<div class="editor-cover-image" data-dimensions="780:300" data-pmr-editor-image="" style="background-image: url(&quot;https://leaders-council-web.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/store/0d96b7fd67969969f19a8365098a1cd6.jpg&quot;);"></div>

 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://jktech.com/">JK Tech</a>, a next-generation digital transformation, and IT services provider has announced a strategic partnership with <a href="http://www.progress.com/">Progress</a>, a leading provider of products to develop, deploy and manage high-impact applications, to help enterprises across industries in the United Kingdom to redesign and innovate their businesses to meet their digital transformation goals.The company is organising a <a href="https://prgress.co/3qYItL0">webinar</a>, titled Modernise Your Applications to Accelerate Digital Transformation, on <a href="https://www.leaderscouncil.co.uk/news/jk-tech-and-openedge-to-host-january-webinar-with-afb-and-dpd">January 20</a>, to demonstrate the usage and present the benefits of this collaboration to its clients.The two companies joined hands to create innovatively personalised, easy to implement, secure solutions, and more broadly to offer effective digital transformation services to their customers. These services are built on JK Tech’s robust 4R modernisation framework, helping clients through the transformation journey to Value Realisation.Commenting on the alliance, <a href="http://www.leaderscouncil.co.uk/members/ram-kumar">Ram Kumar</a>, JK Tech's senior vice president, and business head for the UK and EU Region, said, “Our association with Progress is over two decades old. We are confident that this alliance will prove beneficial for all our clients in their journey towards modernisation and digital transformation as they can reap the benefits of the product suite by Progress and modernisation framework by JK Tech. The comprehensive solution will enable businesses to deliver impeccable customer experience along with increasing operational efficiency.” <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildunlop/">Phil Dunlop</a>, Progress' vice president of sales for the Europe, Middle East &amp; Africa Regions, added: “We are happy to announce that our partnership with JK Tech has further developed to offer a complete digital transformation solution. JK Tech’s Progress Center of Excellence which is envisioned to accelerate the digital transformation will assist businesses in their digital growth journey.” Boasting the latest new-age technologies that result in higher efficiency and productivity, JK Tech ensures the ultimate level of security and analytics to Progress end-users and in the UK and the Nordics. JK Tech’s Progress Center of Excellence is comprised of consultants that have core competencies in the implementation of Progress® OpenEdge®.&nbsp;Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@fakurian">Fakurian Design</a> on Unsplash</div>

JK Tech, has announced a strategic partnership with Progress to help enterprises across industries in the United Kingdom redesign and innovate their businesses to meet their digital transformation goals.

JK Tech-Progress partnership sees tech firm become first global system integrator for digital transformation in the UK and Nordics

<div class="editor-cover-image" data-dimensions="780:300" data-pmr-editor-image="" style="background-image: url(&quot;https://leaders-council-web.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/store/70ada92a8b797209080841ec57131d83.jpg&quot;);"></div>

