Pupils at schools across Scotland are set to learn all about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), thanks to Esh Border Construction.
The Livingston-based firm’s Added Value team is delivering a range of interactive tools and props, known as STEM kits, to the school with the aim of positively shaping career aspirations from an early age.
Youngsters will now use the kits, which are based around STEM topics, to learn about the subjects in a series of workshops designed to educate and inspire the designers, builders and engineers of tomorrow.
Each kit includes construction-related books, toys and materials which support four student exercises: wall building, using ratios, measuring, and designing a structure.
Regional Director of Esh Border Construction, Gerard McMahon said:
“It is wonderful to see children getting enjoyment from the kits, exploring the practical ways in which STEM can be put to use, whilst gaining valuable hands-on knowledge and skills outside of a traditional classroom environment.
“STEM subjects have been identified as having a skills shortage but initiatives like this will help promote the topics to children in a fun and interactive way.”
A number of schools are set to receive the kits over the next academic year.
To learn more about STEM opportunities with Esh Border Construction visit: http://www.eshgroup.co.uk/added-value/community/get-into-stem/ or email: addedvalue@esh.uk.com
Image: Primary three pupils Lexie Collins and Wojciech Ryniecki, both aged seven, from St Peter’s Primary School in Galashiels with Marie Campbell, Added Value Coordinator for Esh Border Construction.
A report from August 2016 stated that 76 per cent of IT practitioners had reported that their organisation has experienced loss or theft of company data over the past two years.
Does this figure reflect that data theft is simply now commonplace? Or does it highlight the need for companies to do more to minimise the risk of data breaches?
Upon reflection, I think it’s a mix of both. Minimising risk – especially from data breaches – is now a board-level concern, although it is far more difficult to establish to what extent it now filters down into proactive measures to protect against data breaches.
We live in an era where security is a dynamic risk and one that’s constantly evolving, so companies will always need to do more to keep ahead of the curve. Sadly, there is no magic strategy to end all security risks and it’s a job that requires constant attention, not least because cyber criminals are relentless in their efforts to capture confidential and valuable information.
Print infrastructure is, more often than not, one of the weak links in the security chain. Too often it is overlooked by IT professionals, resulting in networked devices being deployed and used without proper safeguards in place. An unsecure print infrastructure is vulnerable to both internal and external risks.
Internally, devices that do not have any secure print measures in place can give rise to situations where confidential documents are printed and left unclaimed on a device. In those scenarios, it’s all too easy for documents to be picked up by those unauthorised to view them. This can be particularly harmful; for instance, a HR team may print a confidential spreadsheet that shows employee salaries and leave it unclaimed on a device used by the sales team. Alternatively, a hospital department could print a patient record and leave it unclaimed on a device that’s accessible to the public, resulting in a serious breach of patient confidentiality.
To prevent such scenarios, we offer a range of Intelligent Print Management solutions that make print more transparent and accountable. Equitrac Print Management– among its many other features – offers access control by adding authentication at the printer to protect devices from unauthorised use of print, scan and fax functionalities. It also provides confidential printing with its authorised user-only, Follow-You print feature, which ensures that prints are only delivered into the right hands and negates the risk that confidential documents could go missing.
Many of our private sector clients, in industries such as financial services, are also required to honour specific regulation and compliance criteria around their customer data, meaning that they must consider their responsibilities in the context of their device and print security policies. The Information Commissioner’s Office applies pressure on companies to do so by imposing hefty fines to public and private sector organisations that have failed in their data privacy duties.
For more information about how to improve your document and data security, contact your local account manager on 0750 000 4563 or visit https://r1.dotmailer-pages.com/p/1HI3-3NL/why-document-security-is-important.
Technology consultancy, FarrPoint, has been appointed to the Scottish Government’s Network Enablement Services Framework.
The framework means that public sector organisations across Scotland have a clear and straightforward procurement route for consultancy and support services, to help improve their telecommunications networks and services.
FarrPoint is one of eight businesses to be awarded a place on the framework and is well equipped to provide independent technical advice to organisations, whilst at the same time helping to ensure the delivery of efficient and robust networks whilst reducing costs.
Through the framework, FarrPoint can assess current network services and identify ways to drive better value. They can provide services such as technical architecture, scoping, technical specifications, network and security audits and upgrades, and can recommend solutions. FarrPoint can also offer completely impartial advice to organisations considering connecting to the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN), which aims to establish a single shared network and common ICT infrastructure across Scotland’s entire public sector, including schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacists and local council offices.
Andrew Muir, Chief Executive of FarrPoint, said:
“We are delighted to have been appointed to the Scottish Government’s Network Enablement Services framework, which will provide clear and independent advice and support for organisations on their essential telecommunications and network needs. FarrPoint has a strong, positive track record in working with public sector bodies in this area, and we look forward to sharing our skills and expertise across a range of services, helping to ensure services run efficiently whilst delivering good value.”
FarrPoint is one of Scotland’s fastest growing technology and telecoms consultancies. Fully independent, FarrPoint works with businesses to assess their technology needs; helps define their strategy; considers all aspects of a project including efficiency, cost saving and productivity; and can assist with procurement and implementation. FarrPoint has an impressive client list and track record across various sectors. Services include Strategy and Design; Specification and Sourcing; Project Management; Technical Review and Optimisation.
For further information please contact:
Kirstin Stevenson, Spreng & Co
T: 0141 548 5191
M: 07803 970106
W: Scottish Government Website
(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/directory/Telecoms/swannes)
