VITAL MOBILE COVERAGE BOOST WELCOMED IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

Mobile coverage in rural parts of North Yorkshire has been significantly improved after EE revealed today it has upgraded or built more than 40 masts in the county in the last two years.

Five masts have been upgraded in recent months to bring enhanced 4G mobile connectivity to the villages of Chapel-le-Dale, Rievaulx, Blubberhouses, Danby Wiske and Terrington, enhancing connectivity for residents, visitors, local businesses and the emergency services.

Scenic tourist sites like Fewston Reservoir and Ingleborough Mountain – including large parts of the popular Yorkshire Three Peaks route – now have reliable 4G coverage as part of these upgrades. The upgrades also cover transport routes including the A59, A167, B1257, and parts of the East Coast Main Line railway.

The improved coverage has been welcomed by North Yorkshire MP Kevin Hollinrake and by a local photographer and prominent outdoor blogger who says that mobile connectivity is now an important factor for hillwalkers, including for use in emergencies and for sharing photos and videos of the iconic landscape.

North Yorkshire is England’s largest county, 85 per cent of which is classed as rural or super sparse, and contains two national Parks, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.  To balance the desire for improved mobile connectivity in rural communities with the need to respect the natural landscape, efforts have been made to situate the sleek and compact mobile masts in non-intrusive areas, while providing maximum benefit to the places where people live, work and travel.

Most of the masts have been built or upgraded by EE as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN)*, a £1 billion initiative to extend 4G connectivity to rural communities, with the aim to cover 95 percent of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.

Responding to the news, Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: “Having championed the creation of the Shared Rural Network, I know how essential it is in helping to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas and boost regional economic growth.

“This improved mobile connectivity from EE means businesses and visitors in North Yorkshire are now better connected and residents have more options when it comes to working remotely and accessing essential services.”

North Yorkshire-based photographer and creator of the popular walking blog www.HikingPhotographer.uk Stuart Hodgson said that improved mobile coverage was a big boost for the entire community.

“Mobile coverage in rural areas like this has been patchy or non-existent in the past, so it’s great news to hear about these upgrades,” he said. “Having better mobile coverage in rural areas can encourage more people to venture out to enjoy this great countryside and share photos and videos in real time. That’s got to be a good thing in terms of people’s general health and wellbeing, but also for local communities and businesses who welcome visitors.”

Mobile connectivity came to the rescue recently when Stuart and a group of hikers were doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. When a couple of people in the group could not carry on due to injury, they used their mobiles to navigate to the closest recognised safe place and find bus times to get them back to the start point.

He added: “Our phones can now help us follow walking routes and find our way, and even help us identify some of the wildlife and plants along the way. It can also provide peace of mind in case of an emergency. When people come here to walk, particularly for the big challenges like the Yorkshire Three Peaks, being able to share spectacular images with friends and family, and via social media, is now a big part of the day.”

A report in 2021 by an independent rural commission set up by North Yorkshire County Council warned that poor internet and mobile connectivity in rural areas was hindering economic growth and leaving tens of thousands in technology ’notspots’.

The report highlighted that improved connectivity has the potential to boost investment and jobs in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, as well as encouraging younger people to live and work in rural areas.

These upgrades come at an important time for countryside communities as the UK’s mobile providers retire older 3G – and later 2G – networks. 4G connectivity offers remote communities the biggest and most reliable network of any current mobile technology in the UK, which is why EE has expanded its 4G coverage by more than 10,000 square kilometres in the last five years.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, said: “North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and is famous for its rolling dales and close-knit rural communities. These new 4G upgrades will not only mean residents will be able to stay connected to the people and things they love most, but businesses and community groups can use our network to offer new services and experiences to the millions of tourists who visit every year.

“Having upgraded more than 1,600 rural locations so far under the Shared Rural Network programme, EE has gone further than anyone to deliver the far-reaching mobile connectivity that rural communities rely on across the UK.”

-ENDS-

Source: EE Newsroom






BRITISH PUBLIC CROWNS MIA MCKENNA-BRUCE WINNER OF THE EE RISING STAR AWARD AT THE EE BAFTA FILM AWARDS

  • Mia McKenna-Bruce takes home the prestigious EE Rising Star Award at the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards
  • David Tennant introduced this year’s award, which was presented by last year’s EE Rising Star Award winner, Emma Mackey, and 2015 EE Rising Star Award winner, Jack O’Connell, at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall
  • The 2024 nominees are: Phoebe Dynevor, Ayo Edebiri, Jacob Elordi, Mia McKenna-Bruce and Sophie Wilde
  • 2024 marks the nineteenth year of the EE Rising Star Award – the only award voted for by the British public
  • Previous winners include Lashana Lynch, Bukky Bakray, Micheal Ward, Letitia Wright, Tom Holland, John Boyega, Jack O’Connell, Will Poulter, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green, and last year’s winner Emma Mackey

London, Sunday 18th February 2024: Tonight, EE revealed Mia McKenna-Bruce as the winner of the EE Rising Star Award for 2024, the only award presented at the EE BAFTA Film Awards that is voted for by the British public.

