Four men have today been found guilty of committing a £1.75million robbery at a Heathrow warehouse in February 2004.
John Twomey, 62, of South Ruislip, Peter Blake, 57, of Notting Hill, Barry Hibberd, 43, of Shepherds Bush, and Glenn Cameron, 50, of Northolt were convicted of robbery and firearms charges at the Old Bailey after the first Judge-only trail.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy, head of MPS Flying Squad, said: “Today's conviction of John Twomey, Peter Blake, Barry Hibberd and Glenn Cameron is the conclusion of a six year investigation.
“These are dangerous individuals who organised a complex armed robbery, to steal a substantial amount of money and expected to get away with it. They were prepared to not only carry guns, but to use them to ensure their plan succeeded.
“I pay tribute to the victims of this violent robbery who provided evidence in this case. I have no doubt that these men would have continued to pose a risk to the public if they had not been caught.”
Blake was also found guilty of attempted GBH after shooting at an employee who had tried to run away during the robbery.
They will be sentenced today at the Old Bailey.
Darren Brockwell, 43, acting as an 'inside agent' to assist the gang's action, pleaded guilty in 2004, and was sentenced later in 2007 to six years imprisonment.
The total of £1.772,852.53 sterling contained £1,050,000; 1,400,000 Danish Kroner. 4,950,000 Swedish Kroner; 1,480,000 Norweigian Kroner; and 260,000 Australian Dollars.
(249 words)
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Appeal to trace victim's mobile
Officers are seeking the public's assistance to trace the victim's missing mobile phone in the hope of investigating the murder of Alvydas Mkisys, 32, of E17.
The silver LG KG290 is outstanding.
Police are appealing to anyone who have the information to contact the incident room on 020 8345 1585.
Officers are also appealing for a man who contacted police shortly after the incident to come forward.
Anyone wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(78 words)
The silver LG KG290 is outstanding.
Police are appealing to anyone who have the information to contact the incident room on 020 8345 1585.
Officers are also appealing for a man who contacted police shortly after the incident to come forward.
Anyone wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(78 words)
Man jailed for operating a gun-conversation factory in his living room (second copy)
A man was sentenced for running a gun-conversion factory from his living room at Croydon Crown Court.
Investigations showed Gary Waller ran a cottage industry, converting imitation and blank-firing handguns in to lethal weapons using a conversion factory located in a cupboard in his living room.
DC Carruth, the case officer, said: “Hopefully these lengthy prison terms given to the six individuals today will act as a deterrent to others who choose to be involved in the conversion use and supply of firearms throughout London and the Home Counties.
“The ruling by Lord Chief Justice Dyson will greatly assist not only Trident but other teams throughout the country to charge and successfully convict dangerous criminals in possession of firearms and ammunition.”
The 30-year-old, of 41 Seymour Villas, South Norwood, as a gun supplier, is part of the six strong gang who made up a network of runners, middlemen, purchasers and end-users.
Marvin Welch, 29, of SE20 stores finished and partly finished firearms in his flat; Wesley Huggins, 25, of SW8 and Adrian McNeish, 27, of SE22 acted as middlemen; Darren Yaw Opoku, 19, of Surrey acted as a courier; Cadele Clarke, 25, of SW16 bought weapons from Waller.
The six altogether were sentenced to a total of 43 years of a string of firearms offences.
They were arrested and charged following an operation by the Metropolitan Police Service's anti-shooting command, Trident.
(238 words)
Investigations showed Gary Waller ran a cottage industry, converting imitation and blank-firing handguns in to lethal weapons using a conversion factory located in a cupboard in his living room.
DC Carruth, the case officer, said: “Hopefully these lengthy prison terms given to the six individuals today will act as a deterrent to others who choose to be involved in the conversion use and supply of firearms throughout London and the Home Counties.
“The ruling by Lord Chief Justice Dyson will greatly assist not only Trident but other teams throughout the country to charge and successfully convict dangerous criminals in possession of firearms and ammunition.”
The 30-year-old, of 41 Seymour Villas, South Norwood, as a gun supplier, is part of the six strong gang who made up a network of runners, middlemen, purchasers and end-users.
Marvin Welch, 29, of SE20 stores finished and partly finished firearms in his flat; Wesley Huggins, 25, of SW8 and Adrian McNeish, 27, of SE22 acted as middlemen; Darren Yaw Opoku, 19, of Surrey acted as a courier; Cadele Clarke, 25, of SW16 bought weapons from Waller.
