Biz Bites: Charity hits the high seas; Shaw Gibbs opens in Basingstoke; Digital school on world stage

Charity helps first-time sailors take to the water with support from Ancasta

A group of 17 intrepid young cancer survivors had their first time out on the high seas with Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust this June thanks to backing from The Ancasta Group.

Earlier this year, Southampton’s Ancasta pledged that for every new boat sold, it would donate the cost for one young person to experience a life-changing four-day sailing voyage with the Isle of Wight-based charity.

And so, the youngsters came together at East Cowes Marina on Monday 12 June to begin their journey.

They sailed all around Lymington, Newton Creek, The Needles, and Yarmouth, enjoying plenty of activities including a barbeque, RIB rides with Solent RIB Charters, and the Trust’s legendary water fight.

The charity aims to help these young survivors gain a new sense of purpose and self-worth and rediscover their independence.

One of the crewmates for the trip, Lara, said: “It’s nice to come here and know that what you went through is common for people that have gone through the same thing and it’s normal.

“I feel really happy I did this because it’s really hard to step out and do something new.”

By the end of this summer, the Trust will have provided this same experience to more than 3000 young people since its 2003 launch by Dame Ellen MacArthur.

CEO Frank Fletcher added: “It’s wonderful to be back on the water and to have Ancasta’s support in helping us inspire more young people than ever this summer.

“For 20 years we have seen the positive impact sailing has on young people’s mental wellbeing after treatment ends.

“With Ancasta’s help, we can transform more young lives after treatment.”

• ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
• ancasta.com

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Shaw Gibbs toasts to grand opening of new Basingstoke office

National accountancy firm Shaw Gibbs has celebrated the launch of its new Basingstoke offices with an exclusive drinks reception.

The event drew 100 business professionals and local authority leaders, including Shaw Gibbs teams from further afield.

Tim Smith, managing partner at the new site, said: “We are thrilled to officially launch our Basingstoke office and we look forward to strengthening our relationships with existing clients and connections within the Basingstoke business community.

“We are committed to delivering outstanding service, tailored to the unique needs of our clients, and we believe that the new Basingstoke office will help us achieve that goal even more effectively.”

Shaw Gibbs Basingstoke is set to offer advisory support on everything from corporate and private client tax compliance, to audit, accounting, outsourcing and transactions.

It will also be complemented by the company’s offices in Farnham, Oxford, and London.

• shawgibbs.com

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Portsmouth school comes under global spotlight at EdTech Awards

In recognition of their efforts to revolutionise the learning experience of pupils, The Portsmouth Academy has been named Best School for Digital Transformation at the Global EdTech Awards.

Since 2019 when it was home to just two computer suites, the Academy has rolled out its one:one laptop devices to all Year 7 and 8 students, supporting them in class and enabling digitally led lessons.

James Batten, Assistant Principal for Digital Strategy at The Portsmouth Academy, said: “Change and transformation are a team effort, and the whole school community should be extremely proud of their role in achieving this award.

“The digital transformation of The Portsmouth Academy is closing the digital divide we see in the city.

“It has enhanced teaching and accelerated progress, and as our one:one scheme grows each year, I’m looking forward to more and more students benefiting.”

For the judges, what set the Academy apart from the runners-up in Australia and Argentina was the breadth of its initiative, from planning and research through to execution, while involving its staff every step of the way.

Natalie Sheppard, Director of Education and Principal for The Portsmouth Academy, wrote in her submission to the awards: “The school’s mission is to transform life chances.

“From IT tech wizards and senior leadership to classroom educators, everyone has been able to work on the development of the digital journey, ensuring a holistic viewpoint for change.”

The Academy is now looking to introduce one:one devices to more year groups, starting in September 2023.

• theportsmouthacademy.org.uk

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