Previous EE Rising Star Award winners, Emma Mackey (2023 winner) and Jack O’Connell (2015 winner), introduced the award at this year’s ceremony, which was held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.

Now in its nineteenth year, the EE Rising Star Award reinforces EE’s commitment to become the UK’s most personal, customer-focused brand by providing the nation with an opportunity to have their voice heard through the public vote. The accolade continues to celebrate new and emerging talent within the film industry who have each demonstrated their remarkable talent in film over the past year, having captured the imagination of both the public and film industry alike.

Mia McKenna-Bruce is one of five incredible actors nominated in recognition of their work and identified as a rising star. The other nominees are: Phoebe Dynevor, Ayo Edebiri, Jacob Elordi and Sophie Wilde.

MIA MCKENNA-BRUCE is an English actress who is receiving acclaim for her lead performance in Molly Manning-Walker’s film, How to Have Sex. The film, in which she plays Tara, follows three British teenage girls on a trip to Malia, a Greek Island of Crete, for a rites-of-passage holiday filled with drinking, clubbing, and hooking up. It was released in November 2023. Meanwhile in 2022, Mia gave a scene-stealing performance in the role of ‘Mary Musgrove’, the younger sister of Dakota Johnson’s ‘Anne Elliot’ in the film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. This follows her nomination for a Royal Television Society Award in 2017 for ‘Performance of the Year’ for her role of ‘Tee Taylor’ in the BBC’s television series The Dumping Ground.

Mia McKenna-Bruce, 2024 EE Rising Star Award Winner, said: “Thank you to everyone who voted, thank you to Molly Manning Walker and everyone who worked on HOW TO HAVE SEX. Thank you BAFTA, thank you EE, I’m over the moon. Ayo, Phoebe, Sophie, Jacob – it’s an honour to have been nominated alongside you. Thank you”

Pete Jeavons, Marketing Communications Director at EE, said: “Many congratulations to Mia McKenna-Bruce for winning the 2024 EE Rising Star Award. Through our longstanding partnership with BAFTA, we are committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of talent, and the EE Rising Star Award truly embodies this. As this prestigious award marks its nineteenth year, we’re proud to continue to nurture and celebrate outstanding new talent within the film industry, while also providing a platform for film fans to engage and express their support. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Mia McKenna-Bruce and all the other exceptional nominees!”.

Jane Millichip, CEO at BAFTA added: “The EE BAFTA Film Awards are about celebrating exceptional talent in filmmaking today and inspiring the filmmakers of tomorrow. For the past 19 years the EE Rising Star Award has recognised the most exciting and promising talent of their generation, and this year is no exception. Many congratulations to Mia McKenna-Bruce and to all of this year’s nominees who I know we’ll see on our screens for many years to come”.

The EE Rising Star Award was created in honour of the late Mary Selway. A highly respected and BAFTA award-winning casting director whose 36-year career saw her work on more than ninety films and work with leading directors such as Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood. Mary’s work contributed to the creation of some of the silver screen’s most memorable characters and in 2001 she received BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award.

This year’s EE Rising Star Award nominees were selected by an impressive lineup of industry experts who were tasked with selecting the shortlist from a comprehensive list of talented actors and actresses. The jury was chaired by BAFTA’s Chair of the Film Committee, Anna Higgs, and included actors Daisy Edgar-Jones, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Himesh Patel, casting directors Lucy Bevan and Nina Gold, as well as other leading industry specialists and prominent film, entertainment, and arts journalists.

EE is a long-standing partner of the BAFTA Film Awards, committed to nurturing and championing emerging talent through the EE Rising Star Award. EE also continues to use its tools and resources to support the aspirations of the next generation, highlighting its dedication to being the UK’s most personal and customer-focused brand.

For more information on the EE Rising Star Award please visit: www.ee.co.uk/bafta

– ENDS –

For more information, please contact M&C Saatchi Talk on [email protected] 

About EE 

EE is one of UK’s largest subscription businesses, backed by the UK’s biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast connections in more places than any other operator. 

Built on the foundation of decades of mobile and broadband leadership, EE is on a mission to be the most personal and customer-focused brand in the UK by playing a more meaningful role in customers’ lives, with a suite of exciting products and services open to all UK consumers, available via a new ‘EE ID’ digital platform. 

EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Network of the Year at the 2022 Mobile Industry Awards.

EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has over 400 stores across the UK. EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised as the UK’s Best Large Contact Centre by the UK Customer Experience Awards 2018 and Welsh Contact Centre Awards 2019.  