 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">From a maths graduate at Southampton University to the CEO of Nurse Next Door England, a Canadian elderly care organisation, <a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/members/prash-patel">Prash Patel’s journey</a> demonstrates the power of care ambition and adaptability. With a start in optometry that led to a successful partnership with Specsavers, Patel, alongside his wife, built a business that not only won countless service awards but also set records that still stand. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 2014, he ventured into home care by founding Care More, a move that earned him an invitation to Leaders of Great Britain in 2020. Last year marked a new chapter as <a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/news/prash-and-karen-patel-to-bring-nurse-next-door-to-england">Patel and his wife Karen struck a deal with Nurse Next Door</a>, rebranding Care More and spearheading their expansion into Europe with the launch of new franchises. Innovating Home CarePrash Patel’s professional journey is a demonstration of leveraging past experiences to innovate within the healthcare sector. “What we learned at Specsavers was essential,” Patel reflects, “they taught us how to run businesses, how to market, how to incentivise staff and management.” This comprehensive business education proved invaluable when Patel formed the partnership with Nurse Next Door, where he applies these principles to revolutionise home care. Emphasising the strategic importance of the organisation, Patel says, “Nurse Next Door is completely different to any other home care company in the world,” a bold claim substantiated by their unique ‘happier ageing’ philosophy. This approach, which seeks to enrich the lives of the elderly by fulfilling their long-lost passions, was inspired by Patel’s belief in the power of asking the right questions: “What is it that you used to love doing that you can’t do?” By integrating his multifaceted business acumen with a genuine desire to impact lives positively, Patel has positioned Nurse Next Door England as an exemplary organisation in the care sector.Addressing Key ConcernsBut when it comes to the challenges faced by the sector, Prash is candid. “Recruitment is a challenge every industry is suffering from,” Patel admits, highlighting the stark reduction of European workers, which used to constitute 70% of their workforce. To address this, Nurse Next Door has increased pay rates, though Patel acknowledges this is a double-edged sword: “If they come to us because we pay them a bit more, another care company has probably lost out.”Patel has consciously steered clear of the visa route for recruitment, citing the unpredictability of rules and the inability to offer guaranteed hours as deterrents. “It just seemed fraught with danger,” he explains, emphasising the importance of focusing on UK-based staff to maintain service consistency.Beyond recruitment, Patel is pioneering a service model that sets Nurse Next Door apart. Unlike other home care companies, they employ nurses directly, alleviating the strain on overworked district nurses and enhancing patient care. “We’ve got nurses on board who can actually just go out in 10 minutes time and get that sorted,” says Patel, illustrating the organisation’s agility and commitment to timely care. This innovative approach not only improves service quality but also promises cost savings for the healthcare system. Patel is actively engaging with councils and CCGs to expand this model, aiming to establish a network of nurses across England and ultimately elevate community nursing services. “That is our goal,” Patel asserts, “and that will improve all the services for nursing in the community.”A Pillar for Transforming CareAlongside recruitment is a rapidly ageing population and the consequent strain on social care, and the Nurse Next Door CEO offers a clarion call to leaders and policymakers: “social care needs fixing,” he asserts. Patel highlights the dire need for adequate funding, lamenting the futile expenditure on surveys that fail to catalyse change. “It's really a case of funding it,” he says.What about the ideal leader in the care sector? For Patel, this would be someone who possesses a genuine passion and the ability to spearhead necessary transformations. He admires the founders of Nurse Next Door for their innovative approach, stating, “They sat down over the years and thought about the customer… they’re the kind of people who inspire me to think differently.” Patel’s vision is embodied in the vibrant pink hue of Nurse Next Door’s brand, a deliberate choice to stand out and challenge norms. “It’s not the normal colour that two guys would normally think of,” he explains, “they chose it because they looked at the whole market and thought “ there’s no pink, it’s obvious we need it!”” This bold branding strategy, Patel says, is emblematic of the forward-thinking and distinct identity that care sector leaders should aspire to cultivate.Prash’s insights ought to be heeded by those navigating the complexities of leadership in the care sector. His emphasis on thoughtful customer-centric strategies and the courage to break the mould are invaluable lessons for leaders striving to make a tangible difference in a landscape marked by challenges and opportunities.</div>

Prash Patel's holds an inspiring trajectory from a maths graduate to CEO of Nurse Next Door England. His innovative approach in healthcare, from Specsavers to 'happier ageing' philosophy, showcases adaptability and a passion for transformative care.

Home Care Mastery: Prash Patel, CEO of Nurse Next Door England


<div class="editor-cover-image" data-dimensions="780:300" data-pmr-editor-image="" style="background-image: url(&quot;https://leaders-council-web.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/store/8aef1c883762287a03edf93a1a377213.jpg&quot;);"></div>

