A leading insurance company has donated laptops to support Dynamo North East’s ongoing efforts to tackle digital exclusion in the region.
Somerset Bridge Group has donated 50 laptops to Dynamo, the region’s largest tech sector network. The devices will be given to Sunderland City Council’s digital inclusion team, which will distribute them to residents and community groups who need access to digital technology.
The council is supporting Dynamo this year in hosting the annual North East Tech Charity Dinner, which will take place at The Fire Station on 19 March 2026. The event brings together senior figures from across the North East tech sector and will raise money for initiatives tackling digital exclusion.
Funds raised through the dinner will support the Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund, which provides grants to charities and community organisations working to improve access to devices, connectivity and digital skills.
More than £36,000 has already been distributed to charities across the region through the fund, which is co-managed by the Community Foundation North East.
Cllr Alison Smith, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Equalities at Sunderland City Council, said: “Being digitally connected is no longer a luxury. It is essential for everyday life. From applying for jobs and supporting children with schoolwork to booking NHS appointments, having the right technology makes a real difference.
“We are delighted to support Dynamo’s work and to see organisations from its network, such as Somerset Bridge Group, getting behind this important cause to help widen access to digital opportunities across the region.”
Manila McLean, chief information officer at Somerset Bridge Group, is a member of Dynamo’s advisory board and will co-host this year’s dinner.
She said: “Access to technology is fundamental to opportunity, whether that’s in education, employment or everyday life.
“By donating laptops to support digital inclusion in the region, Somerset Bridge Group is proud to play a practical role in Dynamo’s work. The dinner brings people together not just to talk about the challenge, but to take action, and we’re thrilled to be involved.”
Dr David Dunn, chief executive officer of Dynamo North East C.I.C. and co-host of the event, said the technology sector had a responsibility to help address digital exclusion.
He added: “Tackling digital exclusion requires collaboration across the region, and the tech sector has an important role to play. Support from organisations such as Somerset Bridge Group, alongside Sunderland City Council’s backing of the charity dinner, shows what can be achieved when industry and public sector partners work together.”
The 2026 event will take place on 19 March and is made possible thanks to Dynamo members and sponsors, including the event’s social impact partners, CGI and Sunderland City Council, and event advocates Gateshead College and Ward Hadaway.
