In a city known for innovation, creativity and digital ambition, Leeds still faces a pressing challenge – the digital divide.
Too many people in our communities are without the tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s digital world. That’s where Leeds Digital Charity Ball comes in. More than just a glitzy night out, it’s a powerful fundraiser supporting grassroots projects through the Leeds Community Foundation, also shining a light on issues like diversity, inclusion and digital accessibility.
We spoke to some of the ball’s key sponsors to learn why their mission matters – and what the wider Leeds tech community can do to help.
Digital inclusion is a fundamental right
Credit: Vivienne Edge
Digital inclusion isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential, and the Leeds tech sector is uniquely positioned to lead the way on the issue, thanks to its skills, resources and influence. Everyone should have a chance to participate in the digital age, regardless of background or circumstance.
Platinum sponsor Hippo is passionate about accessibility, and sees events like the Leeds Digital Ball as a way to give back to the city and the causes they care deeply about. Hippo Co-founder, Liz Whitefield, said: “Digital inclusion is a fundamental right. If the UK is serious about digital transformation, about AI and innovation, then it must be for everybody. And I don’t think we’ll ever be done.”
Offering alternative paths into the industry to people from all walks of life is vital. Jonathan Wright, Founder of Platinum sponsor Wicked Digital, didn’t attend university and later discovered he’s neurodiverse. For him, learning on the job made all the difference: “I now understand how others early in their career might need a different environment to thrive. That’s why I love apprenticeships and giving people space to learn their way.”
Building a community to make a difference
One of the things that makes the Leeds Digital Ball so special is that it goes beyond awareness. It raises money, builds a genuine community and drives action – something its sponsors say sets it apart from other events.
“Even after the night, there’s still been a lot of people getting together and making an effort, which is lovely. I don’t know of any other charitable event that’s been able to engage the community in that way,” said Gemma Febrero, Client Engagement & Success Specialist at Gold sponsor The Bridge IT.
That spirit of togetherness also underpins the growing sense that tech businesses must step up and take social responsibility seriously. “I think we’re in a very privileged position,” Jonathan said. “We’re the ones with the skills, with the capability, with the knowledge, with the knowhow.” At Wicked Digital, giving back is baked into the business model, with at least 10% of net profits donated to causes each year.
Law firm Addleshaw Goddard, a Gold sponsor, is taking practical steps too. “We’ve built a robust network of schools in the region,” explains Partner Carly Gulliver, “and we run initiatives like our Legal Explorer Programme, where students are given a laptop.” Carly sees events like the Ball as crucial in raising visibility for these kinds of efforts, especially when so many initiatives are competing for attention.
Empowering a region
Credit: Victor De Jesus
The digital divide isn’t just about individuals and communities missing out on access. It also means losing talent, missing perspectives and building tech that doesn’t represent the society we live in. That’s why inclusion matters, not just for people, but for the technology itself.
“Take the problem with AI’s bias,” Andy Wadsworth, Director at The Bridge explained. “If it’s white blokes from Silicon Valley inputting all of that, then it doesn’t have a diverse angle to it. So people who have different backgrounds are really important to the diversity of the actual technology itself.”
The impact of digital inclusion is far-reaching – from individual growth to regional transformation. Linda Nguyenova, Investor at Silver sponsor BGF, put it simply: “Digital inclusion is essential to unlocking opportunity and driving regional growth.” BGF, which has committed at least £300 million to female-powered businesses over the next five years, sees inclusion as vital to the UK’s economic future, and believes supporting digital access is central to that.
There’s work to be done
The message is clear – the digital divide won’t close on its own. It takes people, businesses and communities coming together, not just once a year, but in everything we do. The Leeds Digital Ball is a shining example of what’s possible when that happens.
You can make a difference by joining the Leeds Community Foundation, helping to create a fairer Leeds for everyone.
Cover image credit: Vivienne Edge