EE was awarded The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work for in 2018 and 2019, as well as being named Best Employer 2018 by the European Contact Centre & Customer Service awards. EE won Best Repair Service and Best Network Provider at the Mobile Industry Awards in September 2023 and was recognised as the provider that does more than any other to deliver a great service.  

EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK. 

Follow us on:Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ee  

Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ee  

YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ee  

LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/ee-uk  

About BAFTA

BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA, and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires, and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).

Source: EE Newsroom






EE DELVES DEEP INTO THE MINDS OF 11-16 YEAR OLDS TO SHINE A LIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

  • New YouGov survey* shows that secondary school students who regularly take part in drama and the arts are more than twice as likely (32%) to feel confident in everyday life skills such as reading or presenting a project to their class, compared to those who don’t (14%)
  • 84% of 11–16-year-olds regularly participate in the arts and sports, however this passion for the arts wanes as they get older, with 16-year-olds (11%) a third less likely to take part in drama classes or recitals than 11-year-olds (44%)
  • And with as many as half (50%) of secondary school children saying that they lack confidence in key life skills, such as trying something new (54%) or confronting an issue with a friend (49%), there is a clear need to nurture and maintain their passion for the arts, while building the confidence needed to conquer a range of everyday life moments
  • As part of EE’s ambition to liberate learning from the classroom and help children learn in new ways, EE has partnered with Micheal Ward ahead of the EE BAFTA Film Awards to launch a series of workshops to build confidence via its LearnSmart hub, demonstrating the importance of the arts and the role it plays in the development of crucial life skills

WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2024, LONDON: Amidst the UK’s ongoing creativity crisis, EE, longstanding partner of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, is today launching a new campaign called ‘The Stage is Yours’, which delves into the mindset of secondary school children, shining a light on the importance of drama and the arts for life outside of the classroom.  

It comes as a new YouGov study of secondary school children commissioned by EE, reveals that four fifths (84%) of 11 – 16-year-olds regularly participate in drama, music or the arts. It highlights that those who do are twice as likely (32%) to feel confident in everyday life skills such as reading or presenting a project to their class compared to those who don’t (14%).

Despite this, participation in these activities wanes as secondary school children get older, with 16-year-olds a third less likely (11%) to take part in drama classes and recitals compared with 11-year-olds (44%).

With the clear role that drama and the arts play in developing self-esteem and expression in this next generation, it is no surprise that as many as half (51%) of 16-year-olds say that they lack confidence in at least one of the following key life skills:

  • Trying or learning new things (only 41% feel confident)
  • Confronting an issue with a friend of acquaintance (only 52% feel confident)
  • Reading or presenting a project to their class (only 43% feel confident)
  • Speaking to someone they have a crush on (only 22% feel confident)

More broadly this research shows that many 11 – 16-year-olds feel stressed in areas of their everyday life. Just under half of boys surveyed said they don’t want to look or be perceived as a loser (45%). The confidence to fail is also a challenge for many youngsters; three fifths of children (66%) say that they have a fear of making mistakes and people laughing at them (63%), while nearly a third (29%) admit to going as far as avoiding whatever it is that makes them feel nervous completely.

EE’s new campaign the ‘Stage is Yours’ is designed to shine a light on the importance of drama and the arts helping children to develop crucial and versatile life skills such as confidence. Focused on liberating learning from the classroom, EE, Micheal Ward, and other actors and influencers, have developed a series of workshops designed to empower and inspire secondary school children to build self-confidence through the arts, which are  now available on EE’s LearnSmart platform

Micheal Ward commented:As an actor I am very passionate about inspiring young people to get involved in the arts because of the incredible benefits it can bring to their confidence and other key life skills. Throughout my career, I’ve had times where I’ve struggled with my confidence and it’s a pleasure to share what I’ve learned along the way with the next generation, whether they’re looking to pursue a career in the arts, or just a boost in their daily lives.”

Ahead of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, ‘The Stage is Yours’ campaign will also launch with a TikTok competition, utilising the platform’s stitch feature to give 13–17-year-olds the chance to act out the role of the ultimate villain in an improvised duet with former BAFTA EE Rising Star winner and star of Top Boy, Micheal Ward. The audition tapes can be submitted by stitching them to Micheal Ward’s video on EE’s TikTok profile @EE, with the hashtag #eethestageisyours. The winner will be selected by a panel of film experts and will secure a significant role in ‘NAZ’, the long-awaited biopic of boxing legend, Prince Naseem Hamed, from the acclaimed producers of the BAFTA-nominated ‘Boiling Point’.