 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/members/shann-jones">Shann Jones</a>, the Founder and Director of Chuckling Goat, exemplifies the transformative power of personal adversity.&nbsp;With no formal business education, Jones’s journey began in the bustling city of San Francisco as a journalist and radio talk show host. Her pivot to entrepreneurship was not driven by profit, but by necessity—a quest to heal her family’s health woes. “I created solutions for my son’s eczema and my husband’s MRSA infection,” Jones reflects. It was this innovative spirit that caught the attention of the Welsh Assembly Government and led to collaborations with scientists and Aberystwyth University, validating her homegrown remedies against formidable pathogens. Today, under Jones’s leadership, <a href="https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk/">Chuckling Goat is at the forefront</a> of microbiome research, partnering with Cambridge University to develop a UK-based test, marking a 29% growth from the previous year. Her story is not just one of business acumen but of a relentless pursuit of evidence-based solutions for common health issues.Doing Well by Doing GoodAt Chuckling Goat, the ethos of innovation intertwined with familial values has been the cornerstone of its success. Shann has always prioritised the well-being of her family and community over mere financial gain. “Cash has never been king for us… we’ve done well by doing good,” Jones states. The company’s growth has been organic, allowing for a steady expansion without external pressures. This approach has not only fostered a resilient business model but also cultivated a workplace where every employee is treated as family, contributing to a harmonious and productive environment.The journey, however, has not been without its hurdles. The introduction of the microbiome test presented a significant challenge, necessitating a pivot in strategy when faced with the sudden departure of a key staff member. In true Chuckling Goat fashion, the solution was found within, as Jones empowered her existing team to upskill into nutritional therapists, ensuring customers received the expert guidance they deserved. Moreover, the company’s flagship product, kefir, due to its unfamiliarity and unique taste profile, required not just marketing, but educating consumers on the importance of gut health—a mission Jones and her team have accomplished with remarkable success, leading to a staggering 6000% growth over four years. Such achievements underscore Chuckling Goat’s commitment to its customers, with Jones affirming, “It’s about relationships… I’m taking them on this gut health journey which can take years.” A Healthy InfluenceChuckling Goat has since emerged as a trailblazer in the UK’s healthcare landscape. The company has become the leading seller of microbiome tests in the UK, reflecting a growing public awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy gut. “We’re dealing with the root cause of the health problem,” Jones explains, emphasising the company’s commitment to long-term health solutions over quick fixes. With the National Health Service (NHS) struggling, the company’s ethos of offering complementary alternatives to traditional healthcare is timely. “The NHS is on its knees,” Jones remarks, acknowledging the challenges faced by the public health system and <a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/news/chuckling-goat-asks-how-can-you-serve">positioning Chuckling Goat as a supportive partner</a> in the journey towards preventative care. This shift towards prevention over treatment is akin to the patience and dedication required in gardening—a metaphor Jones uses: “I’m like the lady at the garden centre… you’re gonna have to do the gardening.” It’s a call to action for personal responsibility in health, a message that Chuckling Goat embodies as it guides customers through their gut health journey.Alongside being an advocate for responsible and preventative approaches, Shann wishes for a paradigm shift in healthcare, focusing on <a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/news/chuckling-goat-boss-highlights-traditional-medicinal-solution-for-seasonal-anxiety">evidence-based natural remedies</a> and the power of microbiome testing. “We need to start looking not at our failures but at success frames,” Jones asserts, highlighting the importance of learning from what is effective. She champions the use of antimicrobial vinegars, which have shown promise in combating pathogens without fostering antibiotic resistance—a significant breakthrough for healthcare. “The science is out there, but nobody’s doing anything about it,” Jones laments, underscoring the gap between scientific knowledge and its application in healthcare.Jones advises other leaders to seek out and amplify the ‘bright spots’—look at what is working rather than is failing. Her approach is not just about treating symptoms but addressing the root causes of health issues. “It’s like dealing with the trunk of the tree,” she explains, describing how tackling gut health can lead to improvements in various conditions. Jones’s message to leaders is clear: invest in research and empower individuals to take charge of their health. This, she believes, is the key to transforming healthcare and creating a ripple effect that extends beyond individual well-being to societal benefits. “It’s an easy win that, at the moment, is being left on the table.” Merging Nature’s Wisdom with ScienceWhen it comes to leaving a legacy, the Founder and Director envisions Chuckling Goat as a beacon of innovation and integration between the wisdom of the natural world with the precision of scientific technology. “I would like Chuckling Goat to be remembered as the company that took the information from the natural world and joined it to the technology of science to make massive improvements in people’s health,” Jones reflects with pride. Her ambition is not just to create a successful business but to empower individuals to become custodians of their own health. “We are making people stewards of their own ecosystems,” she explains, drawing a parallel between personal health and the natural environment. For Shann, it’s about providing the knowledge and tools necessary for people to take control and enact positive change in their lives. “It means giving them the tools so that they can make their own improvements. That’s what works.”</div>

Shann Jones, Founder and Director of Chucking Goat, holds a journey that uses transformative adversity to advance gut health. Learn how her quest to heal family health issues led to pioneering microbiome research and enduring success, embodying the ethos of doing well by doing good.