The six altogether were sentenced to a total of 43 years of a string of firearms offences.
They were arrested and charged following an operation by the Metropolitan Police Service's anti-shooting command, Trident.
(238 words)
Council newsletters or the local newspapers?
Recently, local newspapers in the London area are campaigning hard to oppose the council newsletters misleading the local residents, the BBC London News has learnt.
The council newsletters/magazines are perceived of writing lots of propaganda information, while the local papers act active roles of scrutinising what the local authorities are doing.
A representative from the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronical said: "There will be nobody bring the town halls and local councils into scrutiny and count for what they are doing."
According to Katherine Carpente, the BBC London correspondent, the local authorities are reportedly spending anywhere between £14 and £488,000 last year to produce their professional council newsletters.
There was even a fierce competition between the local councils who has produced the best publication.
One of the local residents from Hammersmith, south west of London, said: "It's kind of fooling people, isn't it? I wouldn't notice the difference."
While another added: "The council newsletters, true, got a bit of propaganda."
A representative from the local authorities said their publications are popular among the local residents, "We need to communicate with our local residents, and this is what we are trying to do."
The council newsletters/magazines are perceived of writing lots of propaganda information, while the local papers act active roles of scrutinising what the local authorities are doing.
A representative from the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronical said: "There will be nobody bring the town halls and local councils into scrutiny and count for what they are doing."
According to Katherine Carpente, the BBC London correspondent, the local authorities are reportedly spending anywhere between £14 and £488,000 last year to produce their professional council newsletters.
There was even a fierce competition between the local councils who has produced the best publication.
One of the local residents from Hammersmith, south west of London, said: "It's kind of fooling people, isn't it? I wouldn't notice the difference."
While another added: "The council newsletters, true, got a bit of propaganda."
A representative from the local authorities said their publications are popular among the local residents, "We need to communicate with our local residents, and this is what we are trying to do."
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Men jailed for possession of lethal firearms (first copy)
Six men were sentenced today at Croydon Crown Court for possession of firearms and ammunition.
The firearms include a converted Magnum handgun loaded with three rounds of ammunition, a converted Glock & nine rounds of ammunition, a Steyr machine pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition, two converted Brocock Olympic. 38's and a Magnum in the process of conversion.
DC Carruth, the case officer, said: "Hopefully these lengthy prison terms given to the six individuals today will act as a deterrent to others who choose to be involved in the conversion use and supply of firearms throughout London and the Home Counties.
“The ruling by Lord Chief Justice Dyson will greatly assist not only Trident but other teams throughout the country to charge and successfully convict dangerous criminals in possession of firearms and ammunition of the substantive section 16 offence.”
The six were arrested and charged by the Metropolitan Police Service's anti-shootings command, Trident.
Investigations showed Waller ran a cottage industry, converting imitation and blank-firing handguns in to lethal weapons using a conversion factory located in a cupboard in his living room.
Together with the five other gang members, they made up a network of runners, middlemen, purchasers and end-users.
Marvin Welch, 29, of SE20 stores finished and partly finished firearms in his flat.
Wesley Huggins, 25, of SW8 and Adrian McNeish, 27, of SE22 acted as middlemen.
Darren Yaw Opoku, 19, of Surrey acted as a courier.
Cadele Clarke, 25, of SW16 bought weapons from Waller.
(249 words)
The firearms include a converted Magnum handgun loaded with three rounds of ammunition, a converted Glock & nine rounds of ammunition, a Steyr machine pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition, two converted Brocock Olympic. 38's and a Magnum in the process of conversion.
DC Carruth, the case officer, said: "Hopefully these lengthy prison terms given to the six individuals today will act as a deterrent to others who choose to be involved in the conversion use and supply of firearms throughout London and the Home Counties.
“The ruling by Lord Chief Justice Dyson will greatly assist not only Trident but other teams throughout the country to charge and successfully convict dangerous criminals in possession of firearms and ammunition of the substantive section 16 offence.”
The six were arrested and charged by the Metropolitan Police Service's anti-shootings command, Trident.
Investigations showed Waller ran a cottage industry, converting imitation and blank-firing handguns in to lethal weapons using a conversion factory located in a cupboard in his living room.