Additionally, EE is hosting a free interactive festival of learning at 180 Strand in London during February half term. The EE Learn Live festival is hosted by TV presenter and journalist Stacey Dooley, and features sessions from England’s men’s football manager Gareth Southgate, Sidemen’s Tobi Brown, Top Boy lead actor Ashley Walters, and renowned British businessperson Deborah Meaden, with each session designed to spark curiosity and unlock children’s potential.

Pete Jeavons, Marketing Communications Director at EE, said: “We know how important the arts are for children in developing key life skills, encouraging creativity and building confidence. Our research shows that while secondary school children are passionate about the arts and that they help them to feel more confident when navigating everyday life, there is also a decrease in the uptake or continuation of these activities when they get older. We want to nurture the arts and inspire the younger generation to learn more, do more and be more. Through our longstanding partnership with BAFTA and our EE LearnSmart platform, it is our hope that we can liberate learning outside of the classroom and encourage all children to follow their passions”.

Lisa Prime, Head of Children & Young People’s Programme, BAFTA, added: “EE’s research underlines how nurturing young people’s creativity is vital from an early age. Creative confidence benefits the development of a whole range of important life skills, something BAFTA focuses on year-round in its national schools and families programmes. Communicating, listening, taking feedback, working together, and using your imagination to think innovatively – these are all tools that BAFTA is helping young people across the country to develop”.

EE LearnSmart has everything your child – and you – needs to make learning online fun, accessible and safe. With tools to help them protect their wellbeing and navigate life in the online world, plus all the tech they need to learn well from anywhere, whatever network they’re on this next generation can access a plethora of skills and knowledge so there is no life stage they can’t take on. 

To learn more and to purchase FREE tickets for EE Learn Live, visit EE Learn at ee.co.uk/events

For live streams subscribe to EE’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/EE

For downloadable skills content, visit EE LearnSmart: eelearnsmart.co.uk

For competition ts&cs, visit: ee.co.uk/thestageisyours

– ENDS –

For more information, please contact M&C Saatchi Talk on [email protected] 

Notes to Editors

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,079 children aged 11 to 16. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB children aged 11 to 16.

**https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/07/the-guardian-view-on-arts-education-a-creativity-crisis

About EE 

EE is one of UK’s largest subscription businesses, backed by the UK’s biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast connections in more places than any other operator. 

Built on the foundation of decades of mobile and broadband leadership, EE is on a mission to be the most personal and customer-focused brand in the UK by playing a more meaningful role in customers’ lives, with a suite of exciting products and services open to all UK consumers, available via a new ‘EE ID’ digital platform. 

EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Network of the Year at the 2022 Mobile Industry Awards.

EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has over 400 stores across the UK. EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised as the UK’s Best Large Contact Centre by the UK Customer Experience Awards 2018 and Welsh Contact Centre Awards 2019.  

EE was awarded The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work for in 2018 and 2019, as well as being named Best Employer 2018 by the European Contact Centre & Customer Service awards. EE won Best Repair Service and Best Network Provider at the Mobile Industry Awards in September 2023 and was recognised as the provider that does more than any other to deliver a great service.  

EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK. 

Follow us on:Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ee  

Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ee  

YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ee  

LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/ee-uk  

About BAFTA

BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA, and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires, and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).

Source: EE Newsroom






How EE is leading the fight against scams

By Marc Allera, CEO, BT Group’s Consumer division

Fighting fraud is at the top of the agenda for all of us. But the battle is never won.

The scale of the problem is clear: 38 per cent of all crime in England and Wales is fraud and it cost the UK £6.8bn in 2019/20 alone, according to national statistics. Consider solutions from https://removemugshots.com if you’re facing legal challenges related to fraud and worry about your reputation. This can help minimize any negative online presence associated with these issues.

The UK Government’s new National Campaign Against Fraud – or Stop! Think Fraud – is designed to help reduce those numbers. They’re calling on law enforcement, industry and civil society to use clear messaging so that people know how to protect themselves from fraud, how to report it and – should they fall victim – how to recover.

We’re backing the campaign because we share the belief that better communication is crucial to empower people to spot and stop scams. And, as an industry, mobile and broadband operators have a responsibility to do all we can to address the problem and prevent our networks and systems being abused.

EE’S STAND AGAINST SCAMS

We’ve achieved a lot since we have adopted a range of new technologies to block scams on our network. Here’s a few examples:

–       In 2022, EE launched upgraded technology that’s blocked as many as one million international scam calls a day, and a total of more than 134 million since we introduced it. The tech blocks ‘spoof’ calls pretending to be based in the UK, preventing them from reaching our customers and people on other networks, too.

–       In 2021, we launched our SMS Anti-Spam Filter, which has blocked more than 285m scam texts, leading to an 85% overall reduction in EE customers reporting spam messages to us.