Transforming Gut Health: Chuckling Goat Founder and Director Shann Jones

<div class="editor-cover-image" data-dimensions="780:300" data-pmr-editor-image="" style="background-image: url(&quot;https://leaders-council-web.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/store/a6735aee73241ce2a400779702939429.jpg&quot;);"></div>

 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">Adrian Hall holds a professional past that is a testament to his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the timber industry. From his academic roots with a timber degree from what was then Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education, Hall has climbed the ranks from a humble salesman to a pivotal figure in the timber industry. Adrian’s tenure has seen him traverse the UK, championing specialist products and honing his sales acumen, and it was his rich tapestry of experiences that culminated in his bold decision to take the reins of Stoneleigh Timber Engineering, steering it away from closure and towards prosperity. The Managing Director’s directorship at the Trussed Rafter Association and his strategic role with system providers have equipped him with a unique blend of technical expertise and commercial insight. Hall’s leadership is defined by his ability to manage expectations, deliver beyond promises, and navigate the complexities of a business that, while not vast, is vital to the livelihoods of the families it supports.Stoneleigh’s Integral RoleAt the core of Stoneleigh Timber Engineering’s strategic significance lies its integral role in the construction industry, as articulated by the MD. “We are a very important part of the building industry,” Hall asserts, emphasising the company’s contribution to modern housing through the supply of truss roofs—essential components that form the skeleton of a building’s roof. Hall highlights the company’s alignment with governmental objectives to streamline construction via off-site production, a domain where the truss industry has been pioneering for decades.Under Hall’s stewardship, Stoneleigh has expanded its repertoire beyond roofs to include stairs, feature trusses, and even the structural elements of buildings, all crafted from wood. “We’re starting to add in extra things… now we can actually offer the whole fabric of the building as well,” Hall explains, showcasing the company’s adaptability and innovation. This expansion not only meets the government’s increasing demands for building output but also addresses the skill shortage in the industry by creating products that require less skilled labour to assemble.Hall envisions a growing importance for companies like Stoneleigh in the face of Britain’s housing challenges. “The importance of companies like this is going to become bigger and bigger as we move forward,” he predicts, acknowledging the pressing need for more homes and the limitations of the current system to meet this demand. With a focus on efficiency and local trade, Stoneleigh’s strategic reach extends from North Wiltshire to Kent, though its impact resonates on a national scale. Hall’s forward-thinking approach and his commitment to overcoming industry challenges position Stoneleigh Timber Engineering as a pivotal player in the future of British construction.Educating the Industry’s FutureIn his dual role as a director for both the Trussed Rafter Association and the Wood Technology Group, the Stoneleigh Managing Director underscores the pivotal role of education in the timber industry. “We’re always talking about education,” Hall states, highlighting the need to attract school leavers to the sector, which he considers a crucial part of the economy. Adrian is passionate about dispelling misconceptions regarding the environmental impact of timber usage, advocating for managed systems over the exploitation of rainforests. “We need to get the education out very broadly across the whole of the nation,” he insists, emphasising the sustainable and renewable nature of timber as a building material.Hall’s commitment to education extends beyond industry specifics to career opportunities within the sector. “I went and did a talk last year at one of the local colleges to try and tell people what is possible,” he recounts, reflecting on his own rewarding career journey since 1985. Adrian believes it is incumbent upon companies like Stoneleigh to illuminate the potential within the timber industry for the younger generation, “it’s a very important part of what we do.”Advice From an Industry Exemplar In his concluding remarks, Adrian imparts wisdom that transcends the timber industry, offering a blueprint for aspiring leaders. “The most important message is the one on education,” Hall asserts, emphasising the need to ignite passion in the younger generation for the natural environment and sustainable practices. His vision is clear: “We really must get onto that bandwagon… education has to be the thing.”Hall’s legacy is shaped not only by his achievements but also by his vibrant character. “I would like to be remembered as somebody that’s not boring,” he says with a chuckle. His approach to leadership is refreshingly candid, encouraging others to challenge the status quo. “Don’t be afraid to speak out and say no,” he advises, wary of the ‘emperor’s new clothes’ syndrome that plagues many industries.For those who dare to lead, Hall offers a parting thought: “It requires a certain amount of bravery.” He reflects on his own journey to the top, a testament to perseverance and the value of experience. “Don’t be in too much of a rush,” he counsels, underscoring the importance of integrity and the lessons learned along the way. In a world often hasty to reach the summit, Adrian Hall’s advice stands as a beacon, guiding future leaders towards a path of thoughtful and principled stewardship.</div>

Adrian Hall, a seasoned leader in the timber industry, has propelled Stoneleigh Timber Engineering to a beacon of innovation and prosperity. With a degree in timber and a journey from salesman to Managing Director, Hall's strategic vision and technical expertise have expanded the company's offerings from truss roofs to complete structural elements. His commitment to education and sustainable practices positions Stoneleigh as a key player in the UK's construction future.