Together with the five other gang members, they made up a network of runners, middlemen, purchasers and end-users.
Marvin Welch, 29, of SE20 stores finished and partly finished firearms in his flat.
Wesley Huggins, 25, of SW8 and Adrian McNeish, 27, of SE22 acted as middlemen.
Darren Yaw Opoku, 19, of Surrey acted as a courier.
Cadele Clarke, 25, of SW16 bought weapons from Waller.
(249 words)
Monday 29 March 2010
Picture provided by The British Chinese ProjectBy Yixiang Zeng
Chinese Londoners are hoping to have their own ethnic MP to be elected in the forthcoming general election and help raise their concerns.
Members of their community are worried about issues such as immigration and cultural integration into the mainstream British society.
George Lee, a Hong Kong born Conservative MP candidate standing for Holborn and St Pancreas said: “Restaurants in London's Chinatown need good Chinese chefs and workers, but the current points-based immigration system makes it difficult for the restaurant owners to employ the right people they need.
“One of the ways to address the issue is to ask the Chinese chefs to set up training schemes and train local people how to cook Chinese food.”
Christine Lee, a UK-based Chinese solicitor specialising in Immigration Law and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association, said in her briefing to the House of Commons in 2008: “As a result of the new immigration rules, many of their [Chinese restaurants and takeaways] businesses are being forced to close down due to a shortage of staff. If this continues, London's Chinatown will collapse.”
According to Ms. Lee, the Chinese catering industry in the UK has always heavily relied on work permits to bring in skilled chefs back from China, but due to the high standard of the English language requirement implemented by the points-based system Tier Two rules, the community is now suffering from a staff shortage.
“Most Chinese chefs do not have a high standard of written Chinese and to impose a fairly high standard of spoken and written English on these chefs, the consensus is that virtually no Chinese chefs will be qualified,” said Ms. Lee.
Local members of the Chinese community in London say the ethnic Chinese here is described as reserved and silent, and the community's integration with the mainstream British society has never been an easy ride.
Merlene Emerson, a Singaporean Liberal Democrat MP candidate standing for Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush, said: “I believe the challenge of integration is greater for the first generation immigrants and this is partly due to language difficulties.”
These early-comers, mainly from Hong Kong in the 60s, speak little or no English at all; they socialise mainly within their Chinese circle after settling into catering businesses in the UK; in addition, they rarely show interest in the British way of life, such as practising their right to vote in the elections.
According to a 2005 Electoral Commission report, 30 per cent of the Chinese residents in the UK are not registered to vote, compared to a UK average of eight to nine per cent.
“However, I can see young British-Chinese have little difficulty of integrating into mainstream society,” Mrs. Emerson said. “There are now also British-Chinese in many of the professions, from medicine, engineering and law to business, media and the arts.”
Mr.Lee added: “I wish to see more Chinese professionals working in different industries, such as reading the news, getting involved in politics, serving in the companies' managerial level, and playing football or Rugby.”
Devon Chow, a second-generation British Chinese said: “If people ask me where I am from, I will say from Britain.
“I play with friends here and they are from various origins. I do not have a specific Chinese circle of friends. In fact, I speak only very little Chinese. But I like and know a lot of Chinese culture through my parents, such as festivals and food, and we eat mainly rice.”
The 11-year-old, who has recently won the UK Youth Parliamentary election, representing Ealing youths in the Youth Parliament, said: “I like my local community and naturally like to be involved in local youth activities. Being a member of the Youth Parliament, I just have more of these opportunities both local and nationally.”
Another Hong Kong born Labour candidate, Dr Stephen Ng, standing for Hillrise ward as a local councillor in the London borough of Islington, said: “It is important to encourage local Chinese residents to attend council/public meetings, read local newspapers, and do voluntary work in our borough, instead of mainly playing Mahjong or singing Karaoke.”
As a Chinese Arts and Culture Co-ordinator at the Islington Chinese Association, Stephen added: “For the Chinese community living locally in the borough, it is also important to introduce Chinese arts and culture to all the local residents, so the people and children will understand [our community], and we share the joy and excitement together.”
In order to involve more qualified Chinese voters to participate in the forthcoming general election, a London-based organisation, The British Chinese Project (BC), is aiming to raise democratic awareness within the UK Chinese community and has been campaigning hard for community members to vote.
