Dean Clough, the 22-acre historic icon and thriving mixed use destination in Halifax, is once again hosting the annual Halifax Digital Festival.
Organised by digital software developer, AND Digital in collaboration with Dean Clough, Calderdale Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and other partners, the free to attend event that first launched in 2019 has been resurrected following a hiatus after the pandemic.
The driving force behind the re-launch is Jim Moran, Club Executive at AND Digital’s Club Sparck in Halifax.
Moran comments: “I believe that organisations in Halifax and across Calderdale see similar challenges in attracting, retaining, and recruiting the right talent to help our businesses grow. If we tackle talent shortage and digital demand together, we can collectively find solutions.
“We’re surrounded by large nearby cities here in Halifax, like Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, and whilst the success of those cities has had a positive impact on the digital economy of Calderdale, we believe we have to stand on our own two feet. The festival aims to bring businesses and people together from the private and public sectors, as well as educational organisations. Providing people with knowledge sharing options as well as upskilling opportunities, will accelerate digital growth in the area.”
The Festival Committee has assembled a diverse mix of businesses, educational institutions as well as public sector organisations, all wanting to foster a real sense of community and create a starting point to accelerate digital activities in the area.
Jeremy Hall, Managing Director and Chairman at Dean Clough Ltd, says:
“We are delighted to be the venue for the Halifax Digital Festival. As a growing hub for all things digital and media, it feels highly appropriate for us to host the gathering of digital experts within our region.
“Calderdale provides a fabulous opportunity for a genuinely nourishing work life balance, which supports the people and families who live and work here and is hugely appealing to those people and businesses who are contemplating their future place of home and work.
“The relaunch of the Halifax Digital Festival feels very well timed, confident in the knowledge that our community’s creativity and dynamic energy will enrich and energise our collective futures.”
The Organising Committee has created the festival’s programme, covering 3 days of activities with a dedicated focus on each of the days. The first day will focus on Digital Skills and will include a “marketplace” at the end of the day to meet employers. The second day centres around Gen AI and the increasingly important role of Data in every organisation. Experts from various organisations will share their insights. The final day of the festival will be dedicated to the theme of Customer Centricity. A drinks reception will follow the final session. The programme will feature panel talks and roundtables, seminars, tutorials and a career focused event.
Jane Spencer, Senior Lead for Employment and Skills at Calderdale Council comments:
“The Halifax Digital Festival will not only be a great opportunity for businesses and people to network and upskill their workforce, it’s also a chance to celebrate the sheer amount of talent that we have in Calderdale. Giving opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, skills or background, will enable our area to thrive.”
Tickets for the festival are free as the committee would like to welcome all those interested in developing their digital skills and knowledge. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided, ensuring everyone stays energised and focused throughout the day.
To book tickets and find out more about the programme, please visit the dedicated festival page