Timber, Tenacity, and Tomorrow: Adrian Hall, Managing Director at Stoneleigh Timber Engineering

<div class="editor-cover-image" data-dimensions="780:300" data-pmr-editor-image="" style="background-image: url(&quot;https://leaders-council-web.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/store/47f552dca02cb295c8b8679bef945d4a.jpg&quot;);"></div>

 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">Mike Holliday’s journey to becoming the Managing Director at Holliday Fielding Hocking (HFH) is a tale of resilience, reinvention and continuously pushing boundaries.&nbsp;“I left school In 1974 and anchored myself in Portsmouth for a seven-year tenure with the Royal Navy,” Mike recalls. His post-naval career saw him delve into the world of contact lens production with the Oral-B group in Fadom, Hampshire, and later, the realm of insurance with Irish Life.&nbsp;Marital commitments beckoned Holliday back to Leeds, where he joined the family venture of constructing fume cupboards—a pursuit he has steadfastly maintained since his mid-twenties. The 1980s heralded the career-changing shift, “along with four associates, I inherited the business from my retiring father,” says the Managing Director. They sustained the legacy, fabricating and dispatching fume cupboards to prestigious institutions like Imperial College and University College London. Despite a financial setback due to a client’s insolvency, Holliday’s indefatigable spirit spurred a revival of the business with his current wife, starting anew with minimal resources.The duo’s relentless efforts expanded the company’s offerings to include safety cabinets and laminate floor cabinets, eventually bifurcating the business into manufacturing and servicing divisions for enhanced operational clarity. Today, Holliday’s enterprise not only sells and installs new products but also refurbishes and markets second-hand units, catering to esteemed clients such as Rolls Royce and Dräger.Different Industries, Same Excellency“HFH prides itself on its deliverance of excellency,” Mike states, and the MD’s steadfast commitment to such a standard is evident in his long-standing collaboration with Dräger, where he has been instrumental in maintaining and spearheading various projects. His recent engagement at Rolls Royce in Derby exemplifies his dedication to smaller, intricate projects that larger firms often neglect. Holliday’s willingness to invest time and travel distances for even minor jobs is a testament to his philosophy of nurturing relationships and laying the groundwork for future opportunities.At the core of Mike’s role lies the pursuit of new ventures and clientele, a task he approaches with an eye for sustainable growth. The expansion of his office team to five and the formation of a broader network of subcontractors have enabled the company to secure its largest service maintenance contract to date with Newcastle University. Such a collaboration shows HFH’s ability to conduct the same excellent quality in standards across different industries.Holliday’s consultancy work with Leeds University’s chemistry department further underscores his innovative approach to cost-effective solutions, favouring upgrades to existing apparatus over expensive replacements—a strategy not commonly adopted in the industry. This method of operation not only saves clients considerable funds but also ensures a consistent workflow and fosters robust partnerships across diverse sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and academia.The company’s strategic importance is magnified by its ability to offer specialised technical expertise, often absent within client organisations. Mike’s extensive network is a valuable asset, allowing him to source the necessary skills to deliver comprehensive solutions. This versatility has propelled the company into new domains, including clean rooms, and has facilitated unprecedented collaborations with competitors for decontamination and equipment removal projects.Holliday’s hands-on approach extends to engaging with potential clients, meticulously assessing their specific needs, and navigating logistical challenges to ensure seamless installations. His four decades of experience, coupled with a willingness to learn and consult with peers, even competitors, have honed his design skills, albeit with an element of risk. His enduring connections, fostered through industry events like the LEGS Golf Association, continue to be a cornerstone of his business ethos, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of community and collaboration within the industry.Credit Where It’s Due The accolades bestowed upon HFH are a testament to their exceptional customer service, something Mike has always ensured, “but I don’t have a favourite!” he asserts. Being recognised as the best after-sales service company in the UK is not just an award, it’s a reflection of the team’s unwavering dedication to their clients. The company’s philosophy is simple: be available for the customer at any hour, any day. This commitment has been acknowledged by trade associations and magazines alike, which conduct thorough research and engage with readers to identify the most deserving recipients for such honours. The process often begins with a nomination from a satisfied customer, followed by detailed questionnaires that Mike and his team diligently complete. These forms are a gateway to customer polls, which ultimately decide the winner. It’s this cycle of consistent, quality service and the subsequent recognition that fuels their drive to maintain the highest standard of customer care. Mike’s personal involvement, along with Sarah and Sean’s contributions, ensures that someone is always there to respond, embodying the company’s promise of 24/7 availability and setting a benchmark in the industry.Ensuring the Same Excellency for the Next GenerationFrom a leadership perspective, how will Mike be remembered? It will not just be for his steadfast leadership but for also his visionary approach to embracing innovation and expansion. His tenure at the helm has been marked by a bold willingness to navigate uncharted waters, always with a keen eye on the horizon. As Holliday contemplates the future from the vantage point of a company in transition, his legacy is already taking shape—a tapestry woven from the threads of risk-taking and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellency. It is this legacy that Holliday is sure will endure, a testament to a leader who, in the face of the relentless march of progress, chose to steer his company with an astute blend of prudence and audacity. He aspires to be remembered as a pioneer who not only expanded the boundaries of his industry but also laid a foundation for future generations to build upon, ensuring that his company’s name remains synonymous with quality and innovation long after he has passed the torch. But that isn’t to say that he’s ready to sit out yet, “I’m one of the few remaining from my era”, Mike says. A fact he’ll be holding on to for a while longer.</div>

