Latest news with #digitalhub
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BEC appoints café manager for LEVELS hub in Whitehaven
SOCIAL impact property developers BEC have announced the appointment of Louise Murphy to operate the cafe in a new digital and gaming hub. LEVELS is being launched in the former Whittles furniture store in Whitehaven town centre and is due to open in late 2025. The £4.1 million redevelopment initiative is designed to create new opportunities around digital and creative careers by bringing esports, virtual reality, immersive education and training, and a vibrant social café experience to the heart of the community. As a local social enterprise champion and founder of Calderwood Coffee, Louise brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, lived experience, and a community-focused approach. Her coffee venture, developed in partnership with Time to Change West Cumbria, sources ethically traded beans that are roasted locally by Shiloh Coffee Roasters. All profits are reinvested into supporting individuals affected by homelessness and poverty in the region. Louise is excited about the future, she said: 'LEVELS café will be focused on local flavour and local impact. We'll be serving up fantastic food and beverages from local suppliers, alongside my unique Calderwood Coffee, which proudly supports a local not-for-profit organisation. It's more than just a café; it's a place for connection and community and is part of such an exciting development. 'Time to Change was there when I needed them; launching Calderwood Coffee was my way of giving back. I'm looking forward to being part of the BEC team and bringing people together in the centre of Whitehaven - whether gamers, families, or professionals.' Louise will create a vibrant atmosphere in the café, situated on the ground floor, which will offer local produce and provide guests with the opportunity to observe gaming and VR demos and e-sports tournaments through spacious viewing areas and screens. Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Louise to the LEVELS team. Her enthusiasm and commitment align with LEVELS' mission to ignite community connection in Whitehaven. 'This development will be one-of-a-kind and will be a strong signal that BEC, our partners and West Cumbria are serious about the future, our young people and regeneration.' LEVELS sits in the Grade II-listed building on Duke Street and is funded by Sellafield Ltd SiX, as well as BT and BEC themselves. The hub will feature an esports arena, VR and immersive zones, editing and recording studios, and digital training spaces for schools, colleges, and the wider community. BEC specialises in regenerating landmark sites for the benefit of the community and the local economy. LEVELS is a cornerstone of BEC's broader vision to inspire future generations and regenerate West Cumbria.
Malay Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
MDEC spearheads Johor's bid to become Asia's tech powerhouse, says digital transformation chief
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 18 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) plays a leading role in realising Johor's aspiration to become Asia's digital hub through various strategic initiatives and inter-agency collaborations. MDEC chief of digital transformation, Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, said the agency is directly involved in facilitating digital investments and expanding market access through close cooperation with several agencies, such as Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). 'We play a role in coordinating all types of approvals, liaising with all government agencies, and providing comprehensive support in terms of investment facilitation and market access,' he told Bernama after serving as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025 here today. He said in terms of talent and skill development, MDEC collaborates with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), as well as universities and industries, to improve workforce employability in the digital economy sector. According to him, the collaboration aims to upskill the local workforce in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). 'MDEC also works with various parties in developing digital infrastructure and regulatory aspects to ensure the state's digital ecosystem grows holistically and sustainably,' he added. Among the initiatives provided are innovation grants, tax incentives, and smart fund facilities specifically for Johor-based companies under the Malaysia Digital framework. For the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, Fadzli said MDEC will offer innovation grants and ecosystem matchmaking programmes to enable local industry players to develop talent and technology capable of penetrating export markets. He also highlighted that Johor is now in a prime position to become a regional digital hub due to its strategic location near Singapore and stands to gain greatly from bilateral cooperation through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'To become a leader at the Asean level, we must develop suitable talent, infrastructure, and funding. Johor is in the best position because it can complement Singapore's strengths, and vice versa,' he said. — Bernama
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Medicines watchdog to open 'digital hub' in Leeds city centre
