Wavemaker is innovating to tackle digital poverty right in the heart of the Stoke-on-Trent communities where it is most needed.

It places digital resources directly into communities, ensuring learning is accessible where people already feel comfortable. By combining face-to-face support with an online learning platform, it helps community spaces deliver digital skills training independently, creating long-term impact.

Over the past 12 months Wavemaker has distributed more than £100,000 of digital equipment to local communities, to hubs and organisations as well as to individuals who lack access to computer equipment at home.

It was launched in June 2015 by co-founders and directors Alex Rowley, who was born and bred in Stoke-on-Trent, and University of Staffordshire alumni Ben McManus.

Alex said: “By taking a fresh, innovative approach to digital inclusion we are not just helping people get online, we are transforming lives, strengthening communities and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital world.”

Wavemaker is revolutionising the delivery of digital skills training with its DigitAll learning platform and Wavemaker Connect hubs.

By empowering community organisations with equipment, training and ongoing digital support it has created a sustainable model that fosters digital inclusion at grassroots level.

Wavemaker Connect empowers established community organisations and spaces to become a hub of digital inclusion. Instead of asking people to come to them, Wavemaker equips community organisations, libraries and community lounges with digital devices, training and access to its DigitAll platform, allowing them to deliver training independently.

The innovation lies in shifting digital training from a centralised model to a community-led one, ensuring digital skills support is sustainable and scalable.

Wavemaker has entered the Innovation Award and Business in the Community categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.