Joseph Wu, BC’s media consultant, said: “We have been collaborating with the Electoral Commission, who provides us with a lot of English-Chinese leaflets and Chinese edition of registration forms.
“These materials have been distributed to our community members, we then help fill in the registration forms and explain to them how the voting procedure works. You just need to use their language to communicate with them.”
Steven Cheung, the 19-year-old BC's member who stood as an independent candidate from London to run in the 2009 Euro Election, is currently writing a book called “Election A B C”, with the hope of sharing his election experience with the community's youths and so raise their awareness of being active citizens.
Several London-based Chinese newspapers, such as the London Global Times, the UK Chinese, and the Chinese Spectrum Radio have also been featuring Chinese MP candidates as well as stimulating qualified Chinese residents to vote.
Residents like Xie De, of the Crispy Duck restaurant in Chinatown, said: “It would be nice to have a Chinese MP, of course, he or she will understand us, understand our community better.
When asked if he will vote in the general and local elections, he said: “Yes, I will. I voted several times before actually, and this time I will vote again.”
Overseas Chinese Affairs Counsellor Lin Xu of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, said of the British Chinese community, “as part of the British society, they should take the initiative to get involved in the mainstream society, they should be encouraged to become active citizens and make sure they take their ownership.”
Interview questions
Christine Lee - founder of the BC project:
1. What are the main issues affecting Chinese Community in this country?
2. As an ethnic minority group, what does the Chinese public wish their own ethnic MP (if elected) to bring back to their community?
3. Seven Chinese MP candidates standing for this year's general election have been described as a record breaker. Does it show more British-Chinese are getting involved in British politics? Why is there such a change?
4. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into the British society?
5. How do these activities from the BC project help the overseas Chinese integrate into British society?
6. How many eligible overseas Chinese actually voted in the last general election?
7. A-third of overseas Chinese do not register to vote, although they are eligible - why do you think this is the case?
8. How do you think the BC project activities will help the Chinese candidates compete in the general election?
9. What are the main issues preventing or deterring Chinese from voting in the election? Are these problems likely to affect them this time around?
George Lee - Conservative MP candidate for Holborn and St Pancras
1. What are the main issues affecting Chinese Community in this country?
2. As an ethnic minority group, what does the Chinese public wish their own ethnic MP (if elected) to bring back to their community?
3. What are the major issues you are concerned about in the Constituency that you stand for?
4. If you are elected, how are you going to address the issues affecting your constituency?
5. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into the British society?
6. What are the major obstacles for overseas Chinese to integrate into British society?
7. Why is it important, as a member of an ethnic minority group, to get involved into British politics?
8. Some elderly Chinese in this country do not believe politics can make a change; your life story is about change, and now you are standing for MP and want to make a change through participating in the democratic process, but how are you going to convince them it works?
9. Seven Chinese MP candidates standing for this year's general election have been described as a record breaker. Does it show more British-Chinese are getting involved in British politics? Why is there such a change?
Merlene Emerson - the Lib Dem candidate for Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush
1. What are the main issues affecting the Chinese community in this country?
2. As an ethnic minority group, what does the Chinese public wish their Chinese MP (if you're get elected) to bring back to the community?
3.What are the major issues you are concerned about in the constituency that you are standing for?
4.If you are elected, how are you going to address the issues affecting your constituency?
5. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into British society?
6. What are the major obstacles for overseas Chinese to integrate into British society?
7. I have spoken to some Chinese that they say their medicines are not available on the NHS or is not part of the prescription by the NHS. Do you think such factors make them feel they have not been fully integrated into the British society?
8. Why is it important, as a member of an ethnic minority group, to get involved into British politics?
9. Seven Chinese MP candidates standing for this year's general election have been described as a record breaker. Does it mean more British-Chinese are getting involved in British politics? Why is there such a change?
Dr Stephen Ng - Islington Council Labour Cllr candidate for Hillrise Ward:
1. What are the issues affecting Chinese community in Islington?
2. What are the main difficulties the Chinese community face in Islington?
3. If you are elected as a local councillor, what will you bring back to the Chinese community?
4. What are the major issues you are concerned about in the ward you are representing for?
5. What role the Chinese art and culture have played in relation with integrating the community into the British society?
6. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into British society?
