"Appy" ending to Coding Challenge

Tuesday 05 May 2015

Dozens of business leaders are now more up to speed with the digital revolution and are up for some awards next month.

Over 30 local business men and women took part in the first White Collar Coding Challenge launched this spring to get more local companies engaged in the digital world and prove that anyone can learn to code.

Each team of five was challenged to create their own app, style it and then upload it. They also learnt about cybersecurity, Search Engine Optimisation, Analytics and how to make a website accessible to the visually impaired.

The event was organised by new digital business CodexDLD set up by former Le Rocquier headteacher Richard Rolfe and young entrepreneur Jordan Love who are working to help fill the skills gap in the sector.

Mr Rolfe said: “There are global opportunities open to anyone who wants to seize the opportunities. More people work in the tech industry in the southeast of England than they do in California, and there’s no reason why the Channel Islands shouldn’t gain a slice of the action. The only barrier to business leaders is their lack of knowledge, and that’s where we come in.”

WCC’s Jordan Love, an EU Codeweek Ambassador who was recently named Young Director of the Year at the Institute of Directors (Jersey branch) Awards, said everyone should be looking to become more informed.

He said: "Business leaders need to understand technology. It’s all too easy to leave it to the youngsters or IT department, but if you are making decisions which will invariably include digital in their scope, then you need to be better informed about the industry."

The digital duo now plan to expand their service and have got just their brand trademarked.

Christine Jennings of IP Preferential said: “Too often start-ups do not recognise the importance of protecting their intellectual property (IP) as they launch a new business and do not register their brand name or idea.

“This can result in infringement of existing IP rights, re-branding and consequently increased costs. White Collar Coding took early action to secure their IP, which will have a positive impact on the value of their business. As 80% of a business’s assets are intangible, protecting your idea must be a strategic priority.”

There’s an Awards Ceremony at the Digital Jersey Hub on 7 May where the Best Team, Best Designers and Best Ideas will all be recognised.