Tech entrepreneur Paul Callaghan backs digital poverty fight

Paul Callaghan, a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, is set to speak at the launch of a new fund aimed at helping people from every background explore careers in technology.

The event, the North East Tech Charity Dinner, will take place at Wylam Brewery in Newcastle on Thursday, March 13.

It will see tech companies and ambassadors from across the region come together to celebrate the launch of the Dynamo North East Digital Inclusion Fund.

The fund aims to support initiatives that help people gain confidence in digital technologies and create pathways into employment.

Organisations that can directly assist those most affected by these barriers will receive funding.

Mr Callaghan said: “As someone born and raised in the North East, I am delighted to be involved in this initiative.

“We are rightly proud of the growth of the tech sector in this region, which has excellent companies and a fantastic workforce, yet we still have one of the highest rates of poverty and digital exclusion in the UK.

“People face greater inequality and economic disadvantage without access to digital technology and the internet.

“This often harms children and young people’s education and career opportunities.

“For older people, it can lead to social isolation and a damaging lack of access to online services.”

He added: “I know how generous the people of this region can be and working collectively as a business community, we can help to address the challenge of digital poverty and change the lives of many people.”

Dynamo North East, the region’s largest tech cluster, is leading the fund.

Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo North East, said: “We are delighted to have Paul joining us on our mission to help tackle digital poverty in the North East.

“However, while the North East has made great strides in attracting such employment opportunities, digital poverty levels in the region remain at higher-than-average levels, which is why we are calling for people from across the industry – like Paul – to come together and help us tackle this.

“Together, we can narrow the digital divide and ensure that, as new opportunities arise, they are open to people from all backgrounds and communities.”

The Community Foundation’s recent Vital Signs report on access found that many people in the North East, including those affected by social and economic disadvantages, see digital advances as a barrier in their lives.

John Hollingsworth, chief philanthropy officer at The Community Foundation, said: “It is fantastic to be working with a purpose-driven organisation like Dynamo North East and entrepreneurs such as Paul on this project.

“Our own Vital Signs research tells us that improving digital access is a key priority, particularly because the opportunity our region has in the tech sector is huge and we want more people to benefit.

“This fund is a fantastic initiative, and we would encourage any business in the tech sector to come along to the networking dinner and find out more about how they can get involved.”

For more information or to sign up for the event, visit the Eventbrite website.