7. What are the major obstacles for overseas Chinese to integrated into British society?
8. Why is it important, as a member of ethnic minority group, to get involved into British politics?
Devon Chow - member of the UK Youth Parliament
1. According to the answers you gave to me, you feel like a British...What do you mean by feeling like a British?
2. What are the issues affecting the Chinese community youngsters in this country?
3. How do you, as a MYP, help address the issues that concerning the Chinese community youth? the Chinese community and the British society as a whole?
4. Have Chinese integrated fully into the British society? Please give your reasons.
5. Are there stereotypical people associated with the Chinese?
6. How will you bring changes to today's young people in terms of making school curriculum more attractive or getting more jobs for young people?
7. How effective you think the Youth Parliament can solve these problems?
1. What are the main issues affecting Chinese Community in this country?
2. As an ethnic minority group, what does the Chinese public wish their own ethnic MP (if elected) to bring back to their community?
3. Seven Chinese MP candidates standing for this year's general election have been described as a record breaker. Does it show more British-Chinese are getting involved in British politics? Why is there such a change?
4. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into the British society?
5. How do these activities from the BC project help the overseas Chinese integrate into British society?
6. How many eligible overseas Chinese actually voted in the last general election?
7. A-third of overseas Chinese do not register to vote, although they are eligible - why do you think this is the case?
8. How do you think the BC project activities will help the Chinese candidates compete in the general election?
9. What are the main issues preventing or deterring Chinese from voting in the election? Are these problems likely to affect them this time around?
George Lee - Conservative MP candidate for Holborn and St Pancras
1. What are the main issues affecting Chinese Community in this country?
2. As an ethnic minority group, what does the Chinese public wish their own ethnic MP (if elected) to bring back to their community?
3. What are the major issues you are concerned about in the Constituency that you stand for?
4. If you are elected, how are you going to address the issues affecting your constituency?
5. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into the British society?
6. What are the major obstacles for overseas Chinese to integrate into British society?
7. Why is it important, as a member of an ethnic minority group, to get involved into British politics?
8. Some elderly Chinese in this country do not believe politics can make a change; your life story is about change, and now you are standing for MP and want to make a change through participating in the democratic process, but how are you going to convince them it works?
9. Seven Chinese MP candidates standing for this year's general election have been described as a record breaker. Does it show more British-Chinese are getting involved in British politics? Why is there such a change?
Merlene Emerson - the Lib Dem candidate for Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush
1. What are the main issues affecting the Chinese community in this country?
2. As an ethnic minority group, what does the Chinese public wish their Chinese MP (if you're get elected) to bring back to the community?
3.What are the major issues you are concerned about in the constituency that you are standing for?
4.If you are elected, how are you going to address the issues affecting your constituency?
5. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into British society?
6. What are the major obstacles for overseas Chinese to integrate into British society?
7. I have spoken to some Chinese that they say their medicines are not available on the NHS or is not part of the prescription by the NHS. Do you think such factors make them feel they have not been fully integrated into the British society?
8. Why is it important, as a member of an ethnic minority group, to get involved into British politics?
9. Seven Chinese MP candidates standing for this year's general election have been described as a record breaker. Does it mean more British-Chinese are getting involved in British politics? Why is there such a change?
Dr Stephen Ng - Islington Council Labour Cllr candidate for Hillrise Ward:
1. What are the issues affecting Chinese community in Islington?
2. What are the main difficulties the Chinese community face in Islington?
3. If you are elected as a local councillor, what will you bring back to the Chinese community?
4. What are the major issues you are concerned about in the ward you are representing for?
5. What role the Chinese art and culture have played in relation with integrating the community into the British society?
6. To what extent have the British-Chinese been integrated into British society?
7. What are the major obstacles for overseas Chinese to integrated into British society?
8. Why is it important, as a member of ethnic minority group, to get involved into British politics?
Devon Chow - member of the UK Youth Parliament
1. According to the answers you gave to me, you feel like a British...What do you mean by feeling like a British?
2. What are the issues affecting the Chinese community youngsters in this country?
3. How do you, as a MYP, help address the issues that concerning the Chinese community youth? the Chinese community and the British society as a whole?
4. Have Chinese integrated fully into the British society? Please give your reasons.
5. Are there stereotypical people associated with the Chinese?
6. How will you bring changes to today's young people in terms of making school curriculum more attractive or getting more jobs for young people?