The UK's drug safety watchdog is to open a new "digital hub" in West Yorkshire. The site, to be located in Leeds city centre, would focus on digital delivery, software development and data science, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).The MHRA regulates new medicines, healthcare products and healthcare technologies for patients to Tallon, MHRA chief executive, said opening the new site in the city was aimed at "strengthening our ability to collaborate with partners across the north of England". There had been a "huge growth" in healthcare technologies driven by changes in software and AI which were going to revolutionise the way the NHS worked, and the new Leeds hub would help regulate those technologies, Mr Tallon was chosen for the new hub as it was home to over 44,000 tech professionals and about 11,000 students studying tech-related subjects, according to the hub, in Wellington Place, would also serve as a base for the digital operations of NHS England, with increasing investment from major tech companies, an MHRA spokesperson 30 permanent, highly-skilled roles would initially be recruited to work at the new centre in the city, they added. 'City leading way' Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, said: "There is a global tech revolution in healthcare unfolding, and Yorkshire will help our country lead it. "This isn't just about creating new jobs across the region, it's also about bolstering a city that's already leading the way in digital health."Mr Tallon said that by establishing an MHRA digital hub in Leeds, "we're strengthening our ability to collaborate with partners across the north of England – bringing regulatory expertise closer to the people, organisations and innovations we serve".Meanwhile, he said Leeds was "buzzing, thriving, an exciting place"."We are really excited about create new jobs within our organisation right in the heart of Leeds," Mr Tallon Venner, Leeds City Council's executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said the MHRA's announcement of the plan for a digital hub was "welcome"."Leeds is already a centre for digital health and innovation and this rapidly growing market contributes significantly to the economy," she said."The hub will support the creation of jobs and provide career opportunities for local graduates and professionals." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank funds second Tech Park in Mindelo
Cabo Verde has inaugurated the Mindelo Technology Park, completing the second campus of the TechPark CV project funded by the African Development Bank ( The facility aims to establish the country as a digital hub connecting Africa with global markets. The ceremony took place on May 6 with representatives from the government, industry, and development partners in attendance. The EUR 51.85 million TechPark CV project received EUR 45.5 million in financing from the African Development Bank Group, supporting both the Praia and Mindelo campuses. In an address, Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva highlighted the transformative impact of the technology park: "Today we inaugurate this technological park hub with the conviction that we are already celebrating a special moment here. Yesterday was on the beach in Sao Vicente, a modern infrastructure important for the development of the digital economy. We want to position the digital economy as one of the key sectors for the diversification of Cabo Verde's / Cavian economy, and increase the share of the digital economy in the GDP from around 7% to 25%." He further explained the goals of the project:'It is one of the sectors that create jobs and create quality jobs, simulates entrepreneurship and makes the capacity and talent of young people happen. We want to attract leading companies. We want to develop young digital entrepreneurship, startups and create well paid jobs." Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "These two events mark a turning point for the broader diversification of the economy of Cabo Verde and a landmark in its quest to become the digital gateway for Africa. These two technology park campuses will spark the spirit of digital innovation and spur the emergence of technology-enabled businesses that will propel the digital economy of Cabo Verde." Reflecting on the financial projections and potential impact, Dr. Adesina added, "The Technology Park will allow Cabo Verde to position itself to take advantage of the digital economy in Africa, which is estimated to add $180 billion to the GDP of Africa by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050. It will also allow Cabo Verde to benefit from the $16.5 trillion global digital economy by 2028." Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, shared his outlook on the project's cultural and economic significance: "TechPark CV is the realisation of our ambition to transform Cape Verde into a technology hub for West Africa. Our unique mid-Atlantic location creates a gateway for investments and business opportunities linking Africa, Europe and the Americas.' He added: 'The spirit of morabeza lies at the heart of what we're building – a welcoming environment where innovators from different backgrounds and cultures can collaborate and thrive together. Through this project, we're not just building a digital hub; we're fostering a community where technology drives economic growth and sustainable development for Cape Verde and our international partners." Project architect Fernando Mauricio Dos Santos, whose design balances technological needs with environmental considerations, noted: 'The campus features a secure, basement-level data centre that ensures national security while harmonizing with the surrounding residential area. The U-shaped building's orientation provides protection against northeast winds while maximizing southern light exposure, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. A specialized technical box discreetly houses heavy refrigeration equipment, allowing the facility to blend advanced technology capabilities with Mindelo's existing urban landscape.' The Mindelo facility includes a data centre, a business incubation hub, and a training centre. The campus currently hosts ten companies from four countries and employs 125 young professionals, with 80% of its 25 office spaces occupied. The facility operates as a special digital economic zone, offering tax incentives to businesses specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health solutions. In closing remarks, Dr. Adesina offered words of encouragement to the entrepreneurs and businesses establishing themselves at the technology park: "You will make it! You will grow! You will thrive!! Just like out of Mindelo the young voice of Cesaria Evora grew until it took the world by storm, so will the Mindelo Technology Park rise to become a gateway for innovation that will resound across Africa and the world. So, keep moving on and moving up!" Both campuses of TechPark CV are now operational. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cabo Verde's Digital Transformation in full expansion with African Development Bank Support