–       We work hard to keep up. We’re constantly adapting our response to counter changing scam practices. One example was specifically targeting ‘Mum & Dad’ texts pretending to be from a son or daughter saying: ‘I’ve lost my phone, this is my new temporary number, can you send me some money?’ We’ve reduced volumes of these texts by more than 70%.

–       It’s not just calls and texts, either. In 2023, we blocked as many as 1 billion spam emails from reaching our customers every single month.

So, we know we are having a really big impact. But there is still a lot to do, and we need to go further.

FIGHTING FRAUD TOGETHER

We know we can’t do it alone. So much of our success is down to our partnerships across Government, law enforcement and wider industry bodies.

–       We’re a founding member of Stop Scams UK, who work across the telecoms, finance and tech industries to bring companies together and share threat intel, and helping to launch SSUK’s 159 service.

–       We’re part of a cross-industry alliance with Ofcom, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the National Cyber Security Centre and other mobile providers to share data on scams, and to collaboratively improve the scam text reporting service, 7726.

–       We work with bodies such as the National Economic Crime Centre, the NICC, and the Communication Crime Strategy Group to share intelligence and best practices in order to deliver arrests and convictions for fraud.

–       Following the publication of the Government’s Fraud Strategy, we’re also working with both the Government and Ofcom to help deliver the aims of that strategy, having previously helped develop the Telecommunications Sector Fraud Charter.

We’re part of these groups because we’re committed to playing a proactive role, sharing our insight and helping develop a proactive response. For example, last year we hosted an event with representatives from all of the groups above to discuss how we can adopt AI, machine learning and data analytics to help eliminate financial fraud.

OUR TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS

We also work with some of the world’s most advanced companies in the fight against fraud.

Last year, we announced an EE partnership with Hiya that will provide AI-powered, real-time call screening that verifies calls from legitimate businesses and labels suspected nuisance calls to customers. As well as being integrated into services for EE mobile customers, Hiya will be progressively rolled out to all customers as part of their Digital Voice switchover. In fact, one of the great benefits of moving to Digital Voice is that the system enables Hiya to function, which isn’t possible on traditional analogue lines.

We’re partnering with experts to help protect our customers, too. EE Cyber Security powered by Norton provides powerful protection against viruses and other online threats. Plus, it notifies customers if their personal information is found on the dark web, or if their accounts on popular social media sites have unusual login activity. And as part of BT Group, EE customers benefit from BT’s team of more than 3,000 security professionals helping to keep its network and customers safe from cyber-attacks.

With more than 25m subscribers on the UK’s best and biggest mobile and fixed networks, and up to 30 terabytes of data going over those networks every second, we know that we can play a huge role not just in protecting our customers against scams and fraud, but the UK as a whole.

Follow me on X and Instagram @marcallera

Source: EE Newsroom





GARETH SOUTHGATE, ASHLEY WALTERS, AND MORE HEADLINE EE LEARN LIVE – AN INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL OF LEARNING FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS THIS HALF TERM

Stellar line-up of celebrities will host one-of-a-kind sessions to empower young people

Date: Thursday 15th February 2024 
Address: 180 Strand, Temple, WC2R 1EA (side entrance on Surrey Street) 
Tickets: here: ee.co.uk/events 
 

7th FEBRUARY 2024, LONDON: EE, the UK’s largest subscription business, has partnered with a stellar line-up of celebrities, influencers, and experts to launch EE Learn Live, the brand’s inaugural festival of learning designed to empower and inspire secondary school students. Popping up at 180 Strand in London on Thursday 15th February 11–16-year-olds and their guardians are invited to experience a programme of snackable lessons and hands on demos from best-in-class mentors.

EE Learn Live will feature a Winning in Life workshop, led by England’s men’s football manager Gareth Southgate and former English football player, Fara Williams. The session will help teens acquire and harness essential emotional and social skills to excel in sports, group environments and beyond.

But that’s not all. Hosted by TV presenter and journalist Stacey Dooley, EE Learn Live offers a range of other sessions designed to spark curiosity and unlock the potential in everyone – from mastering strategic thinking with a pro gamer to equipping yourself with tips and tricks to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing:

  • Gaming to grow, with Sidemen’s Tobi Brown, esports star Spencer (GIANTX) and presenter, YouTuber and gamer, Elz the Witch – discover how your gaming passion can turn into a set of valuable life skills
  • Winning in life, with England’s men’s football manager Gareth Southgate and former English football player, Fara Williams – acquire essential emotional and social skills for future success through sports roles models
  • Master wellbeing, with renowned nutritionist, Emily English and wellness and fitness expert and author Shakira Akabusi – gain skills to grow healthier and happier through actionable wellbeing techniques
  • Confidence Workouts ‘Top Boy’ lead actor Ashley Walters and winners of the BAFTA Young Presenters Award 2023, Braydon Bent & Precious Assah – unlock the transformative potential of drama classes and confidence building, with quick and accessible exercises to help in your everyday life
  • History of the future, with disabled content creator, Eliza Rain and founder of The Sole Supplier, George Sullivan, entrepreneur and TV personality, Deborah Meaden –​ be empowered to grasp and influence the future

After the main stage sessions, guests will have the opportunity to engage further with some of the speakers, ask questions, and receive first-hand guidance from accomplished individuals who have already achieved success. ​EE tools, resources from the wellness app Calm- the leading app for meditation, sleep, and relaxation and the latest tech from partners including Meta and Samsung will also be showcased, offering complimentary supercharged snacks, mentor drop-ins and opportunities for content capture and selfies.