7. How effective you think the Youth Parliament can solve these problems?
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Story plan on London based Chinese community
Interviewees:
1.BC project founder: Christine Lee:
2.Candidate for the UK Youth Parliament: Devon Chow
3.BC project member, who took part in Euro Election 2009 and is currently writing a book called "Election A B C"
4.George Lee: Conservative MP candidate for Holborn & St Pancras:
5.Chinese Embassy
6.Vox Pops in Chinatown ask the locals about general questions about participating in voting procedure.
7.Labour Islington cllr candidate
8.Lib Dem Chinese MP candidates
1.BC project founder: Christine Lee:
2.Candidate for the UK Youth Parliament: Devon Chow
3.BC project member, who took part in Euro Election 2009 and is currently writing a book called "Election A B C"
4.George Lee: Conservative MP candidate for Holborn & St Pancras:
5.Chinese Embassy
6.Vox Pops in Chinatown ask the locals about general questions about participating in voting procedure.
7.Labour Islington cllr candidate
8.Lib Dem Chinese MP candidates
Story idea on London based Chinese community
Story pitch
......
At the moment some Chinese communities in London are encouraging Chinese residents who are eligible to vote to turn up on the election day.
They organise different activities and explain to the voters how to register to vote and what the voting procedure is.
It would be nice to do a story about what the Chinese residents have understood about the general election in the UK, and what their attitude towards the election.
Editor's comment
......
This would be very interesting...also interesting because there is a Chinese candidate for Holborn and St Pancras - George Lee so this may be even more interesting for Chinese Londoners this year?
http://www.mygeorgelee.com/
We need to be careful that we are very balanced in our reporting - we cannot favour one party over another or give more publicity to one candidate over another.
It is worth reading these guidelines:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/editorialguidelines/edguide/impariality/personalviewaut.shtml
But yes, it would be very interesting to find out what the Chinese community think about the coming election. We have a national election as well as local elections.
......
......
At the moment some Chinese communities in London are encouraging Chinese residents who are eligible to vote to turn up on the election day.
They organise different activities and explain to the voters how to register to vote and what the voting procedure is.
It would be nice to do a story about what the Chinese residents have understood about the general election in the UK, and what their attitude towards the election.
Editor's comment
......
This would be very interesting...also interesting because there is a Chinese candidate for Holborn and St Pancras - George Lee so this may be even more interesting for Chinese Londoners this year?
http://www.mygeorgelee.com/
We need to be careful that we are very balanced in our reporting - we cannot favour one party over another or give more publicity to one candidate over another.
It is worth reading these guidelines:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/editorialguidelines/edguide/impariality/personalviewaut.shtml
But yes, it would be very interesting to find out what the Chinese community think about the coming election. We have a national election as well as local elections.
......
Monday 8 March 2010
School girls inspired by successful women in technology at Breaking the Mould
A story for Financial Mail Women's Forum
By Yixiang Zeng
The speakers encouraged girls to recognise there are exciting and varying opportunities for work within the sector.
At the Breaking the Mould careers conference for girls and teachers a 350-strong audience heard from successful women within the technology sector.
As well as panels on charity work, unexpected jobs within banking, career changes, jobs involving the senses, sleuthing, entrepreneurship and telecoms, guests were given an insight into the variety of roles involving IT.
Maya Moufarek, Consumer Apps EMEA for Google; Wendy Tan White, founder of Moonfruit.com; Holly Tucker, Co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com and Helen Cook, IBM’s Sales Leader for Global Technology Services all gave inspirational talks and encouraged the girls to share their perceptions of the industry.
When they were asked ‘How many of you want a career in technology?’ only a handful of hands went up. Wendy Tan White, who also worked on the team which set up Egg.com (the world’s first internet bank) in 1997, asked: ‘Do you think it is too dull and boring? Do you see it as a male-dominated industry?’.
Not surprisingly, nearly every hand in the room went up when Holly Tucker, Co-founder of e-tailer notonthehighstreet.com, asked how many of the girls used Facebook or Twitter. She said: ‘Technology is just everwhere and everyone is using it in their daily life.’
The speakers encouraged girls to recognise the connection between products and services they use on a daily basis and the exciting and varying opportunities for work within the sector.