Technology Park positioned to make Cabo Verde a global digital hub with world-class facilities AfDB President honored with Cabo Verde's highest public service award for a decade of transformative leadership Cabo Verde marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey on Monday, 5 May, with the official inauguration of TechPark CV ( a strategic infrastructure project backed by the African Development Bank Group ( The island nation's Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and African Development Bank Group head Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, led the inauguration of the facility at a ceremony attended by hundreds of government officials, international partners, entrepreneurs, and academia. The celebration, held at TechPark CV's main campus in Praia, continued in Mindelo on Tuesday. The EUR 51.85 million project, developed in two phases with EUR 45.5 million in African Development Bank financing, has rapidly evolved from concept to a thriving technology center since operations began in November 2023. Within just 18 months, the park now hosts 23 companies from 7 countries, employs 311 young professionals, and has reached full occupancy of its 52 office spaces. Prime Minister Correia e Silva emphasized the park's world-class facilities: "The tech park is a good environment to connect startups and more mature companies. I have visited many tech parks around the world, and this one is not behind any of them. In fact, it is one of the best. With 311 professionals employed here across 23 companies serving international markets, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, this speaks directly to our vision of turning Cabo Verde into a Digital Island for the globe." He outlined two main objectives – the first, to position Cabo Verde as a digital hub for Africa and the rest of the world, exporting quality digital services, and the second, to create quality jobs and attract diaspora talents. He highlighted the fact of Cabo Verde's strong diaspora, which cannot be ignored, and the government's role in leveraging its skills to build and reinforce capabilities at the Tech Park. The Prime Minister added, "We also know that the state is an important economic agent. We can either facilitate or complicate it. So, we choose to facilitate, not complicate it. We would like to build a very solid foundation to sustain this digital ecosystem, reinforcing education and strengthening our informal economy with digital commerce and skills because we know that Digital is transversal." Dr. Adesina, who led a delegation from the African Development Bank Group to the event, highlighted the strategic importance of the technology park. "This is a great day for Cabo Verde, to celebrate the success of your vision to transform the country into a 'Cyber Island,' a digital hub, a digital gateway to West Africa -- an important digital hub to attract tech businesses from around the world. The future is very bright for innovative young entrepreneurs in Africa. This is driven by the rapid expansion of the digital economy, which will add $180 billion to Africa's GDP by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050," he said. "You had doubters, with some questioning the rationale of a small country like Cabo Verde having a technology park. Some even said this was going to be a white elephant project. But you were undaunted. You stayed true to your vision. Well, time has proven you right! The white elephant is running, full steam,' he added. The TechPark CV includes fully equipped facilities such as a Data Centre, Disaster Recovery Site, Business Center, Incubation Center, Civic Event Center, and Training and Qualification Center across its Praia and Mindelo campuses. Operating as a special economic zone, it offers tax exemptions on technology imports and income tax to attract companies. The park has expanded its training programs from 6 in 2023 to 50 in the first quarter of 2025, upskilling 2,769 people in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. Since opening, the park's operational revenue has grown by more than 4,300%. The African Development Bank is the largest development partner in ICT in Cabo Verde through the Praia Technology Park, for which it has provided $57 million for Phases 1 and 2 project. The Bank's investment in Cabo Verde's Technology Park aligns with its Digital Transformation Action Plan, focusing on scaling inclusive digital infrastructure, investing in digital entrepreneurship and skills, and driving sectoral adoption of digitalization. During the ceremony Adesina was awarded Cabo Verde's highest public service medal in recognition of his decade of transformative leadership at the African Development Bank and his unwavering support for Cabo Verde's development initiatives. The three-day program will include panel discussions on digital transformation, workshops on emerging technologies, and a startup pitch competition, showcasing Cabo Verde's pioneering role in Africa's digital landscape. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Images : Contact: Natalie Nkembuh Communication and External Relations Department media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