Explore the journey of Mike Holliday, Managing Director at Holliday Fielding Hocking, as he leads the industry in fume cupboard innovation, delivering exceptional service and quality across healthcare, automotive, and academia, while fostering sustainable growth and strong client relationships.

The Resilient Voyage of HFH Managing Director Mike Holliday

<div class="editor-cover-image" data-dimensions="780:300" data-pmr-editor-image="" style="background-image: url(&quot;https://leaders-council-web.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/store/2675c4f8f4e32c7a2ab97273da248c6d.jpg&quot;);"></div>

 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">For Abide Zenenga, Co-Founder and Head Teacher at Riverside Education, his role “isn’t a job - it’s a calling”. Originally from Zimbabwe, Zenenga came to the UK in 2004 on a Chevening scholarship and pursued a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the University of Birmingham, followed by a Master’s at the same institution and a PhD from the University of Northampton. His experiences within academia provided Abide with the vital professional contacts he has to this day. Abide states that his Riverside mission was driven by personal experiences, “in 2005, I was blessed with the birth of a son who has autism and Down’s Syndrome.” Abide aspired to extend his support beyond the classroom and has written about these experiences in his book “The Gift”. His vision materialised in 2015 with the aid of Anthony Copeland, co-founding Riverside Education—a school dedicated to young individuals with special needs. Starting modestly with 40 students, Riverside Education has flourished organically over ten years, now serving over 100 students across three sites, with plans for an online school and another primary school in Worcestershire pending Ofsted accreditation. Abide’s mission is to unlock the unique talents within each student, allowing them to take flight and reach their full potential. He is driven by the conviction that the field of special needs education holds untapped potential. He laments the fact that over 18,000 young people in Britain are currently out of education due to a lack of places, a situation he attributes to collective oversight rather than incapacity. Through his platforms such as <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-abide-zenenga-14a30b28/?originalSubdomain=uk">his LinkedIn profile</a>, The Riverside Head showcases the achievements of his students, demonstrating that with purpose and the right opportunities, individuals with special needs can soar to great heights. Zenenga’s approach is rooted in participatory action research, annually engaging staff and students to tailor the school’s growth to their needs. This ethos extends to the fourth site of the institution, Happy Fields charity, where students gain work experience and partake in the British culture of philanthropy. Zenenga’s philosophy, “blessed is the hand that gives rather than takes,” encapsulates his commitment to enriching lives and fostering a spirit of generosity.Fostering Community and Family at Riverside“At Riverside, our ethos is family” states Zenenga, a vision that underpins every endeavour, extending care beyond the individual to encompass their entire support network. This holistic approach includes collaboration with youth workers, social workers, and, crucially, the families themselves. The Riverside sites serve as community hubs, where parents actively participate, whether tending to ailing animals on the farm or contributing to vocational training by donating resources for cooking and construction classes.Alongside this, the involvement of the institution within the community is profound, with a small church at one of their locations and a partnership with the University of Northampton to establish a film school. Riverside’s alliance with the YMCA and other organisations ensures our students are integrated into community life, reinforcing the notion that they and their families are not isolated.Embracing Technology for Future-Ready EducationZenenga and Riverside Education recognise the transformative power of technology in education. The pandemic served as a catalyst for this realisation, highlighting the necessity of virtual learning platforms to maintain educational continuity. For Abide, “the world is becoming a global community” following the interconnectedness during and after COVID. This experience has spurred Riverside to integrate technology more deeply into its curriculum, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of educational innovation.Zenenga is acutely aware that embracing technology is