Lisa Buckingham, editor of Financial Mail on Sunday and founder of FMWF, said of the event overall: ‘It is a chance to say to the girls; “You do not need to be taking on traditional careers”, and the event is to advise and show them what alternative routes girls can consider when making their career choices.’
Charlotte Parker, from Leicester High School for Girls, said: ‘It’s such a stimulating conference and I feel I’m quite inspired. Companies rarely come to our school to talk to us about their programmes, so it is a very good chance for us to broaden our minds.’
Maureen Traquair, education manager from The Oil & Gas Academy, an organisation which bridges the gap between educational institutions and industry, said: ‘Most of the local companies do not market to schools. Some of them I know are even banging on the schools’ doors, but schools do not respond.’
Sue Cunningham, a teacher from Newport Girls’ High School, said: ‘A practical-based college will be more willing to work with companies than those sixth forms preparing pupils for university.’
She added: ‘I hope my girls will bring what they have heard back to school and share with other girls the passion, energy, hard-working nature, drive to succeed and no fear of failing [of the speakers] which are very inspirational.’
By Yixiang Zeng
The speakers encouraged girls to recognise there are exciting and varying opportunities for work within the sector.
At the Breaking the Mould careers conference for girls and teachers a 350-strong audience heard from successful women within the technology sector.
As well as panels on charity work, unexpected jobs within banking, career changes, jobs involving the senses, sleuthing, entrepreneurship and telecoms, guests were given an insight into the variety of roles involving IT.
Maya Moufarek, Consumer Apps EMEA for Google; Wendy Tan White, founder of Moonfruit.com; Holly Tucker, Co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com and Helen Cook, IBM’s Sales Leader for Global Technology Services all gave inspirational talks and encouraged the girls to share their perceptions of the industry.
When they were asked ‘How many of you want a career in technology?’ only a handful of hands went up. Wendy Tan White, who also worked on the team which set up Egg.com (the world’s first internet bank) in 1997, asked: ‘Do you think it is too dull and boring? Do you see it as a male-dominated industry?’.
Not surprisingly, nearly every hand in the room went up when Holly Tucker, Co-founder of e-tailer notonthehighstreet.com, asked how many of the girls used Facebook or Twitter. She said: ‘Technology is just everwhere and everyone is using it in their daily life.’
The speakers encouraged girls to recognise the connection between products and services they use on a daily basis and the exciting and varying opportunities for work within the sector.
Lisa Buckingham, editor of Financial Mail on Sunday and founder of FMWF, said of the event overall: ‘It is a chance to say to the girls; “You do not need to be taking on traditional careers”, and the event is to advise and show them what alternative routes girls can consider when making their career choices.’
Charlotte Parker, from Leicester High School for Girls, said: ‘It’s such a stimulating conference and I feel I’m quite inspired. Companies rarely come to our school to talk to us about their programmes, so it is a very good chance for us to broaden our minds.’
Maureen Traquair, education manager from The Oil & Gas Academy, an organisation which bridges the gap between educational institutions and industry, said: ‘Most of the local companies do not market to schools. Some of them I know are even banging on the schools’ doors, but schools do not respond.’
Sue Cunningham, a teacher from Newport Girls’ High School, said: ‘A practical-based college will be more willing to work with companies than those sixth forms preparing pupils for university.’
She added: ‘I hope my girls will bring what they have heard back to school and share with other girls the passion, energy, hard-working nature, drive to succeed and no fear of failing [of the speakers] which are very inspirational.’
School girls inspired by women technology bosses
By Yixiang Zeng
Schools girls have been encouraged to take up jobs in technology, as part of a drive to get more women into non-traditional industries.
At an event organised by the Financial Mail on Sunday this week, young girls from schools or colleges across the country were presented with career alternatives, and ideas of essential qualities that employers are looking for.
The conference was chaired by panels of high-flying women professionals from all walks of life, ranging from banking, technology, enterprise, charity, and telecommunications.
Lisa Buckingham, editor of the Financial Mail on Sunday, said: “It is a chance to say to girls you do not need to be taking on traditional careers, and the event is to advise and show them what alternative ways girls can consider when making their career choices.”
“Is working in the technology industry too dull and boring for today's young girls, and is it more like a male-oriented industry?” asked Wendy Tan White, founder of web-hosting company Moonfruit.com.