To cater to the various life and development stages of secondary students, the sessions at EE Learn Live will be tailored according to age during three different segments:

  • 10am – 12:15pm: young teens (11–12-year-olds)
  • 1:30pm – 3:45pm: mid-teens (13–14-year-olds)
  • 4:15pm – 6:30pm: older teens (15–16-year-olds)

Participation is accessible to all, regardless of geographical location. Tickets for a 2-hour segment can be purchased through EE Learn, all ticket proceeds will be going to Home-Start*, a UK charity focused on equipping families with the necessary skills, confidence, and strength to nurture their children.

For those unable to attend in person, the festival will be live streamed on EE’s YouTube channel. Additionally, bite-sized episodes of skills content can be downloaded from EE LearnSmart.

EE Learn Live demonstrates EE’s commitment to being the UK’s most personal, customer-focused brand. The initiative provides secondary school students the chance to discover a myriad of online tools and support systems while igniting their passions. For parents, it provides insights into maximising the potential of online learning, particularly in the lead-up to exams and the end of the term.

To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit EE Learn at ee.co.uk/events

For live streams subscribe to EE’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/EE

For downloadable skills content, visit EE LearnSmart: https://eelearnsmart.co.uk/

– ENDS –

For more information, please contact M&C Saatchi Talk on [email protected].

*All ticket proceeds will be going to Home-Start. Home-Start focuses on the early years of childhood—the years where the fundamental building blocks are made for life. This makes the biggest difference, ensuring no child’s future is limited. Home-Start works alongside parents, in their own homes, supporting families with emotional, physical, and psychological needs, to ensure they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children. Because Childhood Can’t Wait.

About EE 

EE is one of UK’s largest subscription businesses, backed by the UK’s biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast connections in more places than any other operator. 

Built on the foundation of decades of mobile and broadband leadership, EE is on a mission to be the most personal and customer-focused brand in the UK by playing a more meaningful role in customers’ lives, with a suite of exciting products and services open to all UK consumers, available via a new ‘EE ID’ digital platform. 

EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Network of the Year at the 2022 Mobile Industry Awards.

EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has over 400 stores across the UK. EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised as the UK’s Best Large Contact Centre by the UK Customer Experience Awards 2018 and Welsh Contact Centre Awards 2019.  

 EE was awarded The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work for in 2018 and 2019, as well as being named Best Employer 2018 by the European Contact Centre & Customer Service awards. EE won Best Repair Service and Best Network Provider at the Mobile Industry Awards in September 2023 and was recognised as the provider that does more than any other to deliver a great service.  

 EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK. 

 Follow us on:Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ee  

Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ee  

YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ee  

LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/ee-uk  

Source: EE Newsroom






EE OPENS NEW GATESHEAD EXPERIENCE STORE IN THE METROCENTRE WITH FORMER NEWCASTLE UNITED LEGEND SHAY GIVEN

EE is today unveiling its latest Experience store alongside former Newcastle United legend Shay Given in the Metrocentre, Gateshead, one of Europe’s largest indoor mall-style shopping centres. The new store is the fourth of EE’s Experience stores and the first of more than ten brand-new EE Experience and Experience Local stores set to open in the UK over the next year. The announcement comes as EE commits to investing £6 million in the British high street in the next 12 months, a sign of EE’s belief in, and ongoing commitment to, brick-and-mortar retail.  

EE continues to reinvent retail in the telco industry, putting customer experience, community focus and innovation at the heart of its strategy to be the most personal, customer focused brand in the UK. This approach has seen the launch of new store formats including its flagship Studio store in London, Experience stores in Manchester, Cardiff and Kent, and most recently its Experience Local stores in Derby and Guildford.   

The new retail strategy was announced in June 2023 with the launch of the EE Studio store in Westfield London, White City. Featuring an immersive Digital Spa to support customers’ wellbeing and a Gaming Zone, the innovative new store has seen an increase in footfall by 250% compared to the previous EE store in Westfield London, White City. 

EE’s refreshed retail approach continues to be well-received by customers across the country. The Experience stores in Kent, Cardiff and Manchester have all seen footfall increase by 35% compared to the previous stores in these locations. 

