Media Contact:

Alan Matthews, Automated Spaces Ltd

01664 500552

alan.matthews@automatedspaces.co.uk

30^th March 2023 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject: Local businesses are first in U.K. to deliver new Smart Home ‘NextGen’ initiative presentation for pupils at Long Field Spencer Academy

Melton Mowbray based smart home installation businesses Automated Spaces and Stuart Westmoreland Ltd. were the first companies in the U.K. to present the new Smart Home ‘NextGen’ initiative to pupils at Long Field Spencer Academy.

The ‘NextGen’ initiative has been created by CEDIA, who are a global Smart Home Industry trade association, with the aim to help promote awareness of the smart home industry amongst the next generation, including grassroots outreach by industry employers to local educational establishments and students. 

Alan Matthews, Managing Director of Automated Spaces, liaised with Amanda Gwyther Head of Computing at Long Field Spencer Academy about the ‘NextGen’ initiative. “The ‘NextGen’ initiative includes raising awareness of the smart home industry, the companies that operate within the industry, the various types of jobs roles within these companies and potential routes into the industry such as the newly recognised ‘Smart Home Technician’ apprenticeship scheme” Automated Spaces, Managing Director Alan Matthews said.

Amanda immediately saw the potential benefits for the pupils at Long Field Spencer Academy of the initiative. “To have the opportunity for local businesses to come in and discuss upcoming dynamic career paths is essential to the visions of our young minds” Head of Computing, Long Field Spencer Academy, Amanda Gwyther said.

It was then arranged for representatives from Automated Spaces, Stuart Westmoreland Ltd. and CEDIA to go into the Academy and provide the ‘NextGen’ presentation to a large group of year 10 pupils. “Long Field Spencer Academy were enthusiastic about the opportunity for their pupils to be able to learn more about the Smart Home industry. On the day of our visit the staff were very welcoming, and the pupils were very engaged. It was great to see that after the presentation and learning more about the opportunities in the smart home industry, that there were at least several pupils who said they might now consider a future career in the industry.” Automated Spaces, Managing Director Alan Matthews said.

“The ‘NextGen’ initiative that CEDIA recently launched is going to introduce a new generation of pupils and young people to the growing Smart Home industry, and what future opportunities it can offer them. It was therefore very important to us to be able to take part in the presentation to Long Field Spencer Academy, and wonderful to see the reaction of the teachers and pupils to it in such a positive way.” Stuart Westmoreland Ltd., Director Richard Westmoreland added.

“The CEDIA NextGen presentation was very informative for our pupils, highlighting various opportunities in the smart home industry, many of which are local based and inspiring, truly opening our eyes to the wonderful world of smart housing. We at Long Field cannot thank enough Automated Spaces, Stuart Westmoreland Ltd. and CEDIA for giving up their time in order to inspire and enlighten us in the smart home industry” Head of Computing, Long Field Spencer Academy, Amanda Gwyther said.

“I would like to thank Long Field Academy, as well as CEDIA members Automated Spaces and Stuart Westmoreland Ltd, for the opportunity to engage with these fantastic young people. It was great to see such genuine interest from the students and to share with them details about the Smart Home Technician Apprenticeship. CEDIA is committed to educating and inspiring young people about the career opportunities in the industry, and hopefully the visit in Long Field Academy will be the first of many more to come.” Education Manager EMEA, CEDIA, Aneta Armova-Levin said.

“Following on from going into Long Field Spencer Academy to present the NextGen campaign, we are now in discussions with Long Field Spencer Academy to arrange for their pupils to visit our smart home show house, that is in Melton Mowbray, so that they can get hands on with various technologies in an immersive real-world setting.”

“Its exciting times in the Smart Home sector and we hope that we can identify locally the next potential stars that could join the industry.” Automated Spaces, Managing Director Alan Matthews said.

About Automated Spaces

A breath of fresh air in the smart home, bespoke home cinema and independent living technology sector. Bringing a level of professionalism and transparency, to client interactions, only seen in organisations that are truly dedicated to providing levels of service that continually exceed expectations. Automated Spaces is totally focused on helping our clients to demystify ‘Smart Home, Home Cinema and Independent Living Technology’.

To learn more about Automated Spaces, visit www.automatedspaces.co.uk

About Stuart Westmoreland
For over 55 years Stuart Westmoreland Ltd. have built an enviable reputation based on their unrivalled customer focus and service. With membership of CEDIA for over 20 years we have depth & experience in the custom installation sector but can also offer friendly & knowledgeable advice for your normal electrical requirements also, which is backed by a dedicated local delivery & installation team, and we welcome you to visit or call us to experience what a true family run company can provide.

To learn more about Stuart Westmoreland Ltd. please visit www.stuartwestmoreland.co.uk & www.custom-install.co.uk


About CEDIA
CEDIA® is the global membership association that serves the home technology industry through advocacy, connection, and education. Founded in 1989, CEDIA fights for the rights and interests of its members in governmental bodies around the world, gathers industry professionals worldwide, and creates the trainings, standards, and certifications that ensure the industry excels and attracts new workers. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest annual residential technology show. Today, over 30,000 CEDIA members deliver home technology solutions that enrich our lives.

UK Markets
•   Approximately 3,700 integrator companies operating in the UK
•   Average annual revenue of £386K in the UK
•   Average project size of £33K in the UK
•   Estimated current market size of £1.2B in the UK
•   A typical integrator has 3 employees
•   50% of companies in the UK anticipate adding a technical resource in the next 12 months
•   Bullish industry growth projections for the next 12 months

Industry
•   Companies that manufacture, distribute, design, install, integrate, and automate “smart” products, systems, and services
•   Experts in audio/video, networking, telecom, lighting, control systems, security, and energy management systems
•   Professionals have specialized skills in computer programming, systems interfacing, acoustical theory, and video calibration
•   Residential and commercial verticals

Learn more about CEDIA at www.cedia.net

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