The girls were silent about this, however, when both Ms White and Holly Tucker, co-founder of online shopping site notonthehighstreet.com, asked how many of them use Facebook, Twitter or shop online, most of the girls hands shot up.
Ms Tucker encouraged them not to be scared when kicking off a career in the field: “Technology is just everywhere and everyone is using it in their daily life.”
The issue of deciding who can be a role model for today's young girls was sparked by Helen Cook, sales leader for IBM Global Technology Services across UK and Ireland, who said that her daughter told her: “Mummy, I want to be a star.”
Many girls at the event eagerly agreed with the notion that the desire for fame is a factor when determining a career path. “Yes, we want to be famous. I have got passion for acting.” said Genna Tourh, from Avonbourne School.
The girls were also introduced to apprenticeship schemes by British Gas, BT and several other companies, which help them learn new skills while earning basic wages.
Charlotte Parker, from Leicester High School for Girls, said: “It's such a stimulating conference and I feel I'm quite inspired. We know these things almost only until today because companies rarely come to our schools to talk to us about their programmes, so is a very good chance for us to broaden our minds.”
When asked why there is a lack of co-operation between schools and companies for introducing such schemes, Maureen Traquair, education manager from The Oil & Gas Academy, an organisation that bridges industry and educational institutions, said: “Most of the local companies do not market to schools, or some of them I know are even banging the schools' doors, but schools do not respond.”
Sue Cunningham, a teacher from Newport Girls’ High School, said: “It mainly depends on the school's curriculum, a practical-based college will be more willing to work with companies than those sixth-forms preparing pupils to university.”
“I wish my girls will bring what they have heard today back to school and share with other girls, their passion, energy, hard-working nature, drive to succeed and no fear of failing, which are very inspirational for our girls.”
Schools girls have been encouraged to take up jobs in technology, as part of a drive to get more women into non-traditional industries.
At an event organised by the Financial Mail on Sunday this week, young girls from schools or colleges across the country were presented with career alternatives, and ideas of essential qualities that employers are looking for.
The conference was chaired by panels of high-flying women professionals from all walks of life, ranging from banking, technology, enterprise, charity, and telecommunications.
Lisa Buckingham, editor of the Financial Mail on Sunday, said: “It is a chance to say to girls you do not need to be taking on traditional careers, and the event is to advise and show them what alternative ways girls can consider when making their career choices.”
“Is working in the technology industry too dull and boring for today's young girls, and is it more like a male-oriented industry?” asked Wendy Tan White, founder of web-hosting company Moonfruit.com.
The girls were silent about this, however, when both Ms White and Holly Tucker, co-founder of online shopping site notonthehighstreet.com, asked how many of them use Facebook, Twitter or shop online, most of the girls hands shot up.
Ms Tucker encouraged them not to be scared when kicking off a career in the field: “Technology is just everywhere and everyone is using it in their daily life.”
The issue of deciding who can be a role model for today's young girls was sparked by Helen Cook, sales leader for IBM Global Technology Services across UK and Ireland, who said that her daughter told her: “Mummy, I want to be a star.”
Many girls at the event eagerly agreed with the notion that the desire for fame is a factor when determining a career path. “Yes, we want to be famous. I have got passion for acting.” said Genna Tourh, from Avonbourne School.
The girls were also introduced to apprenticeship schemes by British Gas, BT and several other companies, which help them learn new skills while earning basic wages.
Charlotte Parker, from Leicester High School for Girls, said: “It's such a stimulating conference and I feel I'm quite inspired. We know these things almost only until today because companies rarely come to our schools to talk to us about their programmes, so is a very good chance for us to broaden our minds.”
When asked why there is a lack of co-operation between schools and companies for introducing such schemes, Maureen Traquair, education manager from The Oil & Gas Academy, an organisation that bridges industry and educational institutions, said: “Most of the local companies do not market to schools, or some of them I know are even banging the schools' doors, but schools do not respond.”
Sue Cunningham, a teacher from Newport Girls’ High School, said: “It mainly depends on the school's curriculum, a practical-based college will be more willing to work with companies than those sixth-forms preparing pupils to university.”
“I wish my girls will bring what they have heard today back to school and share with other girls, their passion, energy, hard-working nature, drive to succeed and no fear of failing, which are very inspirational for our girls.”
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