a necessity. With the advent of artificial intelligence and its burgeoning impact on various sectors, Riverside is exploring how these advancements can be incorporated into their teaching methods, and Zenenga is committed to ensuring that Riverside and its students are not left behind in this digital revolution. He believes that Great Britain’s greatness lies in its ability to prepare the next generation for the global stage, and technology is a crucial part of that preparation. The education institution understands that the importance of technology can assist in providing their Special Education students with opportunities to learn and work in environments that cater to their needs.What’s more, Abide’s proactive approach includes collaborating with experts and attending conferences, such as the upcoming one at Cambridge University on AI and technology in education. His goal is to absorb new knowledge and strategies that can be implemented at Riverside, thereby equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technologically advanced world.Pioneering Special Education through Academic EndeavoursAlongside his leadership at Riverside and his published book, Zenenga’s commitment to special education is evident in his scholarly contributions, with two academic papers published and another under consideration. His work extends beyond the classroom and he also serves as a reviewer for an academic journal, further cementing his expertise.Abide’s philosophy is that special education is not merely a supportive field for young people with disabilities but a vibrant industry capable of making significant societal contributions. His journey from a special needs teacher to a doctorate holder and founder of Riverside. Zenenga’s research collaborations with prestigious institutions like Nottingham Trent University and Coventry University delve into areas such as the positive impact of animals on students with special needs, exploring how these interactions enhance their well-being and engagement.One notable study, sponsored by Betters, investigated the experiences of young people with autism during the pandemic, shedding light on both the challenges and unexpected benefits. Zenenga’s current focus is on participatory action research and its application in education, aiming to empower teachers and influence the broader educational landscape.Empowering Leadership in Special EducationWhen asked what advice he has for fellow leaders in Special Education, Abide acknowledges the challenges of underfunding and limited resources but urges his peers not to view their roles merely as jobs. To Zenenga, this work is a calling, one that demands dedication beyond the conventional workweek.Zenenga advises leaders to be resourceful and to leverage their networks effectively. The Riverside Education Head credits his most significant network, the parents of his students, as a diverse group whose varied professions and skills have been instrumental in the success of his institution. He also encourages leaders to remain open to ideas from all sources, particularly from students and parents, whose contributions can be invaluable.Abide Zenenga's book “The Gift” is available to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Dr-Abide-Zenenga-ebook/dp/B0B788C8QT">purchase on Amazon</a> or for free to those who reach out to him directly. An Audio version is also available.</div>

Explore the transformative journey of Abide Zenenga, cofounder and Head Teacher of Riverside Education. This special needs school, driven by Zenenga's personal experience and academic expertise, empowers students to excel beyond limitations through community engagement, technological innovation, and a family-centric approach. Dive into the story of Riverside's growth and Zenenga's dedication to shaping the future of special education.

JK Tech-Progress partnership sees tech firm become first global system integrator for digital transformation in the UK and Nordics

Share this article

About Leaders of Great Britain

Related News Stories

"Boundaries have moved": Alcohol Coach Michaela Weaver explores impact of Covid on alcohol consumption

Techna reduces its environmental impact

Twitter board in talks with Musk over takeover, reports say

Authored By

Follow Us

Share this article

Popular Stories

Home Care Mastery: Prash Patel, CEO of Nurse Next Door England

Transforming Gut Health: Chuckling Goat Founder and Director Shann Jones

Timber, Tenacity, and Tomorrow: Adrian Hall, Managing Director at Stoneleigh Timber Engineering

The Resilient Voyage of HFH Managing Director Mike Holliday

Abide Zenenga: Pioneering Special Needs Education in the UK