Latest news with #ScottJackson
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
The Northern Ireland organisation helping change thousands of lives
With its initial work dating back more than 150 years, Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) now works to help those with learning difficulties and disabilities find their way into the workplace, as well as operating its own substantial manufacturing and services social enterprise at its Belfast base. It's an organisation which is quietly changing thousands of lives in communities right across Northern Ireland. And it's the people – from the staff to those involved in the various schemes and initiatives – which are at the heart of USEL. The organisation has a team of around 185 staff, and supports around 1,000 people each year. 'Our mission is simple but powerful: to support people with disabilities and health conditions into meaningful employment,' Scott Jackson, chief executive of USEL, says. 'This work touches almost every workplace because any organisation of any size will have people facing these challenges. It's not niche; it's everyone.' For Scott, the heart of USEL is its people. 'The staff and those we support – that's what makes USEL what it is. They are the key to our success.' USEL delivers a wide range of employment services across Northern Ireland, including Workable NI, Empower, and Skills for Life and Work. These programmes help individuals build confidence and capability in CV writing, interview techniques, essential skills like English and Maths, and even newer areas like podcasting – all underpinned by professional and personal development. 'We combine essential training with practical, on-the-job experience,' Scott says. 'That might mean someone gaining warehousing experience here at USEL, which then helps them transition to employment in the open labour market.' USEL's Workable NI programme supports both employees with disabilities and the employers who hire them offering tailored, on-the-job support that helps retain talent and build inclusive workplaces. The organisation has deep roots, tracing back to social reformer Mary Hobson, who originally established workshops for blind workers. Today, USEL operates from its Belfast base on the Shankill Road, with regional offices in Londonderry and Portadown, and staff based across Northern Ireland. 'We're working to shift employer attitudes to prove that with the right support, people can and do thrive in work,' Scott says. On the social enterprise side, USEL is a key manufacturing and recycling player. It produces specialist bags and carriers used by emergency services across the UK, and operates Northern Ireland's only mattress recycling facility. 'We've undergone a major transformation,' Scott says. 'We make products for blue light services, partner with commercial clients, and drive circular economy thinking. Our shredding business, U Shred NI, is growing steadily as a secure waste provider.' USEL also runs the Ability Café social enterprise, with outlets on the Shankill Road and in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Walking through USEL's Shankill base, the scale of operations becomes clear – from classrooms and a podcasting suite to warehousing and recycling areas. A new building project is also underway to support future growth. While USEL is a non-departmental public body under the Department for Communities, the majority of its income is self-generated through commercial contracts. 'We bid competitively. Nothing is handed to us,' Scott says. 'That commercial focus drives innovation and sustainability.' Looking ahead, he sees continued growth on the horizon. 'We're increasing brand awareness, entering new markets, and always measuring return on investment. Every pound we earn helps us reach more people and deliver more programmes.' USEL supports a wide spectrum of individuals – from those who've never worked and need foundational skills, to people already in employment who need targeted support due to new health conditions or disabilities. 'Let's say someone develops a disability after an accident,' Scott says. 'We're there for both the individual and the employer, ensuring they get the right support to stay in work.' Ultimately, the goal is broader than employment it's about boosting economic participation and creating meaningful social impact. 'This is about people. It's about jobs. It's about building a more inclusive economy.'
