Spotlight on region’s innovative community programmes

Paula Widdowson, former head of sustainability at Northern Foods, and David Ross, the chief executive of Partners in Innovation, will speak at the Solutions for the Planet (S4TP) event in the Houses of Parliament, on July 12.

Young people from Yorkshire will also explain their ideas to save the planet, ranging from tree-planting initiatives to ways of helping children living in poverty and rubbish around the world.

The session will see a summary of the 11 ‘Big Ideas’ developed in Yorkshire and a winner chosen by a group of 12 industry judges, including representatives from Yorkshire Water, construction giant Balfour Beatty and accountancy firm Grant Thornton.

Ms Widdowson, now chief executive of CSRi Consultants in York, will ask “What is sustainability? Why should we bother?” and Mr Ross will discuss “Solutions for the Planet”.

Partners in Innovation is the Bradford-based company behind the school and community engagement programme, S4TP.

Mr Ross said: “Solutions for the Planet focuses on using innovation to make a difference.

“It promotes free thinking in schools and in companies, and from this we create moments of genius which many of our supporting companies find worthy of support.”

Simon Barnes, head of innovation strategy at Yorkshire Water, said: “Our communities, society, the economy and the planet are facing some very challenging issues.

“It’s essential we continue to strive for new and better ways of doing things, and one of the best ways to find innovative solutions to any problem is by bringing together diverse groups of people and giving them the opportunity to put their heads together to address such problems.”

Mr Benn, MP for Leeds Central and now Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, said: “I have seen for myself what a fantastic difference the S4TP programme has made. It really brings out the talent, ideas and creativity of our young people.

“I hope more businesses are willing to support what Partners in Innovation are doing.”

Businesses are invited to attend the event to learn more. Spaces are limited, however, and anyone interested is advised to contact Partners in Innovation beforehand on 01274 767140.

Mr Benn is also chairing a S4TP event in Leeds later this month. It takes place on June 17 at Old Broadcasting House on Woodhouse Lane and is a chance to learn more about the programme.