News 28th November 2024 Topic - Enabling Technologies, Insights, Living & Inclusion - Technology5G, Assistive technology, IoT, Wi-Fi Sunderland has established itself as a frontrunner in smart city innovations, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the lives of its residents and drive economic growth. Reaffirming its position as a national leader in smart city innovations, no less than The Times has crowned Sunderland the UK’s smartest city in a write-up on 24th November 2024. Following the Smart City Expo in Barcelona, this insightful piece recognises Sunderland for its groundbreaking projects, including mention of 23 digital hubs that connect communities, our autonomous transport projects and it hails Culture House as a hub for creativity and learning. This accolade underscores Sunderland’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of its residents and businesses. It’s not just about new technologies, but about creating a city where wellbeing and community thrive, and a place where no one is left behind. Recognised globally, the city has implemented a robust digital infrastructure as a result of a unique joint venture partnership with Boldyn Networks. This has already seen the rollout of superfast 5G and free public Wi-Fi, which connects people, businesses and public spaces seamlessly. This effort has led to Sunderland being named “Digital Council of the Year” at the Connected Britain Awards and becoming a finalist at the prestigious World Smart City Awards in previous years. Sunderland’s Smart City programme exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, integrating real-time data from sensors and networks to optimise city operations. Innovations include assistive technologies improving social care in residents’ homes, smart traffic management systems and the introduction of e-mobility hubs. The city is also driving digital inclusion by enhancing internet access in social housing and schools, ensuring no community is left behind in our smart city’s digital transformation. Through partnerships with organisations such as Boldyn Networks, Microsoft and Digital Catapult, Sunderland is advancing projects that address urban challenges while promoting sustainability. Notably, our Homes for Healthy Ageing initiative uses technology to support safer living environments. Sunderland’s ambition to lead in smart urban development aligns with our 2030 vision to be a dynamic, inclusive and globally connected hub. Read more here (paywall) https://www.thetimes.com/life-style...-15-smartest-innovations-and-trends-ks5jdqgzb
Interesting. When Inworked for a leading Newcastle based IT company. We had some digital quango people come in to see us about their plans for using Tech to gentrify the Bigg Market. They had a sly dig at SCC as being a bit backwards in thinking about using tech. We thought Quango people a bit nuts. Maybe SCC did too :-D interestingly 3 of the 4 on outside were from Sunderland and laughed at the gentrification idea of the Bigg Market.
Just been reading that Nissan only have roughly 12 months cash flow left and are frantically looking for investment and trying to sell a massive stake to Honda. Be utterly horrific for the city if that was to happen.
Is that Nissan Sunderland or Nissan worldwide Nads? I'm sure I read that the Sunderland Plant is one of the most productive and cost effective in the Nissan group, so hopefully, this area won't be affected.
It’s the whole group mate. You need to do some digging to get to it but if a rabbit hole but there’s a genuine concern the whole group goes pop. As Rooch says over extended on electric and didn’t get it right and they are in massive bother.
I hope we're not affected. We've just had some brilliant news on the job and economic front, with the Crown Works Studio project. This would be a real kick in the teeth again.
I am sure something will work out. Every year for as long as I can remember, they seem to need a government handout to continue operating.
Think it's to do with the targets they've been set by the Govt.to transfer from fuel to electric. They're unrealistic and the car manufacturers can't meet them. Don't quote me on the actual figures,but,it's someting like 90% of cars manufactured have to be electric by 2030.....but they're not selling those numbers....too expensive,dodgy batteries,not enough charging points etc.etc. Vauxhall are closing their plant in Luton for this very reason. These companies are not going to make cars they know they can't sell. Think the Govt. has realised they need to rethink....there was something said about it last week.
EVs are getting cheaper, the batteries are fine, never had a problem finding a charging point. There are a lot of myths out there and this misinformation is holding back sales. Anyhow having said that can we try to keep this on the Sheepfolds. vauxhall said they were thinking about closing Luton because of Brexit in the spring, so I would not be certain that they are not playing politics with this. They are also increasing the workforce at their other plant in the U.K. which makes EVs
Wouldn't disagree mate......however the thread was taking us towards other areas of our region,in the same context,to which I was replying. Terribly sorry if that doesn't suit you.
I was not getting at you . It just this thread has stayed on topic for several years and it would be a shame if it vetted off track now.
We can get EV's through a work car scheme but I live in an apartment so won't have one. Theres a mad scramble at work for the charging points in the morning and my school run means I'll never get there in time to use one of those, hectic work/life balance means I'm not going to drive around looking for a charging point. I still question the environmental impact of the cars mind, the batteries cost an absolute fortune to replace depending on the manufacturer and the number of cells in the car. Lad at work needed a whole new battery bed. Another lad had one that uses 3 battery modules, one failed so basically the range dropped by a third...and the cost to replace the failed one was ridiculous. Tesla I think have a better setup with the batteries, more modules so less impact on range and easier to replace but I believe they won't even touch one of their cars once it hits 100K miles. I also think the added weight of the cars is having an impact on the state of the roads. Anyway sorry for keeping this off track...its just we were talking about it in the office yesterday.
Back on track...how cold is the Stables for a night out this time of year? I'm out with a couple of my mates next Thursday so tempted to head there.