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Scott Jackson on How AI Is Disrupting Software Development in Exclusive DesignRush Interview
In a new DesignRush feature, Essential Designs CEO Scott Jackson shares how AI is changing the rules of custom software development and how agencies can adapt. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Scott Jackson, CEO and founder of Essential Designs, spoke to DesignRush about the real-world impact of AI on software development and what agencies must do to stay relevant. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Scott Jackson, CEO and Founder of Essential Designs To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: With over 20 years in the industry, Jackson has guided Essential Designs through big changes in software development. In this interview, he explains why AI is shaking things up like never before and why agencies that focus on smart thinking will come out ahead. 'Development has gotten faster, cheaper, and way more unpredictable,' Jackson said. 'Half the work is arguing with AI to stop overbuilding. The other half is using it to deliver in half the time.' The conversation dives into how AI is transforming workflows and upending traditional roles in software development, including: One standout story in the interview details how Essential Designs used AI to process over 100,000 forms for an insurance client. While the system flagged errors in real time and sped up the work, it still required constant monitoring to ensure accuracy and prevent problems. The takeaway? AI can deliver speed and scale when paired with the right strategy, structure, and human input. 'Design the problem first, not the tool,' Jackson said. 'If you start with 'let's add AI,' you're already lost.' Check out the full interview now on the DesignRush website. About Essential Designs Specializing in mobile, web, and business platform applications, Essential Designs offers a comprehensive range of services including web and mobile applications, business platforms, UI/UX design, and software support. Its development process includes the planning, wireframing, design, coding, testing, and deployment processes, with a strong focus on client collaboration. About DesignRush DesignRush is a media platform and a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. Media Contact Scott Jackson (604) 782-1462 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Military tattoo to hail 250th year of Army, Navy and Marines with pipes, bands and drill
All good American patriots know the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. But not as well known is that the Continental Congress, foreseeing war on the horizon in 1775, authorized the creation of an army, a navy and a landing force for the fleet. This year, the Virginia Arts Festival's presentation of the 2025 Virginia International Tattoo will honor the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The traditional military-style tattoo, a musical event with military and civilian bands performing tightly choreographed celebrations of patriotism, will be Thursday through Sunday at Scope arena in Norfolk. Over a dozen U.S. bands will be joined by two performance groups from Australia; His Majesty the King's Guard Band and Drill Team from Norway; the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band; the Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band of Northern Ireland; and the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums. A second Canadian group, Delta Police Pipe Band, was scheduled but canceled its performance. Scott Jackson, event director and producer, told The Virginian-Pilot that the pipe band did not provide a reason. The stories of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps will be woven into the performance and include scenes spotlighting bands from each branch, he said. There'll also be some fun pop culture references. The Norwegian drill team will play a song from the Marvel movie 'Captain America.' During a short drum solo featuring a glockenspiel, it'll also play the theme song from 'The A-Team.' Japanese musicians will play the song 'Shenandoah' as a tribute to Virginia. There will be a traditional musical rendition of 'Amazing Grace,' sung in Japanese, Norwegian, Gaelic, French and English. And, of course, what's a traditional tattoo without bagpipes? Ross McCrindle, the event pipe major, told The Pilot there will be 138 pipers and drums this year. 'It's got everything that you would traditionally expect to have in a tattoo,' McCrindle said. 'It has some sort of pride, some feel good stuff, some patriotism, and it has heart-rate raising moments in it.' Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, ___ When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Scope arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk Tickets: Start at $25 Details:
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Athens first responders deliver healthy baby girl
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) – The crew at Athens Fire Station 2 brought a little more joy into the world Wednesday morning. According to a spokesperson with the City of Athens, Fire Station 2 responded to a call about a pregnant woman in labor around 8:20 a.m. Wednesday. North Alabama educators among finalists for state Teacher of the Year award Drivers Scott Jackson and Neil Gooch, as well as AEMTs Garrett Grimsley and David McDaniel, arrived at the home where the baby was already crowning. They coached the woman through breathing techniques and secured the baby's airway. The healthy baby girl was delivered around 8:30 a.m. Both mom and baby were taken to Madison Hospital and are both happy and healthy. Captain Chad Green even said she was one of the strongest babies he'd ever seen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
20-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Essential Designs Nominated for CanadianSME Business Awards
Essential Designs, a leader in software and app development for over 15 years, has been nominated to the CanadianSME National Small Business Awards 2024 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 20, 2025) - Application developer Essential Designs has made it to the list of nominees for the CanadianSME National Small Business Awards 2024. Essential Designs Has Offered Software and App Development Services for Over 15 Years | Source: Essential Designs To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Each year, the CanadianSME Business Awards recognize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for their contribution to the Canadian economy. The event offers networking opportunities for established and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect and draw inspiration from each other, ultimately strengthening the Canadian SME sector. Over 350 enterprises have been commemorated since its inception. Essential Designs offers custom software development, UI/UX design, and 24/7 server support. With expertise in various programming languages, the agency focuses on collaboration and delivering practical, results-driven solutions. To learn more about the benefits of large-scale custom software development, pro UI/UX design, or 24/7 server support, visit About Essential Designs Specializing in mobile, web, and business platform applications, Essential Designs offers a comprehensive range of services including web and mobile applications, business platforms, UI/UX design, and software support. Its development process includes the planning, wireframing, design, coding, testing, and deployment processes, with a strong focus on client collaboration. Scott Jackson
