act as a handy reference to the seminar topics and the chance to connect with over 20 supplier brands.

Entrance is free and a complimentary breakfast and refreshments will be served. For more information and to secure a place, visit your local CEF branch or register for free at: www.cef.co.uk/tech-talks.

Inspirational Exeter Chiefs star shortlisted for a 2023 Premiership Rugby HITZ Award

Exeter News Blog — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:15:09 +0000

Callum Douglas from the Exeter Chiefs HITZ programme, has been recognised for his achievements on and off the pitch with a nomination for the Academic Achiever Award at the this year’s Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards.

A young star with a story of self-discipline, commitment and courage, Callum has worked against all odds to improve his own life and the lives of others within the inclusive environment, fondly referred to by its participants as the ‘HITZ family’.

This award recognises the journey a young person on HITZ has taken in their academic development. It also acknowledges the personal pathway the learner has taken since joining the programme and how far they have come.

Angelique Aldworth, HITZ Manager from Exeter Chiefs said: “We are incredibly proud of Callum for being shortlisted and for his hard work which has been recognised.

"We have an amazing team here at Exeter Chiefs and we couldn’t deliver the HITZ programme without their support to set young people up for life, which has a positive impact not only on the individual but on our whole community “

Wayne Morris, Community & CSR Director at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations to all those shortlisted in this season’s HITZ awards. Over the last 15 years the success rate of the programme speaks for itself, HITZ has helped over 80% of the learners move on positively.

"The HITZ Awards are an annual celebration of just how much rugby can change lives and the difference HITZ makes. Everyone involved in the programme should feel proud of the impact that they have made, and I look forward to celebrating together at Twickenham in November.”

Callum joined HITZ with no educational qualifications and consequently, his self-esteem was at an all-time low.

As a young person diagnosed with autism and battling severe anxiety, he has historically struggled to ask for help, particularly in academic settings, with fears of being ridiculed or labelled as ‘stupid’. In just one year of being on the HITZ programme, Callum has committed to transforming this cycle of thinking and made remarkable progress. As well as achieving a level 2 qualification in Employability and a GCSE pass in Maths, Callum has been recognised by his tutor for possessing an outstanding writing ability amongst HITZ learners.

Since joining HITZ, Callum has achieved a GCSE grade 6 in English, compared to a grade 3 when he left at school. Making the most of what the HITZ programme has to offer, Callum consistently shows up as his best self and demonstrates the key skills of organisation and communication which are necessary for remaining focused on achieving goals. Optimistic for what is to come, he is using this second chance at education to broaden his prospects. Following HITZ, he aspires to work in a technology-based job alongside working towards further education qualifications in Media Studies.

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme which for 15 years has supported young people to make positive change in their lives. Working with more than 2,000 14–24-year-olds across England every year, the programme uses rugby’s core values to develop invaluable personal, life and employability skills, that help young people get back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment.

Participants on the programme learn in an environment different to mainstream education where the core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at the heart of the delivery. The results are life changing

This season, the HITZ programme celebrates its 15th anniversary.

HITZ began in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that we see today. In that time, it has achieved some huge milestones including over 22,000 enrolments and 83% progressing immediately into education, employment or training after their time with HITZ.

The Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2023 take place on 22nd November at Twickenham Stadium.

Exeter Chiefs: Meet the new players

sandypark — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 21:42:12 +0000

Exeter Chiefs Men’s and Women’s sides have welcomed many new players to Sandy Park ahead of this season and we are giving you the opportunity to meet them off the pitch as well as getting some incredible insights into the way Director of Rugby Rob Baxter OBE goes about his recruitment.

Baxter said: “We have made quite a few changes in the off-season with a great new bunch of lads who are fitting in well with the Exeter Chiefs ethos and culture. We have seen many of our new players in action in the Premiership Rugby Cup, while this event gives supporters a chance to meet them in person.”

The experienced Director of Rugby will be presenting on the evening, giving supporters a unique insight into his recruitment process. Using clips and analysis that he used when recruiting players this summer, he will talk attendees through the details he looks for in players before bringing them to the Exeter Chiefs. Following the impressive opening league victory over Saracens, it is clear to see that Baxter and his coaches have brought together an incredibly talented young group of players.

In a first for Exeter Chiefs and the brainchild of assistant coach Gareth Steenson, we are introducing our newbies to supporters, so they meet them in person and hear some of their stories on Wednesday 1 November – 7pm.

Among the players ready to meet-and-greet for the men’s team is Wales international Joe Hawkins, Eoin O’Connor from Munster, New Zealander Ethan Roots, who captained Chiefs against Cornish Pirates, and 6ft 8ins lock Alfie Bell, who arrived in November 2022 from Wasps.

For the women, we will be introducing utility back Emily Magee, who used to play for New York Rugby Club, has been part of the USA Eagles training squad, and has played 15s and sevens rugby in nine different countries. Joining her will be Prop and England U18s young star Hannah Sams, who has joined us this Season from Ivybridge RFC. Hannah has already shown herself as an exciting prospect for the Chiefs scoring a try on her Debut against Bristol Bears.

Exeter Chiefs Women's head coach Susie Appleby, who will also be in attendance at the event, said: "We have attracted some great new players during the summer from across the world but also from our locality through our successful Women's Pathway programme. We hope lots of our supporters can find the time to meet them and make them feel welcome at Sandy Park.2

Tickets for the event are just £20 per person (£18 for Season Ticket Holders) and include a pie and mash meal.

Booking Selection [Sandy Park | 01.11.2023 - 19:00 | Meet the New Players] - Exeter Chiefs

The Christmas Lunch

sandypark — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:07:50 +0000

Bringing together the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, the official charity of Exeter Rugby Club, and Wooden Spoon Devon, the children's charity of rugby, this years’ Christmas Lunch has been set for Thursday the 14th of December 2023 at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Join us at this fun-filled festive afternoon to celebrate the Christmas season in style. We are thrilled to be joined again by David Flatman as our host for the afternoon. Guests will be treated to a sumptuous festive three course meal as well as a fun filled afternoon of entertainment.

The event will start at 12pm and will carry on until early evening.

Booking Selection [Sandy Park | 14.12.2023 - 12:00 | The Christmas Lunch] - Exeter Chiefs

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Event Date

Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 12:00pm

Venue

Sandy Park, Exeter

Meet the New Players

sandypark — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:59:09 +0000

Tickets for the event are just £20 per person (£18 for Season Ticket Holders) and include a pie and mash meal.

Booking Selection [Sandy Park | 01.11.2023 - 19:00 | Meet the New Players] - Exeter Chiefs

The Exeter Daily - Sandy Park

South West Innovation Expo returns to Exeter

Universities of Exeter and Plymouth deliver fourth tech expo for the region

Charged up expertise: Popular CEF ‘TechTalks’ heads to Exeter

Inspirational Exeter Chiefs star shortlisted for a 2023 Premiership Rugby HITZ Award

Exeter Chiefs: Meet the new players

The Christmas Lunch

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Meet the New Players

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