Cranswick donates over 1,150 laptops to school children in East Hull

Left to right: Chris Aldersley, Andy Napthine, Jez Lake, Councillor Brady OBE, Miranda Walker and Karl Spencer MP.

As the shortfall of laptops hit the headlines a few weeks ago, we wanted to be able to make a real difference to the children of Hull. 

Cranswick was established in Hull in 1974 and has strong ties to the city.  We operate six manufacturing sites in the area and almost 5,000 people are directly employed by Cranswick in Hull, making us one of the city’s largest employers.  

We’ve been working with Karl Turner, MP and Hull City Council to understand the number of children who are currently without access to a laptop for learning requirements. A third of children in the city are still not able to take part in online lessons, resulting in a "digital divide”.

Today’s donation ensures all primary school aged children in East Hull will have access to a laptop. Listen to our Group Marketing Director, Andy Napthine explain more on BBC Humberside at 41:07.

Adam Couch, Chief Executive Officer at Cranswick plc said: “When we heard about the significant shortfall in the number of laptops available for local children, we wanted to help. Education is vital to ensuring the growth and development of the next generation and it is proven that learning in the early years can dramatically shape the progress of a child. As one of the city’s largest employers it is imperative that we support families in the area ensuring they have access to these devices. We have worked with Hull City Council to understand where a provision could make the most impact and make a real difference to combat the digital divide.

 “The last year has been unspeakably challenging for so many families, and circumstances can be made even harder when children do not have the technology at hand to assist with their learning. This will help to have a positive immediate impact for the children and families of those who will benefit from the laptops, and this need continues as children return to school.”

The laptops are crucial not just for home learning during lockdown, but also if there are mini-outbreaks or if bubbles have to be closed in the future. Future catch up programmes will also be enhanced by access to home learning.

We worked with Acer United Kingdom and Inspired Technology Services - Your 360° Technology Partner.