UKFast was proud to receive HRH The Earl of Wessex as a guest at its Manchester campus today, during a royal visit to Manchester.
During the tour of UKFast Campus in Hulme, founders Lawrence and Gail Jones explained the firm’s recent growth and contribution to the community, their partnership with The Dean Trust and the planned opening of a school in 2018.
The Earl met a number of UKFast’s staff and learned more about their contribution to Manchester’s thriving technology sector.
Prince Edward took a particular interest in UKFast’s office space, which includes sleeping pods, slides, a crèche, chill out and gaming areas, as well as a training lab, an auditorium and a bar.
UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones said: “Today was a huge honour for myself, for Gail and for everyone at UKFast. When we set UKFast up 18 years ago we never imagined we’d be receiving royal visitors.
“To have His Royal Highness come and take such a keen interest in what we’re doing is fantastic and it’s a day I’ll always treasure. It’s great that the royal family take such a keen interest in business and in education across the UK.
“We discussed the journey that UKFast has been on and how the business has evolved from a small organisation to the position we are in today. We discussed our plans for the future and the further development of the campus here in Manchester. It’s an amazing moment for the whole of the UKFast team.”
During the day, The Earl also visited Gorton Monastery and the Royal Exchange Theatre.
UKFast has developed educational partnerships as part of its mission to promote innovation and reach out to a new generation of digital superstars. Working with 50 schools and colleges, reaching 57,000 young people in Greater Manchester, UKFast’s team make more than 100 school visits a year. The firm’s team of full-time teachers run masterclasses, workshops and code clubs and also deliver an award-winning technical apprenticeship scheme.
