Christmas has a way of slowing us down. In the run-up, life feels frantic, but then the pace eases, the noise quietens, and we’re given space to reflect—not just on what we do, but why we do it.
For me, that reflection reinforces how rewarding it is to be part of a purpose-driven organisation. RTC exists to help businesses innovate, compete and grow. That matters because thriving businesses create jobs, generate economic value and strengthen our regions. But recently, I’ve been asking myself: what sits beneath all of that?
We know that productive businesses employing great people generate GVA and economic growth. But growth alone isn’t the point. The real value lies in what it enables: people who are paid well, treated fairly and fulfilled at work are more likely to thrive, support their families and build a future.
Yet for too many, that opportunity never comes.
Why STEM Matters
I believe encouraging more young people into STEM roles can help solve big societal as well as economic challenges. The economy needs skilled workers, and for individuals, STEM careers can double lifetime earnings. In the U.S., average STEM wages are twice as high as non-STEM jobs ($50k vs $100k), and the tax revenues generated across the economy must be huge. In the UK, it's estimated that STEM skills shortages cost the economy £1.5bn every year.
That’s why the fact that we worked with over 160,000 young people in 2025 matters so much. A spark of inspiration early on can transform a young person’s future. At our STEMfest events, or through projects like the HG Foundation’s Horizons internship programme for disadvantaged young people, one thing is clear: while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not.
The Reality of Child Poverty
This reflection led me to something even more profound: child poverty. What I’ve read—and seen—is devastating. Across the UK, more than four million children are growing up in poverty, nearly one in three. In the North, it’s worse—up to 35%, with some communities exceeding 50% and 60%. These aren’t abstract statistics. They’re our neighbours, our communities, children sitting in classrooms across the regions we serve.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation talks of ‘deep poverty’ and ‘very deep poverty’, where families lack essentials such as food, shelter or bedding. In Yorkshire & Humber alone, 125,000 children fall into the ‘very deep poverty’ category. Whether it is Kirklees, Bradford, Middlesbrough or wards in Liverpool, too many families in 2026 across the North of England will actually face destitution.
Children will be sleeping on sofas, floors or in overcrowded spaces—even at Christmas—because there is nowhere else. No child should be without a bed at Christmas. Or ever.
Awareness Isn’t Enough
I can’t shake this from my mind. It’s shocking. It’s unacceptable. And it demands more than awareness.
When we truly understand something this profound, simply knowing isn’t enough. Addressing child poverty requires systemic, long-term solutions and deep collaboration across sectors. But we all have a responsibility to act where we can.
For RTC, this sharpens our focus. Tackling child poverty isn’t separate from our economic mission—it’s fundamental to it. Innovation, productivity and growth matter because they create good jobs: secure, fulfilling jobs with dignity and progression. Jobs that allow people to build lives and break cycles of disadvantage.
Skills Open Doors—But Basic Needs Come First
This is why STEM skills matter so profoundly. Science, technology, engineering and maths open doors to the jobs shaping our future economy—from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to digital and emerging industries. These sectors offer real opportunity, real wages and real progression. When young people access STEM skills, they gain more than qualifications—they gain choice.
But skills alone aren’t enough. A child who is hungry, exhausted or anxious cannot fully benefit from education. For learning to happen, children need food. They need sleep. They need warmth. They need safety.
Our Commitment
Social mobility isn’t a slogan for us—it’s the reason we do what we do. As we head into the new year, we’ll be thinking deeply about how—through our reach into schools and communities—we can support the Northern Mayors’ ambitions to end child poverty, working alongside partners across education, business, government and communities.
This will take time. It will require thought, collaboration and humility. But when something matters this much, doing nothing is not an option.
At Christmas, we’re reminded of what truly matters: care, community and responsibility to one another. Every child deserves a bed. Every child deserves food. Every child deserves the chance to grow up believing their future is possible.
