A note from our founder.
I wanted to share a bit more about what we’re trying to secure at Inclusive Bytes.
Six months ago, we opened a pop-up tech shop in The Spindles as a simple experiment.
What would happen if digital skills, support, and hands-on technology were visible and genuinely welcoming right in the town centre?
The answer was clear very quickly. It worked.
In just six months, we’ve:
• Delivered over 1,200 hours of free digital drop-in support
• Supported 27 young volunteers, contributing more than 8,500 hours
• Run 100+ free activities during school holidays and half terms
• Put 100+ devices into the hands of people who needed them most, with training and follow-on support
• Created a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ people
• Supported people aged 4 to 94
• Been recognised nationally for skills, equality, and inclusion
The shop has become a place where people build real digital confidence, not just qualifications.
We’ve now been offered the opportunity to take on a long-term lease for the space. That would give us stability, unlock further funding, and allow us to grow this work long term.
To make it sustainable, we’re aiming to bring together around 25 local organisations, each contributing £1,000 per year. Shared across that many partners, it secures the shop and keeps high-quality digital support visible and accessible in Oldham town centre.
What’s in it for supporting organisations
Support for Inclusive Bytes is not about one-off charity. It creates practical, long-term value for organisations and the communities they serve.
Organisations who support the space receive:
• Recognition on the Friends of Inclusive Bytes wall inside the shop
• Acknowledgement in the shop window, visible to town centre footfall
• Listing on our website and social channels
• Inclusion in impact summaries shared with partners and funders
• Opportunities for staff visits, tours, or informal engagement, if of interest
Beyond visibility, support helps:
• build a stronger local future talent pipeline
• improve digital confidence in the wider community
• deliver visible, place-based social value in Oldham
This is shared support, not exclusive sponsorship. No single organisation carries the burden.
If you or the right person in your organisation would be open to a conversation, I’d really appreciate it. Even a short discussion helps, and there’s no pressure either way.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Best wishes,
Andy Powell
Founder