Now, EE is bringing its latest store format to the Metrocentre in Gateshead, one of the top five UK regional supermalls. The Metrocentre experienced an incredibly successful 2023, and increased dwell time by 15%, with EE’s new Experience store expected to bring in even more customers.  

The EE Experience store occupies a new, bigger site and has been designed with dedicated experience zones and a connected home zone with living room set to give shoppers in the greater Newcastle area a more immersive space to get hands on with the latest connected technology. Those visiting the store will discover the future of connected living across four key areas: work, home, learn and game.  

The experience zones include:   

 

Welcome Zone: A welcoming and dynamic shopfront, featuring a digital window canvas, letting customers see the latest product launches and in-store offers before they even step inside. 

Gaming Zone: Featuring the most up-to-date games and consoles, customers can level up their gaming experience in-store. EE Guides will offer expert advice on bundles and plans, allowing shoppers to unlock their inner gamer. 

Base Camp: An inviting area for customers to sit down and stay a while, complete with comfortable sofas, as well as work benches and collaborative worktops, allowing customers to catch up on emails, or chat to EE Guides about products, services and repairs.  

Tech Live: Consumers can shop with confidence, testing out tech before making a purchase. The newest tech is on display and is refreshed regularly, with visitors able to browse and purchase online.  

 

The Experience store also brings to life the future of the connected home, with shoppers able to see the potential first-hand through a curated connected home zone including tech and online security tools that enhance the working-from-home experience, and a living room complete with super-fast broadband, a smart TV and connected speakers.  

Shay Given, Newcastle United legend, said: “EE has scored with its new shop in the Metrocentre, bringing tech, experiences and expert advice to shoppers – a winning hat-trick. It’s great to be part of the team alongside the EE Guides today as the 12th man, opening the store for the brilliant people of Newcastle, and beyond, to visit”. 

EE is committed to offering the most personal, customer-focused service on the high street. The team in the Metrocentre store are encouraged to show their personal interests and passion for tech in their day-to-day roles, advising customers on how to elevate their everyday with connected technology and helping to digitally upskill the local community.  

Asif Aziz OBE, Retail Director at EE, said: “We are excited to launch our latest Experience store in the brilliant tech hub of Newcastle, giving our customers and the local community a chance to experience the newest innovations across smart home and gaming. We are committed to elevating the retail experience for shoppers across the UK through a multi-million-pound investment that will transform our stores over the next year. Our ambition is to be the most personal, customer-focused brand in the UK, and our new Gateshead Experience store plays a key part in bringing this to life”. 

Ben Cox, Senior Asset Manager at Sovereign Centros, said: “EE’s new Experience store is a fantastic addition to the Metrocentre’s Platinum Mall, embedding itself next to key retailers within the scheme. It emphasises the importance of physical and experiential retail in elevating the shopping experience for visitors and following EE’s previous success at Metrocentre in Red Mall, we’re pleased to see further commitment by the brand in a new and enhanced space as the centre continues to evolve, following a strong 2023”. 

The Gateshead EE Experience store opens in the Metrocentre at 12pm on Friday 9th February, with an exclusive appearance from former Newcastle United legend, Shay Given. Throughout the day, exclusive-in store deals, offers and entertainment will be available for shoppers.   

 For more information, please visit www.ee.co.uk  

Source: EE Newsroom






STARS OF THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CELEBRATE AT THE VANITY FAIR EE RISING STAR PARTY AHEAD OF THE EE BAFTA FILM AWARDS 2024

 Film and TV stars including two of the 2024 Rising Star nominees Mia McKenna-Bruce, Sophie Wilde  alongside Micheal Ward, Kaya Scodelario, Paloma Faith, Big Zuu, Ed Westwick and more celebrated the 19th year of the EE Rising Star Award at Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane

 Thursday 1st February 2024: Last night, stars from across the creative industries came together to celebrate the 2024 EE Rising Star Award nominees at the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star Party. Taking place at one of London’s hottest new destinations, Pavyllon London and Bar Antoine by renowned French Chef Yannick Alléno, guests celebrated the awards season alongside two of this year’s EE Rising Star nominees Mia Mckenna-Bruce and Sophie Wilde.

 Commemorating the nineteenth anniversary of the prestigious EE Rising Star Award, stars in attendance included two of this year’s EE Rising Star nominees Mia McKenna-Bruce and Sophie Wilde, alongside Big Zuu, Paloma Faith, Kaya Scodelario, Emily Atack, Michael Dapaah, Ed McVey, as well as Ed Westwick and his fiancé Amy Jackson

Hope Ikpoku Jnr was also spotted with 2020 EE Rising Star winner Michael Ward. Meanwhile, Harriet Cains and Luke Thompson danced the night away to DJ sets from Manny Norté, Sarah Story, Becky Tong and Phoenix Brown. Tom Cullen, Paloma Faith, Kaya Scodelario, Bugzy Malone and Oti Mabuse enjoyed canapes served by the talented Chefs behind the live kitchen counter. Edward Bluemel and David Shields were also seen sipping on drinks created in partnership with the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star Party’s bar sponsor, Don Julio Tequila, and BAFTA’s official partners Taittinger, Woodford Reserve and Villa Maria.

