Headline Sponsor

Double Eleven are a videogame developer and publisher based in Middlesbrough. Known around the world for their work on Minecraft Dungeons, Fallout 76, Little Big Planet, Prison Architect, RimWorld and Rust Console Edition. With a reputation for good life/ work balance, they’ve grown to over 370 people across two locations, one in the UK and the other in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

They began life in 2009 as a small technically focussed studio but have since expanded their offering to provide all the skills their partners need to design, develop and publish new adventures for a global audience of players. Creating new locations, missions and monsters which have gone on to gain critical acclaim in the franchises they support as well as in one case crossing over into the real world as a LEGO set and arcade game!

Their aim is to show that you don’t have to work in a high-pressure environment in the south east or at an overseas studio to do great work in games whilst working on world-famous IPs.

Mortal Fools is an award-winning theatre, drama and creative learning company using drama and creative interventions to co-create with 1000s of children and young people annually, supporting their wellbeing, development of life skills and enhancing employability. We cultivate safe spaces for creative bravery whilst empowering each young person to scaffold towards a fruitful future. We also work with businesses via CONNECT–our high impact training and professional development programme. It focuses on developing skills that are foundational to performance and positive interpersonal relationships. And as a children’s charity, by commissioning our training you’re also supporting North East young people.

We’re an established, family-run recruitment agency with more than 40 years’ combined industry experience. Our success is built on our industry expertise and the strong partnerships we’ve built with our clients and candidates. We’re passionate about digital, and we’re specialist Permanent, Freelance and Contract recruiters for: • Technology & IT • Creative & Design • Project & Account Management • Marketing • UI/UX Design We are an equal opportunities company and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability status or age.

Our mission is simple – we exist to make life better for children with cancer.

Children’s Cancer North is an independent charity with over 40 years of heritage in supporting individuals and families affected by childhood cancer.

Formed in 2021, from the merger of North of England Children’s Cancer Research and Children’s Cancer Fund, our charities have collectively raised over £40 million to support children with cancer in the North East and Cumbria since 1979.

Our main objectives are to;
– Invest in revolutionary research at Newcastle University’s Centre for Cancer
– Provide support for children and their families at the Great North Children’s Hospital
– Raise awareness of childhood cancer

We raise awareness through our own flagship event the Children’s Cancer Run and through developing corporate and other relationships.

Gateshead College is a further education college delivering industry inspired education that combines quality learning with real world skills. It is recognised for its strong contribution to the skills agenda and has built a reputation for being responsive to both employers’ and the region’s needs.

We have strong partnerships with the region’s leading digital organisations and are at the heart of the local digital economy helping SME’s & large organisations to build their future workforce. Our digital courses range from short intensive courses & bootcamps to Higher Education and have been designed in partnership with employers.

Through our Skills Bootcamps in subjects such as data analysis, digital marketing, web development, AI, Dev Ops, software development and cyber security, we give students essential skills to increase significantly their employability in the digital sector as well as support their future ambitions.