The EE Rising Star Award celebrates new and emerging talent within the film industry who have captured the imagination of both the public and film industry alike. This year’s nominees are Phoebe Dynevor (Fairplay), Ayo Edebiri (Bottoms), Jacob Elordi (Saltburn), Mia McKenna-Bruce (How to Have Sex) and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me). The award is the only one at the BAFTA Film Awards voted for by the British public, reinforcing EE’s commitment to becoming the UK’s most personal, customer-focused brand by providing the nation with an opportunity to have their voice heard.

Film fans are encouraged to cast their vote, with the winner being announced at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday 18th February 2024. Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA.

The team at Pavyllon London, opened by multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Allén, also created bespoke cocktails in honour of each 2024 EE Rising Star nominee, including:

  • Phoebe’s Coconut Concoction
  • Sophie’s Sparkling Serenade
  • The Saltburn Margarita
  • Ayo’s Paloma Dream
  • Mia’s Oasis Delight

Guests also dined on light bites throughout the night from Pavyllon London and Bar Antoine including Spiced Crab Cakes, a live sushi station and Pavyllon London’s signature Cheese Soufflé. Range Rover was also on hand to ensure that guests arrived at the venue in style. A live photo-shoot also took place throughout the evening for Vanity Fair UK’s renowned Portrait Studio, with images captured by photographer Vivek Vadoliya.

 To discover who will win the 2024 EE Rising Star Award, tune in to the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday 18th February 2024.

 The UK’S biggest night in film hosted by David Tennant will take place at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall where Sophie Ellis-Bextor will take to the stage to perform Murder on the Dancefloor. Offering audiences at home an unmissable night of entertainment the EE BAFTAs will broadcast on BBC One, and iPlayer, and on BritBox International in USA, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and South Africa, as well as BBC Australia and Britbox in Australia, NOVA Bulgaria, NOVA Greece, Turner Spain, and Canal Plus. With more territories to be confirmed.

List of attendees:

  • Mia McKenna-Bruce 
  • Sophie Wilde
  • Micheal Ward
  • Big Zuu
  • Paloma Faith
  • Kaya Scodelario
  • Emily Atack
  • Michael Dapaah
  • Ed McVey 
  • Ed Westwick 
  • Amy Jackson
  • Micheal Fox
  • Edward Bluemel
  • Frankie Bridge 
  • Hope Ikpoku
  • Clara Amfo 
  • Aggy K Adams
  • Aisling Bea 
  • Nicholas Pinnock 
  • Oti Mabuse 
  • Bugzy Malone 
  • Charli Howard 
  • Daniel Ings 
  • Ella Eyre 
  • Harriet Cains 
  • Luke Thompson 
  • Kedar Williams-Stirling
  • Maisie Williams 

@EE

@vanityfairlondon

@BAFTA

#EERisingStar

#EEBAFTAs

 

– ENDS –

 

For more information, please contact M&C Saatchi Talk on [email protected] 

 About EE 

 EE is one of the UK’s largest subscription businesses, backed by the UK’s biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast connections in more places than any other operator. 

 Built on the foundation of decades of mobile and broadband leadership, EE is on a mission to be the most personal and customer-focused brand in the UK by playing a more meaningful role in customers’ lives, with a suite of exciting products and services open to all UK consumers, available via a new ‘EE ID’ digital platform. 

 EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Network of the Year at the 2022 Mobile Industry Awards.

 EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has over 400 stores across the UK. EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised as the UK’s Best Large Contact Centre by the UK Customer Experience Awards 2018 and Welsh Contact Centre Awards 2019.  

 EE was awarded The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work for in 2018 and 2019, as well as being named Best Employer 2018 by the European Contact Centre & Customer Service awards. EE won Best Repair Service and Best Network Provider at the Mobile Industry Awards in September 2023 and was recognised as the provider that does more than any other to deliver a great service.  

 EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK. 

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About BAFTA

 BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA, and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires, and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).

 About Vanity Fair UK

 The biography of our age, one month at a time, Vanity Fair UK is a cultural catalyst, provoking dialogue and debate. Vanity Fair UK has a combined print and digital circulation of 58,098 (ABC January to December 2021), and 40,389 unique UK users to the site (Google Analytics November 2021 to January 2021).

https://www.vanityfair.com/    

Source: EE Newsroom